Unomizu, located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, is an early childhood education facility founded in 1970 with the philosophy of "nurturing a rich humanity through food and spiritual education. The school has approximately 60 children, and despite its location in the heart of the city, it has secured approximately 500 square meters of school land and provides childcare in an environment surrounded by greenery and water.
Characteristics of Educational Content
Lifestyle education with nutrition education at its core:
Breakfast Preparation": The preschoolers develop life skills by laying the table and making tea on their own. During the meal, "Where did today's ingredients come from?" is briefly explained to the children to help them understand the relationship between food and the land.
Cooperation with Local Communities": Fresh ingredients are procured directly from the Tsukiji Market in Chuo-ku and nearby farmers in cooperation with the Tsukiji Market. School children visit the market to see fish and vegetables and learn "how food is delivered.
Foods of the Four Seasons": Food culture is naturally handed down through the preparation of special meals for seasonal festivals and holidays (e.g. chimaki for Dragon Boat Festival, sasa-dango for Tanabata Festival, etc.).
Practicing education of the heart: Every afternoon, we have a "heart time" where the preschoolers practice expressing their feelings in words. For example, by discussing "what made me happy today" or "what made me a little sad" in a circle, they develop empathy to understand the feelings of others. In addition, activities based on the theme of "helping each other" are held on a regular basis to give older children opportunities to help younger children, thereby fostering a spirit of compassion.
Inheritance of traditional culture: We firmly practice traditional events such as wearing kimono to visit a nearby temple for Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three-Three) and New Year's calligraphy at the beginning of the year. When the children wear kimonos, we instruct them on "correct posture" and "polite language" to nurture their cultural education. In addition, the children have the opportunity to receive "traditional craft experience" from a local long-established shop, and learn about Japanese traditions through such activities as making Japanese paper and wind chimes.
Features of the school building: The building is a renovated townhouse from the early Showa period, providing a space with the warmth of a wooden structure. The garden has a small pond, inhabited by carp and frogs, providing an environment where children can observe small changes in nature. A "rooftop vegetable garden" has been established on the rooftop, providing an experience of growing plants even in the heart of the city. In addition, an "indoor playground" is available for outdoor play even in the rain, ensuring adequate exercise regardless of the weather.