Going to the Night Market with a 2-Year-Old

On a summer night, my family and I went to a night market.

For our 2-year-old, it was a special night, different from the usual.

“I wonder what we’ll find today?”

As if thinking just that, my child squeezed my hand tightly, eyes sparkling.

The warmth of that little hand somehow made me very happy.

The first sight of the night market

It is usually time for bed, but on this day, we stayed up just a little later than usual.

As we walked around looking at the stalls, my child would point and say “Ah!” every time something caught their eye.

What might be a casual night market scene for adults is full of firsts for a 2-year-old.

Colorful foods, festive sounds, and brightly lit food stalls.

Watching them gaze intently at each of these things made me feel happy too, realizing that we are enjoying this very moment together.

The taste of baby castella enjoyed together as a family

At the night market, we enjoyed the food as a family while choosing things our child could eat.

And then, having baby castella for the very first time! (Our child has an egg allergy and is currently working on it haha)

When I asked “Is it good?”, the way they nodded with satisfaction was so cute that I could not help but smile.

Even though they cannot express many things in their own words yet, their expressions and gestures clearly conveyed “This is fun!” and “It is delicious!”

Unforgettable moments on the way home

Having walked a lot and grown a little tired, our child, who was so full of energy just a moment ago, looked very sleepy on the way home.

I thought to myself, “Someday, a night like this will become a cherished memory.”

By next year, they will have grown even bigger, and even seeing the exact same night market, they will surely experience it differently.

That is precisely why I want to treasure and remember the sights we saw today, the sounds we heard, and our child’s smiles.

Small memories become great treasures

It does not have to be a special trip, nor a grand event.

Walking together as a family, laughing, and sharing delicious food.

I believe that such an ordinary day turns into a truly precious memory.

A summer night market spent with our 2-year-old.

This summer, another treasure was added to our family.

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Contribution Date August 2026
Written by
Okudaya Giken
Development Strategy Department
Shoya Kumegawa