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Children’s Cafeteria Leads the Vanguard of Entrepreneurial Education!

In Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, the Children’s Cafeteria movement is revolutionizing education by empowering children with practical entrepreneurial skills. The NPO Lion Heart, under the leadership of Nobuyuki Oikawa, has redefined its mission by collaborating with SHARE EAT, led by Reina Fukuda, to provide an innovative approach to learning called “early entrepreneurial education.” This initiative aims to equip children with the necessary skills to thrive in the world.

The ‘Canu-kunuku’ Project

On April 26, 2026, a remarkable event named the “Kids’ Warmth Café” took place, where children took the lead in planning, developing, marketing, and presenting their original canele, the “Canu-kunuku”. The event hosted 18 experienced entrepreneurs from the NBC Junior Committee, allowing 12 middle and high school students to present a staggering 7,000-word script about the joys and challenges of running a business. The atmosphere was electric as they sold out the 110 remaining caneles on-site, proving they were more than just recipients of welfare; they were partners in building a brighter future.

A Holistic Learning Experience

This project goes beyond regular career experiences; it embodies a real entrepreneurial education where kids actively engaged in market research, product development, prototyping, cost analysis, factory selection, sales strategies, and public relations. Through various stages of development, they learned the complexities of business while assessing their strengths and weaknesses as a team.

Market Research and Persona Setting

The project began with a simple question: “What kind of sweets are popular?” The children ventured into Shibuya to conduct surveys, gathering invaluable data. They found that their target audience comprised women in their 30s to 40s and elderly couples. Based on these insights, they carefully selected caneles due to their portability and ability to be customized.

The Sweet Struggle: Caneles vs. Jellies

Debates about whether to select jellies or caneles led to emotional discussions among team members. However, after analyzing their target audience’s preferences, they settled on the canele, agreeing that it best represented their message of warmth.

The Development Phase

After seven iterations of prototyping, the children faced challenges such as undercooked batches. Their determination led them to adopt unique ingredients and rigorous testing processes, resulting in the perfect sweetness and texture. They calculated costs meticulously to ensure the pricing was reasonable yet profitable.

Real-World Challenges

From tackling media calls to executing successful sales strategies, these young entrepreneurs took on real responsibilities. They wrote press releases, reached out to media outlets, and confidently engaged in telephone outreach, overcoming fears and gaining invaluable experience along the way.

During their five-day sales at various venues, including 'SusHi Tech Tokyo' and 'Marui', the children demonstrated adaptability by adjusting their marketing strategies to suit different atmospheres.

The Kids’ Warmth Café: A Grand Showcase

The lead-up to the event included meticulous planning and rehearsals, resulting in a beautifully decorated venue that resembled a vibrant business space. The children organized every aspect of the event, from managing guest interactions to presenting their seven-thousand-word scripts.

Moments to Remember

Highlights of the event included the children showcasing their roles, exchanging business cards with real entrepreneurs, and sharing their development stories through presentations that captivated the audience. They also participated in tasting sessions and direct sales, where they received constructive feedback in a supportive environment.

At the event’s conclusion, they celebrated their achievements in a heartfelt awards ceremony, recognizing the teamwork and struggles that led to their success.

Outcomes and Impact

Post-event assessments revealed significant personal growth among participants. They learned to recognize their strengths through positive feedback from business owners, overcoming fear and establishing teamwork. This process highlighted how adversity fosters resilience and encourages future collaborations.

Entrepreneurs from NBC praised the children for their commitment to their projects, from market research to execution. The average evaluation score was an impressive 4.6 out of 5.

Words of Wisdom

Yukiko Hirai, Chairperson of the NBC Junior Committee, commended the children for their entrepreneurial spirit. Meanwhile, Oikawa underlined the importance of believing in one’s potential to drive societal change, emphasizing that the caneles represent not just a product but also the confidence gained through perseverance.

The initiative illustrates that the Children’s Cafeteria has become much more than a meal service; it is a platform where children can assert their ability to change the world positively.

In summary, this ambitious venture has sparked a transformative educational experience that empowers future generations to embrace entrepreneurship.