#Japan #Kawasaki #Kawasaki Frontale #Thermos #Children’s Cafeteria

Connecting Through Food: The 'Children's Cafeteria' Project

On August 5, 2026, Thermos, a global leader in vacuum flask innovation, partnered with Kawasaki Frontale, a professional soccer club, and the Kawasaki Children's Cafeteria Network to host a significant event titled "The Children's Cafeteria Created by Kids" in Kawasaki City. This initiative aims to promote sustainable development and foster community through cooking experiences for children.

Background of the Event

As society evolves, the need for children’s cafeterias—places offering meals and safe spaces for vulnerable children—has risen. However, these establishments face various operational challenges. To address some of these issues, Thermos has previously contributed equipment like frying pans and vacuum-insulated cookers, aiming to alleviate the cooking burdens that volunteer-run cafeterias often encounter. This event represents a new level of commitment as it focuses not just on donating equipment but also on providing meaningful cooking experiences that educate the children involved about food.

Event Activities

During the event, children from local schools gathered to prepare a variety of dishes, including crispy fried fish, fluffy rice, and refreshing cucumber and wakame seaweed salad. They also made egg drop soup using Thermos's innovative cooking tools. Participants learned firsthand about the benefits of using the vacuum-insulated cooker which allows for efficient cooking while maintaining temperature, enabling them to multitask and prepare several dishes at once. The collaborative spirit was evident as the children interacted with one another, working together to create a delicious meal.

To enhance their learning experience, employees from Thermos introduced fun quizzes, such as “Proper Use of Frying Pans” and “Fish Preparing Show” alongside trivia about Kawasaki Frontale, integrating knowledge of cooking techniques with local culture and sports. Feedback from the children was overwhelmingly positive, with one remarking, "I cooked for the first time and collaborated with new friends!" Another said, "The food I made was incredibly delicious!" This reinforces the project's aim, which is to instill knowledge, connection, and joy in cooking for young participants.

Future Initiatives

Looking ahead, Thermos plans to continue fostering dialogues with local communities, utilizing its products and culinary expertise to explore new initiatives centered around food. By collaborating with various stakeholders, Thermos aims to develop sustainable solutions that support children's cafeterias and enhance community engagement.

Event Details

• - Date: August 5, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• - Location: Takatsu Civic Center, Cooking Room (1-4-1 Mizoguchi, Takatsu Ward, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa)
• - Target Group: Third-grade elementary students to high schoolers in Kawasaki City

Organizers:
NPO Kawasaki Children's Cafeteria Network
Kawasaki Frontale
Thermos, Inc.
Cooperation:
Kawasaki Central Wholesale North Market Commercial Association
(Yamachuu Hosaka Fisheries Co., Ltd.)
Wayne’s Toyota Kanagawa, Inc.
Ebara Foods Industry, Inc.
Local children’s cafeterias in Kawasaki

Menu of the Day: Crispy fish, rice, cucumber and wakame seaweed salad, egg drop soup.

About NPO Kawasaki Children's Cafeteria Network

This NPO comprises various organizations operating children's cafeterias within Kawasaki City. It aims to share operational challenges and improve support systems for these cafeterias, having gained official status in 2024. The organization helps facilitate support from businesses and gathers information vital for the continuity and effectiveness of local children's cafeterias, enhancing collaboration within and outside the city.

Collaboration with Kawasaki Frontale

Thermos has maintained a partnership with Kawasaki Frontale since 2022, focusing on mutual support for community initiatives. With projects like the Children’s Cafeteria, Thermos is committed to supporting local children through the provision of essential cooking tools and fostering joy in shared meals.

Sustainability Commitment
Thermos continues its commitment to sustainability by promoting a lifestyle that is kind to both humanity and the environment, believing that its mission includes reducing environmental impact while enhancing the quality of life.

For more details on sustainability initiatives, visit Thermos’s official website: Thermos Sustainability

About Thermos

Founded in Germany in 1904, Thermos innovated the first glass vacuum flask. The brand, now recognized worldwide, continues to develop a variety of products including mobile mugs and cooking equipment. With a history of quality and innovation, Thermos strives to deliver a comfortable and eco-friendly lifestyle for all.

For more about Thermos, visit: Thermos History

Thermos Inc. is a part of the Nissin Oats Holdings Group.