The KIDERA Hajime Seminar of the School of Political Science and Economics planned and operated a matcha-themed pop-up café at Kizaemon in Higashi-Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo, for three days from July 4 to 6. During the event, the café welcomed many visitors, including international visitors, and donated all net profits to a local Children’s Cafeteria program in Taito City.
Guided by the Seminar’s philosophy, “Build Bridges, Not Walls,” the project was conceived as a hands-on initiative to return the economic benefits of tourism to the local community. Students took responsibility for every stage of the project, from planning and procurement to promotion, accounting, and charitable giving. While Taito City enjoys the economic benefits generated by its large number of international tourists, it also faces challenges such as overcrowding and littering that can affect local residents. The students launched the project to explore a more sustainable model of tourism that benefits both visitors and the community.
Under the concept, “Every Cup from a Tourist, Toward the Community’s Future,” the Seminar focused on Japanese tea culture, which is popular among international tourists to Japan. The café offered items such as matcha lattes and matcha shaved ice, and prepared menus in English and Chinese to make the café accessible to international visitors. Students also encouraged visitors to observe local etiquette in an effort to foster positive relationships between tourists and the local community.
Following the project, the students visited Shitamachi Kodomo Shokudo (Downtown Children’s Cafeteria), the organization that received the donation. In addition to presenting the proceeds, they served some of the menu items that had been offered at the pop-up café and helped prepare meals for children, further strengthening ties with the local community.
Reflecting on the project, one seminar participant said: “This experience went far beyond simply running an event. Through the actual operation of the project, we gained a deeper understanding of the connections among tourism, local communities, and the economy. I am pleased that we were able to contribute to our goal of returning the economic benefits of inbound tourism to the community in a tangible way, connecting those benefits with people who need support.”
Building on the experience and achievements of this project, the KIDERA Seminar will continue to pursue student-led initiatives aimed at addressing challenges facing local communities.