Last weekend, I joined a volunteer activity at Kodomo Mirai Shokudo, a community-based program that provides meals and a safe space for children, called “Kodomo Shokudo” in Japan.
I had known for some time that there was such a program near my home, and it had always been on my mind. But I never quite managed to take that first step. Then, by chance, I came across a volunteer recruitment post by Mr. Igawa, the representative of Kodomo Mirai Shokudo, and that became the spark for me to finally get involved.
Three Hours in the Dishwashing Station — Immersed in the Task
On the day, I brought an apron and a towel with me to the venue.
My assigned role: dishwashing.
Not cooking assistance, not food serving—just washing.
Plates, spoons, forks, cooking utensils—all came in one after another. And I just kept washing.
At some point, I realized I had spent three hours in silence, fully absorbed in the flow.
It reminded me of my student days, when I used to work part-time in a restaurant kitchen, doing exactly the same thing.
In my current daily life, I wondered how often I get the chance to focus so intently on a single task.
Meetings, emails, messages, smartphone notifications… My days are always being interrupted.
In contrast, those hours in the dishwashing station felt strangely calming, as if they helped me reset and re-center myself.
Facing Each Person with Care
While I was washing, I could hear children’s cheerful voices from behind:
“Thank you for the food!” “It was delicious!”
Every time I heard that, my heart naturally felt warmer.
In the limited space outside the dishwashing station, other volunteers were busy with food preparation, serving, and guiding guests—each with their specific role.
The flow, the attentiveness, the teamwork—
It felt like we were collectively creating one big, harmonious space together.
In Closing
Through this experience, I came to feel that I’d like to keep participating in these activities whenever my schedule allows.
The attitude of sincerely facing each individual in front of us—that’s something that applies not just in community activities, but equally in the workplace.
This volunteer day reminded me of that simple truth, and it was indeed a very valuable experience.
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