#Japan #Tokyo #Pacific Philharmonia #Kodomo Ongaku #Support 21

Introduction

In a significant initiative aimed at providing artistic opportunities to children, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the 'Kodomo Ongaku Shokudo' project is officially commencing. This initiative is championed by the social welfare corporation Support 21, led by Director Nobuzumi Araragi, a Professor Emeritus at Sophia University, in collaboration with the Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo, headed by Yoichi Hino.

Project Goals

The primary objective of this project is to combine the expertise of Support 21, which has been engaged in self-sustainability assistance for over 34 years, with the artistic flair of the orchestra. This is aimed at delivering meaningful opportunities to children's physical and mental well-being through music and nourishment. From this initiative, professional orchestral musicians will offer performances and provide snacks or light meals. The project will include the following activities:

• - Sending professional instrumental musicians along with meals or snacks to existing local children's cafeterias, nursery schools, and kindergartens (a total of 10 locations per month).
• - Hosting mini-concerts in slightly larger community spaces (2 times per month).
• - Deploying an orchestra comprising around 35 musicians for performances, all offered free of charge (4 times per year).
• - Garnering support from numerous enthusiastic collaborators and supporters.
• - Focusing on public relations and fundraising activities.
• - Continuing activities that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Background and Future Plans

Children of foreign roots constitute a significant part of those attending existing children's cafeterias for families in economic distress. The trial concert held on March 7 saw participation from around 60 individuals, including students from Myanmar and Ukraine who are receiving educational support from Support 21, alongside university students, educators, and families.
Currently, ideas related to music and food that could positively impact the future of children in economically challenging situations are being collected from a wide audience. Support 21 is also dedicated to enhancing its public relations regarding fundraising activities.
Various collaborators will be chosen to implement this plan, with continued efforts to recruit even more supporters. A startup concert was successfully held on March 7, 2026, with the official launch set for Children’s Day on May 5, 2026.
Coverage of the March 7 concert appeared in major media outlets such as Asahi Shimbun (pre-event), Sankei Shimbun (event day), and TV Tokyo (event day news). Despite late publicity, a briefing session following the concert drew representatives from seven organizations, including local governments, cultural venues, and large corporate foundations, demonstrating significant interest.
In the coming months, efforts will be made to build interest in Support 21's traditional activities. From July 24 to 26, a presentation stage titled 'WITH HARAJUKU' in Shibuya, Tokyo, will host the 'Kodomo Ongaku Shokudo - Supported by WITH HARAJUKU,' featuring live orchestral performances that will enhance the summer season's vibrancy. Updates on the 'Kodomo Ongaku Shokudo' project's future activities will be progressively published on the Support 21 website (https://support21.or.jp/).
Note: The details shared here are accurate as of now but may be subject to change.

Call for Donations

We kindly ask for donations from those who resonate with the purpose of the 'Kodomo Ongaku Shokudo' project. For more details, please visit Support 21's website (https://support21.or.jp/donation/).
For inquiries regarding the 'Kodomo Ongaku Shokudo,' please do not hesitate to contact:
Kodomo Ongaku Shokudo responsible persons (Yanase and Yamazaki),
Social Welfare Corporation Support 21,
2-12-2 Kamioosaki, Shinagawa-ku,
Mizuho Building, 6th Floor,
Tokyo, Japan, 141-0012,
Tel: 03-5449-1331 (10:00 - 18:00 excluding weekends and holidays)
Email: [email protected]

About Support 21

Established in 1979 to aid Indochinese refugees in Japan, Support 21 focuses on supporting the self-sustainability of individuals of foreign roots, including refugees, returnees from China, and their children, becoming a social welfare organization in 1992.

About Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo

Founded in 1990 under Music Director Norichika Iimori, the orchestra offers a diverse repertoire spanning classical music, opera, ballet, and even anime and game music. Since 2018, regular concert series have been launched in Nerima ward, placing critical emphasis on delivering music to children and fostering community ties through persistent, grassroots musical engagements.