If they don't exist, become one.

What inspired you to visit households in Latin America?

It wasn't anything grand, but simply put, it was about finding myself. I've always been interested in food, and since I was taking Spanish in university, I wanted to get a glimpse into Latin American homes. I chose to stay with families rather than in hotels because I wanted to see the warmth of everyday meals with my own eyes.

Mr. Furukawa, I heard you started your activities with soup kitchens.

That's right. I started volunteering at soup kitchens after entering university. The reason was simple: I wanted to experience firsthand the soup kitchens I had only seen on TV. I'm the type of person who acts before thinking, so I joined a club that organized soup kitchens and immersed myself in the work.

What do you think are the benefits of taking action while still a student?

I think there are two main benefits. One is the sense of speed. Once you become a working professional, you take on various responsibilities, which I think inevitably slows down your ability to take on new challenges. However, as a student, you're in a position where you can fully immerse yourself in what you want to do, and the ability to step into unknown worlds without worrying about time is a real strength.

The other is having many peers nearby with whom you can "run together." I have friends around me who get just as excited about these activities as I do, and I'm able to continue because I'm supported both mentally and financially by many people. Having peers with the same high aspirations is a huge help in carrying out these activities.

After your experiences abroad and at the soup kitchens, is there anything that left a strong impression on you?

What I noticed while visiting homes in Latin America was how much everyone values family time. Even if they live apart, the family always gathers on weekends to eat breakfast together. Being part of that made me want to cherish my own family time when I returned to Japan.

Also, I was helped by so many people during my travels. Through the journey, I truly felt the importance of relying on and helping one another. That's why I now feel like I want to do something whenever I see someone in trouble. It's indirect, but I see it as my way of giving back to them.

What I felt from actually working at soup kitchens is that it's not something that can be dismissed with the phrase "personal responsibility." I've heard that about half of those living on the streets have mental health issues, and one in ten comes from a foster care facility. I learned that there are structural social factors, such as childhood environments, for which the individuals themselves are not responsible. If those living on the streets had a place where they felt safe as children, their present might have been different. This realization made me feel that it was important to do something for children today, which led to the establishment of a children's cafeteria.

Ms. Miyake, I heard that after returning to Japan, you've been running a restaurant called "@no aji ".

That's right. I'm currently running a pop-up restaurant called "@no aji" with my peers from a student organization. The concept is to deliver the flavors of home to foreigners living in Japan; we learn recipes from local families, recreate them, and serve them. This is because I received so much help from Nikkei families in Latin America. Living in a completely new environment, I truly felt the comfort of tasting the flavors of my home country, and it gave me great peace of mind. Now, I want to learn about the nostalgic flavors of foreigners living in Japan. I started the restaurant hoping to think about "places to belong" for various people through food.

I believe that creating a "place to belong" is something both Mr. Furukawa and I are consciously working toward.

That's right. I think creating a place to belong is at the core of it. The influence I can have directly on children is only a small part of their lives. Within that, creating horizontal connections—places where they can feel safe at home or at school—is really difficult, but it's something I value. What I hold dear is "just enough meddling." Not stepping too far into the children's lives, but not turning a blind eye either. I believe the accumulation of such interactions creates a place for them to belong.

What is something you both value in your activities?

What I value most is "first, having people think it's delicious." I hope that "delicious" serves as a catalyst for people to become interested in the person who made the dish, the country, and the background. Food is an entry point that connects the world and people. In delivering flavors of memories, I go through trial and error to figure out how to provide warm meals within the limits of ingredients and cooking methods. Among those things, I especially value the tangible quality that comes from my past experiences.

For me, I think it's about acting first to increase the "dots." Going to places I've never been and doing things I've never done. I believe the accumulation of small actions creates connections. I value the words, "If they aren't there, become one. If it doesn't exist, create it." I believe that by taking a step and being the first, and by acting, the reasons will follow later.

Finally, is there anything you want to say to students who are about to take on a challenge?

There were tough times, but looking back, they were all important experiences that made me who I am today. Some people questioned my travels around Latin America. I couldn't explain the reasons I wanted to go logically, but I think that's fine. You don't need a "cool" reason for what you want to do. I want you to value your own desire to do something and dive in with momentum.

I want to be a "cool" person. I want to keep working hard so I can stay true to the things I love and my beliefs. To you who want to do something, you don't need a grand reason. If you take action, there will definitely be people who support you. Like me, there must be many things you only understand what's necessary after you act. Nothing beats excitement, so please try taking that first step. Next, it's your turn!