[End] Autumn Lunch Stamp Rally (Held from October 1 to December 20, 2021) - A food event where you can enjoy the restaurant's proud lunches while touring.

Interview with Ikeda Miko

The revival of the long-loved "Let's Enjoy Lunch" event.

We asked Ikeda Miko from the Kurashiki Tourism Convention Bureau about why it was revived and the secrets behind the eye-catching pamphlet.

Background of the Event

"Let's Enjoy Lunch" was an event that had temporarily ended, but why was it held again?

Ikeda (no honorifics)

"Let's Enjoy Lunch" was an event that was held until 2017.

Although the event was temporarily ended, it was held again in 2020 with the desire to revitalize Kurashiki's businesses due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was originally a beloved local event that matched the situation during the pandemic, and when we checked with the shops before starting, there were requests to hold it again.

Last year (2020), we held the "Chilly Kurashiki Sweets Stamp Rally" in the summer, "Let's Enjoy Lunch" in the autumn, and the "Winter Hot Sweets Stamp Rally" in the winter.

I believe that we were able to continue the events without interruption, which contributed to the revitalization of the community.

What was the response when it was held in 2020?

Ikeda

Last year, there was more participation than expected, and we ran out of participation prizes for the stamp rally due to the overwhelming response.

This year (2021), we decided to hold it again to support the local community.

Just like last year, there were requests not only from the shops but also from fans saying they wanted it to be held.

[Ended] Autumn Let's Enjoy Lunch Stamp Rally (Held from October 1 to December 20, 2020) - A food event where you can enjoy carefully crafted lunches using local ingredients

Autumn is the season of appetite. The bountiful autumn filled with delicious food increases our appetite. In such an autumn, an event where you can enjoy lunches using Okayama Prefecture's ingredients was held in October 2020...

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Why did you set the price range to two levels?

Ikeda

Until 2017, we offered a uniform price of 1,500 yen, but we changed to two price ranges last year at the request of the shops.

Rather than forcing shops that usually offer meals for over 1,500 yen to lower their prices, I think it is a priority to support the shops now.

I don't think there is a need to stick to a uniform price.

In customer surveys, there were opinions saying, "Even if it's expensive, I want something luxurious."

If that's the case, I thought it would be better to create something better even if the price is high.

I believe that customers, with fewer opportunities to go out, would want to eat something satisfying even if it is expensive.

The Charm of the Pamphlet

The design of the pamphlet is cute.

Ikeda

I reflected my love for cats in the design.

There was a cat in last year's (2020) pamphlet as well, but this year I changed the style.

This year, it has a softer and cuter touch.

I designed it with the hope that various people, including young ones, would pick it up.

I finished it with a fluffy cat design.

Why a cat? Is it because of the cat boom?

Ikeda

It's more about my strong feelings for cats than the trend.

I actually have three cats, and one of them is a calico.

Perhaps unconsciously, I made the cat in the pamphlet a calico due to my pet cat's influence.

Thoughts on "Let's Enjoy Autumn Lunch"

Please share your thoughts on "Let's Enjoy Autumn Lunch."

Ikeda

The saddest thing was seeing the town lose its vitality due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through this event, I hope that local residents and nearby people, and once things settle down, people from outside the prefecture will come as well.

And I hope they enjoy their meals along with the stamp rally.

I want the shops to regain their vitality.

Conclusion

The revival of "Let's Enjoy Lunch" was held to energize the shops and the town.

Every shop's menu is attractive, making it hard to decide where to go.

Isn't it delightful to think that when you dine, it connects to the vitality of the shops and the town?

Eating delicious food makes you feel energized, so it's a win-win situation.

When you participate, please explore the shops with the cute cat pamphlet in hand.

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