Hirosaki's café "Meeting place indriya" (Kamisaki-cho, Hirosaki City, TEL 0172-34-6858) started accepting children absent from school due to new coronavirus infection measures on March 3.

The cafe started as a 21st century type meeting place because of the desire to create a place where people of all ages can gather. The owner, Akiko Onishi, said that he felt like he was at the nationwide school closure announced on February 27.

“Because I was raising my children while I was entrusting them to my surroundings, when the child suddenly disappears like this time, I can understand the feelings of parents who are in trouble. It is necessary to create a place where I can leave for 1 hour or 2 hours. I decided to accept my child," said Onishi.

Upon acceptance, we learned from doctors how to prevent and disinfect viruses and the need for ventilation, and shared it with more than 10 staff members involved. Mr. Onishi says, "There is no drug for the new virus, there is uncertain information, and society is worried. It is important to get correct knowledge."

On the same day, which was the first day, 6 elementary to 4th grade elementary school students were accepted. "Even though the family environment for the six people is different, what parents have in common is that they work during school hours. High school grades and junior high school students can leave alone, but not only for children of less than one day. Answering a few days will be stressful. If you can take a break," says Mr. Onishi.

During his stay, he studied, read books, played board games, played video games, played in the garden with snow, and provided lunch for 100 yen with rice and vegetable fried rice and apples from the co-sponsored producers.

Mr. Onishi calls on parents to say, "If you are having trouble alone, first of all, please consult only." “Originally, schools and communities need to help each other to protect children. It's better not to have activities like ours,” he said.

Acceptance is from 7:00 to 20:00. free.