Osaka’s cocoro room creates space for all
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In Osaka, Japan, NPO法人「こえとことばとこころの部屋」 (Cocoro Room) offers a welcoming space in the historically disadvantaged neighborhood of Kamagasaki.
Founded in 2003, the organization began as a pop-up cafe and evolved into a guesthouse and community hub. Cocoro Room’s representative, Ueda Kanayo, describes the space as a device for creating interactions, where people can casually chat while browsing donated goods. Ueda initially aimed to create work through artistic expression, inspired by her poet mother.
She discovered the power of speaking aloud at age 17, finding a sense of relief and connection. This led to the creation of spaces where ordinary people could express themselves freely. A turning point came with a regular visitor named Ando, an elderly man who initially seemed disruptive but eventually revealed a fear of being judged for not knowing how to write characters.
This experience taught Ueda the importance of creating a safe environment where people feel accepted and can ask for help without shame. Cocoro Room extends its community-building efforts through shared meals, workshops in arts and crafts, and the “Kamagasaki University,” offering over 80 courses a year. Despite ongoing redevelopment in the area, Cocoro Room continues to foster a sense of belonging, emphasizing that a space open to everyone is a space for everyone.
