Across Japan, community hubs known as “Kodomo Shokudo” (Children’s Cafeterias) are expanding—places where children and local residents can enjoy meals for a low cost or even for free. FamilyMart, one of Japan’s leading convenience store (Konbini) chains, is partnering with the certified NPO “Musubie” (National Children’s Cafeteria Support Center) to launch the “2026 Kodomo Shokudo Start-up Support Grant Program.” This initiative utilizes in-store donation activities to foster the creation of new community spaces throughout Japan.
Surpassing 12,000 Locations Nationwide! The Crucial Role of “Kodomo Shokudo”
In Japan, Kodomo Shokudo has rapidly grown beyond being simple meal providers to become “local community spaces” where multiple generations can interact. According to preliminary data from December 2025, the number of locations nationwide has reached 12,601. This is an increase of approximately 1,700 locations from the previous year, illustrating how essential this activity has become in Japanese society. FamilyMart’s grant program provides powerful backing for those taking their first step toward starting such an initiative.
Since its inception in 2023, this program has already supported the birth of 618 new Children’s Cafeterias across Japan. A key feature of this initiative is that FamilyMart doesn’t just donate funds; it leverages its position as a community-rooted convenience store to directly spark the creation of new local networks.
Year-Round Applications in 2026! Enhanced Support and Grant Details
For the 2026 program, the support system has been significantly strengthened to make it easier for more people to participate. The biggest change is that the public call for applications has been divided into three periods, allowing for year-round submissions. This enables organizations to apply whenever they feel their preparations are ready. Additionally, the program offers enhanced follow-up support for first-time operators, including video content for learning operational know-how and monthly online consultation sessions.
The grant details are as follows:
- Grant Amount: 50,000 JPY (approx. 333 USD) per organization
- Number of Selected Organizations: Up to 250 (subject to change)
- Spring Recruitment: March 2 to April 30, 2026 (Activity period: April to July)
- Summer Recruitment: July 1 to August 31, 2026 (Activity period: August to November)
- Winter Recruitment: November 2 to December 28, 2026 (Activity period: December to March 2027)
This 50,000 JPY (approx. 333 USD) grant can be used for purchasing necessary cooking utensils and equipment, food costs, or public relations expenses to inform the local community about the cafeteria’s activities.
Spreading Smiles in the Community: Success Stories from Kanagawa and Ishikawa
In the 2025 program, 171 organizations are expected to be selected from 215 applicants. Positive changes are already being reported from the field by those who started their activities with this grant.
At “Minna no Ouchi Manten” in Kanagawa Prefecture, the activities helped build a network with local neighborhood associations and social welfare councils. Moving forward, they aim to become a hub where multiple generations can easily gather, with plans to include “food drives” (donations of surplus food from households) to help reduce food loss.
In Ishikawa Prefecture, “Shaberiba Kitchen” has become so popular through social media and word-of-mouth that reservations now fill up within hours. Held in the evening, it is appreciated by working parents and elderly people living alone as a place where they can “enjoy a meal at a relaxed pace.” The fact that food donations are pouring in from local farmers and shops is a wonderful testament to the culture of support surrounding Japan’s Kodomo Shokudo.
Connecting Customers and Society: The “Bridge of Dreams” Donation and Matching Gifts
This activity is supported by the “FamilyMart Bridge of Dreams (Yume no Kakehashi) Donation” boxes located next to the registers. This donation activity, which has continued since 1993 and adopted its current name in 2006, serves as a bridge between customers and social contribution organizations.
A notable feature is the “Matching Gift” system. For the donations collected from customers, FamilyMart adds a certain percentage of its own funds to the contribution. This turns individual goodwill into a greater force for creating children’s smiles. These funds are entrusted not only to Musubie but also to Save the Children Japan, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), and the National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization. The system is also flexibly designed to quickly switch to disaster relief support when needed.
Supporting New Steps for Japanese Local Communities
This grant program, designed to give shape to the desire to “do something for the community,” is contributing significantly to the revitalization of local communities across Japan. FamilyMart’s goal of being “an indispensable place beyond just convenience” is being realized through this grassroots support.
Detailed application guidelines and methods can be found on the official website below:
Grant Information | Certified NPO National Children’s Cafeteria Support Center – Musubie 🇯🇵
Inquiries regarding applications are also accepted via email. It is hoped that the small acts of kindness from each individual will, through the “bridge” of FamilyMart, continue to create new smiles and bonds throughout Japan.
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