Child-care and parenting support room "SAKURA HIROBA" in Makinohara Takara Nursery School

Director Scarlet

 "Hey, did you go anywhere during the summer vacation?"

 Researcher Ai

 "I couldn't go anywhere ... I'm scared of Corona." 

Director Scarlet

 "I was thinking that things would get back to normal around the Olympics at this time last year. It isn't at all."

 Researcher Ai 

"Yes. How's everything with babies, moms, and dads in Inzai city?" 

Director Scarlet 

"Yeah, I worry about it too. They must be scared of going out if the places are not sure they're safe."

 Researcher Ai 

"Director! Let's go to the interview! We should see and report the situation!"

 Director Scarlet 

"Oh, good! Alright, I know a support room and very energetic teachers are there! Let's go there!"

 Researcher Ai

 "Yes! Let's go! Where is my camera...?" 

This time we're gonna interview... "Sakura Square" (SAKURA HIROBA) at Makinohara Takara Nursery School. 

 It's located next to "Makinohara Elementary School" near "Inzai General Hospital". 

After you go up the stairs, you will find the entrance to the nursery school.

 Then, you will find the entrance to "Sakura Square" on your right.

Normally, only one teacher is assigned for support rooms. However, 3 teachers are assigned for "Sakura Square"!!! Each teachers are very unique and moms say "I came here to enjoy talking with teachers!"

 Today's event is making... PET BOTTLE WATER GUNS!

Although we should have brought materials, a mom appeared and said "Oh, I forgot to bring a plastic bottle ..."

  But the teacher's reaction was like this. "Eh? Again? Here you are! you can use this!" A plastic bottle had come out naturally. The teacher said gently to the mom "You must be tired." The teachers there support parents kindly and cheerfully.

Some children concentrate on making water guns with their moms...

 Some children already are interested in something else and begin to draw pictures...

Some children seem to be having fun just rolling around... 

Everybody was doing different stuffs, but at this place, It seems like a"natural" scene.

 The teachers said "It's best for everyone to do what they like to do."

Some moms and dads might worry like "Would my kids be able to sit down and make stuff as well as other kids do...?" Those words make it easier to attend the events.

 Voila! Finished!

Colorful, and unique designs! Now, the point is if the water will be squirted properly ...

 Oh! It's squirted with great momentum!

When you take them home, your kids will enjoy them in the pool at home!

Well, after that ... It's time to play whatever kids want. The most popular thing with children is playing in the garden!

Your kids will play "barefoot" here as the students of this school do!

 Especially the mountain seems to be kid's favorite, "Definitely make sure to bring extra clothes for your kids!" the teacher asserted.

While everyone is playing in the garden babies are rolling and satisfied with playing with the teachers.

[Participant's interview]

・ Since I live near this school, I often visit here with my whole family. There are more moms taking their kids than dads, but I have never felt uncomfortable. Unfortunately kids don't have many opportunities to see other kids to play with under this Corona situation, so I try to take my kids here as much as possible. (Daddy)

 ・ Rather than by an event notice and "Let's go and attend this event!", suddenly I decide to join when I send my older kid (a student of this school) here, teachers talk to me and say "A few people are visiting today. Why don't you join us?" Mostly I'm a little tired when the teachers talk to me, then I say "Please listen!" to the teachers and we talk a lot , and I refresh and go home. (Mom)

・ Teachers talk with us a lot and give advice. It is so encouraging that they give us useful information such as baby food and finding a nursery school for our kids. It's hard to communicate with people in this situation, but I think I refresh my mood by taking my kids here to play and talking with other people feeling safe. (Mom)

   [Teachers interview]

Q, What is the difference between "Sakura Square" in normal condition and "Sakura Square" under Corona conditions? 

Normally, we have "no limit on the number of people" and "no time limit". You can bring your lunch and eat it here! But now we accept "up to 5 groups by reservation" and "1 and a half hour limit". You can leave and go home at the pace of each child, but now that the time is fixed, we are worried that it may make the visitors feel cramped. We hope we can return to the normal "Sakura Square" as soon as possible.

 Q, Is there anything that you feel "different from before" when you see recent moms and dads?

More young moms come here than before. It is not easy for moms to visit their parents under corona condition after giving birth for the first time, and they are taking care of their babies at home by themselves. Even during the first month, moms come here as if they were asking for some help. Of course, corona countermeasures are the highest priority now, but we would like you to always rely on this place as if you were at your parents' home. Pregnant women are always welcome as well! The phone number for "Sakura Square" is directly connected here, so if you have any problems, please call us anytime.

 Q, Do you accept moms and dads who don't speak Japanese to come here?

We don't speak English well, but the director said, "We can handle it with love, so it's okay!" .. Even if we don't understand each other by using different languages, the way of taking care of children is the same all over the world, so we will do our best to handle it! We will be able to use a translation app!

 Q, Please give us a message.

Parenting has a lot of fun and joy, but at the same time we face many problems. In such a case, please don't take it alone, but come to "Sakura Square" and spend a relaxing time. We would like to provide you a place where you can enjoy the growth of your children together in the feeling at home and welcome. The staff here will kindly advise you on your child-rearing concerns.

 [Introductions of teachers]

Akiko Inaba 

・ Birthplace: Tako Town, Chiba Prefecture 

・ Favorite thing: Meditation 

・ What I hate: Scary things 

・ Hobby: Karaoke by myself (I'm refraining from doing it now ...) 

Sumie Fujishiro (left) 

・ Birthplace: Tagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture 

・ Favorite: Cats 

・ What I hate: Snakes 

・ Hobby: Flower arrangement 

Yuka Noda (right) 

・ Birthplace: Inzai City, Chiba Prefecture 

・ Favorite thing: Rice with Natto 

 ・ What I hate: Hornworms 

・ Hobby: Watching baseball game and supporting teams 

Thank you everyone for your cooperation! 

 * The photos used in this page have been approved by all participants. 

Researcher Ai 

"That's all the result of this research (interview)." 

Director Scarlet

 "Thank you for your hard work. How was it? It was a cheerful place, wasn't it?" 

Researcher Ai

"Yes. It's great to play barefoot in the garden." 

Director Scarlet 

"The teachers, including the principal, are very close to each other."

 Researcher Ai "

I agree. That's why it's a cozy atmosphere." 

Director Scarlet "

The teachers are the best. There are no walls between us at all!" 

Researcher Ai

 "They were saying they will do their best to handle it for non-Japanese speakers. I think that's cool!"

Director Scarlet

 "I also want to be a person who can get over everything with "love" like the principal."  

Photo: Ai 

Writer: Scarlet 

 Translated by Kinako