Nakamachidai Cafe, an introduction of Tsuzuki Ward  's social activities by inhabitants of a ward writer

Interviews, photos, and texts = inhabitant of a ward writer Tomoko Goto

Do you know the word Third Place (= Third Place)?

A third place is another place where you are neither at home, at work or at school.
It refers to a place where you are free from social positions, responsibilities, and ties and follow your heart.
It is said that having a third place will help people stabilize their minds and increase their happiness.

Our lives have changed drastically due to the three-year COVID-19 pandemic.

While telework has spread, it has become more convenient to take work and classes anywhere.
It's hard to distinguish between work and private.
Some people have fewer opportunities to interact with others and feel lonely.
On the other hand, I think some people have begun to develop interest in connection with the community.

The third place.
A place of connection with the community.

I found a place at the Nakamachidai District Center that would be a catalyst for creating such a place.

The Nakamachidai District Center is conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from the station.

When you open the door of the entrance, the wall is covered with glass, and the lobby of the atrium spreads out in front of you.
The glass wall with a loose arc is filled with natural light.
Beyond the glass, you can see the green of the front yard in the ground.
This facility, which received the Yokohama Townscape Scenic Award in 1998, incorporates the scenery of the city into the building.
It seems to be a concept, but the lobby seems to be just a corner of a green road.

The Nakamachidai Café of "Orakukai" is held once a month in this lobby full of openness.

The Nakamachidai Cafe is held every third Wednesday from 10-13:00.
Although it was temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, since December last year, only coffee has been gradually sold.
It was resumed in earnest in May this year.

When you visit the lobby, you will be greeted by a sign of "Nakamachidai Cafe" with a warm and warm design.
The menu is a set of coffee and handmade sweets, 150 yen, which is too conscientious.

The sweets menu is rotated every two months.
May and June were citrus cupcakes, and July was black beans and kinako branmanger.

↓This photo shows the menu in May and June, citrus cupcakes.

The cupcake is exquisitely baked. The outside is fragrant with Cali, and the inside is soft.
The sweetness is modest, and it is a refreshing dish that spreads the scent of citrus in the mouth every time you bite it.

↓This is the menu of July, black beans and kinako branmange.

Blanmange, a cool dessert that is nice in summer, has a troon texture and a modest sweetness.
The sweetness of black beans is just the right accent.
As I ate, the kinako came out of the bottom and the aroma was added, and it was a delicious dish twice or three times.

Sweets served at the Nakamachidai Cafe are cooking classes that were previously held at the Nakamachidai District Center.
It seems that it is made based on the recipes learned by members at the "Let's Enter the Men's Kitchen".

It's a sense of choosing branmange for a cold dessert.
It's an idea to combine cupcakes with citrus, and it's casual and fashionable.
The design and color of the cup and plate are also perfectly matched.

Men who receive the order and carry Tekipaki, coffee and sweets are the members of the Otorakukai.
Wearing a matching cafe apron, the figure is exactly like a barista.
The apron also comes with a hand-made "Manrakukai" emblem.
A bandana or a hat on his head…
The appearance of enjoying the fashion of the cafe staff in their own way is fun for the eyes and this also makes me feel better.

On the third Wednesday, the lobby of the Nakamachidai District Center was transformed into a stylish and lively cafe.

I visited for coverage on the day of the cafe in July, but on the day, mainly for those who stop by before and after the healthy exercises held on the second floor.
The customer was visiting constantly. The 46 Blanmangees that were built into the kitchen from 8:30.
It was sold out before 12 o'clock. It was a great success since then.
Nakamachidai Cafe is until 13:00, but it seems that it is not uncommon to sell out before closing time.
We recommend that you visit the store as soon as possible.

Nakamachidai Café is called a sign with a warm and warm pattern, and a matching cafe aprons.
The great attraction is that you can feel the picture and playfulness in each of the productions.

"If you do it anyway, if you make a signboard or aprons and do it a little in earnest, the atmosphere will come out and it will be interesting?"
Mr. Kaoru Iida, the management leader of Nakamachidai Cafe and Vice Chairman of "Okurakukai", spoke with a smile.

"Oni Rakukai" is an organization in which retired senior men enjoy their second life in the community.
Co-sponsored by Nakamachidai District Center and Shinei Community Care Plaza “Second Life for Men“ How to Enjoy ”Lecture”
Formed in July 2016 mainly for students. This year marks the seventh year.
There are currently 10 members. Nakamachidai Cafe, leather craft class, cotton candy sales at district center festival, etc.
Strolling, factory tours, gourmet tours, volunteer activities, round-table conferences (= drinking parties)…It's a wide range of activities.

There are no special rules for the "Man Rakukai". It's OK if you participate in what you think is fun.
"So, of course, there are people who come only for banquets," says Iida.
Participate within a range that you can enjoy without overdoing it according to your physical strength and living pace.
NG is the policy of "Manrakukai" to participate in a sense of duty.
On the other hand, if you say, "Let's try it because it looks interesting," you will actively challenge it.

The leather craft class that I started last year is one of them.
When Iida went out with a leather bag made by himself for a walk at the "Oto Rakukai", he said.
It seems that it started with the members who saw it saying, "I want to make it."
A Nippori tour to buy leather was also held in the wake of this leather craft class.

In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we also challenged Zoom, "Let's have a remote drinking party!"
At first, everyone seemed to be struggling with unfamiliar operations, but it is one of the pleasures to move forward while teaching each other.
Now I'm completely familiar with Zoom and continue to hold a monthly Zoom meeting.

The theme of "Oto Rakukai" is to enjoy the second life of senior men.
That's why I started Nakamachidai Cafe.

"Japanese men who spend most of their active days at work often lose their place as soon as they retire. I often see men who seem to be after Retirement in the Nakamachidai district center, but most people just read books and newspapers silently. I wondered if I could provide a place where I could talk."
And plan and propose a Nakamachidai cafe. It will be commercialized at the Nakamachidai District Center.

It seems that some members have joined the "Otorakukai" after actually visiting Nakamachidai Cafe.

It seems that men who want to enjoy not only seniors but also local friends are welcome at the Men's Rakukai.
"At the beginning, it was declared as a" senior man ", but those who are interested in the active generation are welcome. If you look at the website and think it's fun, please let us know. For example, you can participate only in the leather craft classroom or only in the activities you are interested in."

Look for a third place. First of all, when you visit Nakamachidai Cafe, something may start.

[Nakamachidai Cafe]
3rd Wednesday of every month from 10:00 to 13:00 (end as soon as it runs out)
Held in the 1st floor lobby of Nakamachidai District Center

[Men Raku-kai]
Click here for the homepage (outside site)　

[Nakamachidai District Center]
[Location] 2-7-2 Nakamachidai, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama
[Phone number] 045-943-9191
[Access] 3-minute walk from Nakamachidai Station
[Usage time] Weekdays (Mon-Sat) 9:00 to 21:00
Sunday and public holidays from 9:00 to 17:00
[Closed days] Second Monday of every month (or the next day if Monday is a national holiday or transfer holiday)
New Year holidays (12/28 to 1/4)