LIVES Food Truck "OOPEN"

Food truck “OOPEN” is going strong, thanks to all of your support.

This food truck project is a part of the big “LIVES Project” which started in 2017 with the mission to create an inclusive society where the individuality of each person shines and everyone is empowered to WORK, EAT and LAUGH together.

This year, our annual event in September was virtual due to the COVID-19 situation. However, we were able to reach to many people outside of Japan, and had over 3000 viewers. We hope that this movement will expand over the years. Please see our event archived on YouTube for more information. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xxh6uIqqjDo

Food Truck project is one of the most important project of LIVES initiative. This project enables us to showcase the importance of diverse people working together. It also shows that working is fun. Here is the short 3-minute video on “OOPEN”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwshnDYmL88

Currently, we do the food prep on Mondays, sell at the company vicinity of Kawada Constructions on Tuesdays and Setagaya-ku (ward) City Hall on Wednesdays. Unfortunately the universities are not fully back to normal classes, so we will have to wait until next April to see if we can re-start our sales on campuses. However, we are lucky to have inquiries to sell at two other company vicinities, which will make the food truck operate for the whole week!! We should be able to let you know about these exciting things on our next report!!

This project was taken up by a couple of local newspapers too. Diversity and Inclusion is certainly a big theme for Japan, with the Olympics/Paralympics hopefully being able to happen. And volunteers supporting the community is a great way to make changes in our society. The employees with disabilities have learned to chop vegetables, mix spices, prepare food and utensils inside the food truck, to serve food and make it look nice. They are happy and motivated and work so well with the volunteers. We are really “one team” now.

Sustainability is a very important thing, but not an easy thing too. We can do this only when we have sufficient funds to maintain the food truck and be able to hire staff with disabilities and support staff. We are so so grateful for your support. With the hope that our Japanese society will be more inclusive and accepting to differences, “OOPEN” continues to move around the city of Tokyo. We are excited to see how this project evolves. Will keep you posted. Thank you for your donation and your warm support!!