A collection of cards in a word Central Dining Room

Q:

I regularly use the central cafeteria on the University of Tokyo's Hongo campus, but over the past few months, the number of tourists has been overwhelming, making it difficult for students to use. I've heard many complaints from friends around me, and many people I know say they avoid using the cafeteria because it's too crowded and difficult to use. On July 31, 2025, I visited the cafeteria just after it opened at 11:00 AM, but a group of nearly 80 foreign tourists arrived, creating a huge queue. What's worse, they completely ignored the no-photography rule and took unauthorized photos of me. It's true that they may be asking students to refrain from using the cafeteria between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM. However, very few people are following this rule, and when a large group visits at 11:00 AM, a large number of outside patrons stay, even during the closed hours, leaving almost all the seats occupied, making it difficult for students to use the cafeteria. We're not advocating "Japanese first," but as a university primarily for students, faculty, and staff, we need to strictly enforce rules that prioritize students, faculty, and staff, including not only Japanese students but all international students, including international students, by restricting access to the cafeteria itself. What exactly are they trying to achieve by continually increasing the burden on staff in the central cafeteria, exploiting them with low wages, and continuing to make the students, who are the primary users, feel uncomfortable? If they are so focused on profits through volume sales that they can't even prioritize students and faculty, then they are seriously derelict in their duties, and I believe that the people in charge of sales are slaves to capitalism. I despise them in the strongest terms. Who exactly is this university for? Please stop. I can't take it anymore.

A:

Regarding off-campus use, the Co-op has set time limits for use, posted illustrated and multilingual usage instructions, and has staff members calling out to users, but as you said, the number of off-campus users, including tourists, has been so high over the past few months that it's been difficult for the Co-op. If you see anyone taking photos in the hall, please tell a staff member. The Co-op will continue to respond, but we feel there are limits to what we can do, and we need the cooperation of the university and other related parties on campus. If you have any good solutions, please let us know.

Q:

Even during the restricted hours of 11:30-13:30, the seats are filled with many tourists, and especially since the start of the summer vacation, there have been several occasions when students have had to give up eating at the Central Cafeteria. Even during the summer vacation, many students are studying in the library, and there have been multiple reports from classmates around them that they went to the Central Cafeteria but were unable to eat.

For students, the Central Cafeteria is an essential part of student life, as it is a place where they can have a hot meal at an affordable price in between their busy study schedules. However, looking at the current situation, it seems that it is losing its function as a facility for "campus members (students, faculty and staff)."
We understand that the cafeteria staff are struggling to cope, but we would like to ask you to once again strictly follow the rules.

A:

Regarding non-university users of the cafeteria, we have received various opinions from our members. The Co-op has implemented measures such as restricting use during certain hours, posting illustrated and multilingual user guides, and having staff call out to non-university users. While usage patterns have varied each year since the COVID-19 pandemic, causing confusion, we will consider reopening other cafeterias in August next year. We have also communicated our requests to the university, including issuing warnings to travel agencies and improving guidance when applying for tours. While the guidance has been effective, many users have been able to use the cafeteria outside of the restricted hours. However, there have also been cases where non-university users are unable to distinguish at a glance, or who raise their voices due to language barriers, which has caused distress to Co-op staff. While the Co-op will continue to respond to these requests, we feel there are limits to what we can do, and we need the cooperation of the university and other relevant parties. We welcome any further suggestions for solutions.