No matter how old a person is, walking into a cafeteria with the knowledge that they don't know anyone and will have to eat alone can be an embarrassing and even terrifying concept; the Bocchi Seki helps to ease this discomfort. The Bocchi Seki is a series of seating introduced into lunchrooms at the Kyoto University and Kobe University in Japan that have dividers between the tables so that people can eat in privacy.
According to PSFK, the Bocchi Seki seats are particularly popular with students who have been too busy to make new friends but who don't want to be seen eating alone. One student says, "If you are sitting at a big table by yourself it’s like you don’t have any friends and that is embarrassing."
Shielded Lunchroom Seating
The Kyoto University Introduces 'Bocchi Seki' for People Who Eat Alone
Trend Themes
1. Private Lunchroom Seating - The Bocchi Seki introduces private seating arrangements in lunchrooms, catering to individuals who prefer to eat alone without feeling self-conscious.
2. Social Anxiety Solutions - The dividers in the Bocchi Seki lunchroom seating address social anxieties related to eating alone, providing a comfortable space for individuals to enjoy their meals.
3. Empowerment Through Privacy - The Bocchi Seki promotes self-empowerment by allowing individuals to enjoy their meals in private, reducing the stigma associated with eating alone.
Industry Implications
1. Education - Educational institutions can adopt the Bocchi Seki lunchroom seating to create a more inclusive and comfortable environment for students, promoting well-being and positive social experiences.
2. Hospitality - Restaurants and cafes can integrate private seating options like the Bocchi Seki to cater to customers who prefer privacy while dining, providing a positive and personalized experience.
3. Corporate - Workplaces can implement the Bocchi Seki lunchroom seating to create a more welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for employees, addressing social anxieties and fostering a sense of belonging.