“Oshigoto Kids”; where children are given the opportunity to challenge work at Co-op Sapporo supermarket store.

Co-op Sapporo's "Oshigoto Kids" is a learning process for kids, aiming at providing them with professional experience regarding the importance of eating healthy food and the pleasure of working.Twenty elementary school children from the third grade to the sixth grade took part in this work experience at the Co-op Sapporo Kawashimo store.

The kids wearing the same apron with the regular staff started the day by receiving instruction as to how work should be done.

They observed closely the communication between staff and co-op members. At the back yard, they were charged with the bagging of cooked sweet potatoes and the putting of price tag on them. By experiencing this realistic work before placing the items at the sales floor help them to understand how foods become products and being sold.

They were also given the chance to do the promotion of food tasting at the sales floor. This helps them to realize the difficulty of selling items at the store and the pleasure that goes with it.

Slicing of lump meat with a special kitchen knife was also a great experience.They practiced greeting as the basis of customer service.

Finally when work was completed for the day the kids submitted a "business daily report" and a certificate of completion was awarded from the store manager.

See photos of “Oshigoto Kids” (a special page by JCCU, Japanese only)