Connecting Local Communities with Students Through the 8th Kids' Cafeteria at KU I-House

Connecting Communities and Students by Hosting the 8th Kids' Cafeteria

On November 9, 2025, 45 participants gathered for the 8th "Kids' Cafeteria at KU I-House" hosted at the Kansai University-affiliated international student dormitory, known as KU I-House. This initiative was supported by Kyoritsu Maintenance Co., Ltd., which operates over 500 student and employee dormitories across the nation. The event successfully connected local children to the student community, providing a heartwarming experience.

What is 'Kids' Cafeteria at KU I-House'?

The "Kids' Cafeteria at KU I-House" is an initiative developed under Kyoritsu Maintenance's Resident Assistant (RA) program, where student residents actively plan and manage this local exchange event. The cafeteria’s cozy environment encourages international students to share a homemade meal with children from the surrounding area. The program not only serves delicious food but also offers various engaging activities aimed at combating solitary eating, promoting food education, and fostering cultural understanding. By opening the doors of this normally exclusive international dormitory, the program enables children to experience global perspectives.

During this eighth edition, 29 children and 16 volunteers from the dormitory participated in providing free meals and engaging in crafts and dental hygiene workshops led by a local dentist.

RA Program Explained

The RA program transforms the student dormitory from merely a living space into a diverse experiential environment. Resident Assistants play significant roles in supporting everyday dormitory life and facilitating enjoyable experiences through planned events that encourage student interactions. Their efforts extend beyond the dorm, fostering connections with the local community through various initiatives, including promoting SDGs and maintaining a network among RA alumni and current members. More information about the RA program can be found here.

Insights from KU I-House Leaders

Hamlet, the Dormitory Head of KU I-House, shared his thoughts on reaching the milestone of the 8th Kids' Cafeteria: “Thanks to everyone’s support, we have successfully established ourselves in the local community. The event filled up quickly within a week of registration, reflecting our integration with the neighbor kids.” This particular activity involving clay crafts allowed participants to express their creativity, resulting in a delightful collection of sculptures ranging from bears to roses.

Feedback from Resident Assistants

The RA team emphasized the enriched learning experience provided by the diverse cultural setting at KU I-House. They noted that the Kids' Cafeteria serves as an invaluable opportunity for local children to interact with international students, enjoying activities like clay modeling that encourage creative thinking and problem-solving. This interaction fosters an understanding of different cultures, providing youth with a broader world view.

Looking Ahead

Kyoritsu Maintenance remains committed to nurturing a welcoming environment for children to gather and enjoy safe meals while creating natural connections between dormitory students and the local community. By encouraging student involvement in planning and executing these events, the initiative aims to enhance societal participation and increase cultural appreciation among youth, ultimately aiming to cultivate globally-minded leaders for the future. Additional future Kids' Cafeteria events are already in planning.

Event Details

- Name: Kids' Cafeteria at KU I-House
- Date: November 9, 2025
- Time: 11:00 - 14:00
- Location: KU I-House, A Building Cafeteria, 5-8-2 Esaka-machi, Suita City, Osaka 564-0063, Japan
- Activities: Meal service (mini pork cutlet curry, fried chicken, soup), clay craft activities, and dental hygiene workshops led by a local dentist.
- Organizer: Kyoritsu Maintenance Co., Ltd.
- Supported by: Kyoritsu Foods Co., Ltd.
- Sponsored by: Kansai University International Division

About KU I-House

KU I-House is an international student dormitory where Japanese and international students coexist, promoting global interactions through shared daily experiences. International students contribute to a rich cultural environment while enhancing mutual respect for diverse ideas and languages. The dormitory is staffed by a couple who can communicate in English, ensuring support for all resident students. For more information, visit here.

About Kyoritsu Maintenance

Founded in 1979, Kyoritsu Maintenance started by providing catering services and has since expanded to managing student and employee dormitories, business hotels, resort hotels, and senior living residences. Their comprehensive services across food, housing, and wellness aim to contribute positively to society. More details are available here.