"Exhibition of Ideas to Increase 'I Did It!' - Let's Try and Find Tools and Stationery That Suit You" (Held on June 28th, Sunday)

The pressure of my writing is too strong, and my colored pencils break immediately.
Even when I try to draw a line with a ruler, I can't hold the ruler properly, and the line ends up crooked.

Have you ever struggled with not being able to use tools, such as stationery, effectively?

On June 28, 2026 (Sunday), a new exhibition will be held at Kurashiki Health and Welfare Plaza, featuring over 100 tools that support concerns such as "I'm not good at writing" and "I'm not good at organizing."

What is the "Exhibition of Ideas that Increase Success!"

The "Exhibition of Ideas that Increase Success!" is an experiential exhibition where you can actually try out tools and stationery that support children in kindergartens, preschools, and schools who struggle with certain tasks. It will be held on June 28, 2026 (Sunday) at Kurashiki Health and Welfare Plaza from 10 AM to 4 PM.

The initiator is Oobu Tomoe, who has held exhibitions in Okayama City and Kasaoka City seven times in the past. This will be the first time the exhibition is held in Kurashiki City, making it the eighth overall.

For details, please check the image below.

Interview with the organizers and co-organizers

We spoke with Ikawa Masafumi, a support staff member at NPO Irodori Consultation Support Center, which is organizing the "Exhibition of Ideas that Increase Success!", along with co-organizers Oobu Tomoe and Hayashida Masafumi.

Can you tell us about the background of starting the "Exhibition of Ideas that Increase Success!"?

Hayashida (no honorifics)

I work in the welfare field, so I often encounter children with neurodevelopmental disorders (developmental disabilities). I have seen many of these children being labeled as "children who can't do it" by the adults around them because they cannot effectively use tools for daily life, such as stationery, in schools and therapeutic settings.

However, I have also realized through my support work that by providing easy-to-use tools that match their characteristics, there is a possibility that their difficulties can turn into "I did it!".

Thus, I thought it would be great to create an event that increases children's "I did it!" moments, which led to the start of this exhibition.

Oobu (no honorifics)

Even with something as simple as a ruler, there are various types available for sale. Among them, there may be one that suits my child, but I can't just buy them all randomly.

At the event, all tools can be used for free, making it easier for children to find the tools that are most comfortable for them.

Are the easy-to-use tools that match their characteristics more expensive than regular school supplies?

Oobu

The tools displayed at this event are all selected for being not only easy to use but also affordable. While there will be no direct sales at the venue, each tool will have a QR code for purchasing, so please use it as a reference.

Hayashida

There are tools made specifically for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, but among the general stationery available at regular stationery stores and 100-yen shops, there are also various cleverly designed tools.

This exhibition is designed to be enjoyable for everyone who has used school supplies, regardless of whether they have a neurodevelopmental disorder or not.

Can you tell us why you chose Kurashiki City as the venue for the first time?

Oobu

We have received requests for hosting from community centers and parents raising children in Kurashiki City for some time. In this context, the Irodori Consultation Support Center decided to host the event, making it possible to finally hold it in Kurashiki City.

Are there any highlights for this event?

Ikawa (no honorifics)

Not only can you touch all the tools, but there will also be workshops using the tools. This event is designed for adults who have used school supplies and children who are currently using them, regardless of whether they have disabilities.

Among the exhibits, new items being displayed this time include a rucksack shaped like a school backpack (hereafter referred to as "Ran-Ryukku") and card games.

The Ran-Ryukku is lighter than traditional school backpacks and has a larger capacity than typical rucksacks. Therefore, it is gaining attention as a school supply that is easy for children with weak core strength or difficulty with fine motor skills to use for commuting to school.

In Okayama Prefecture, there are no exhibition venues where you can actually see all colors of the Ran-Ryukku, but this time four companies' Ran-Ryukku will be present. Among them, one type from Plus Corporation and two types from Footmark Corporation will be available in all colors, which is a unique feature. Representatives from these two companies are also expected to attend, so you can ask any questions on the spot.

Additionally, some children may struggle to enjoy card games at home because they focus too much on "winning."

At the venue, there will be several card games available that allow for trial and error without focusing on winning or losing. You can play on the spot, so have fun while searching for card games that suit your family.

Please send a message to the readers

Igawa

Through the planning of this event, I have encountered many tools that make me think, "I wish I had known about these when I was a child" and "These seem suitable for my child."

The surprise and emotion of realizing how much a single tool can solve problems can only be felt when you actually hold it in your hands. Please enjoy using many tools.

Hayashida

I hope that not only children who may find certain stationery difficult to use, regardless of whether they have a neurodevelopmental disorder, but also parents and school staff will experience the variety of tools available.

If you don't know how to use a tool, please feel free to ask the volunteer staff nearby for assistance.

Otake

The greatest charm of the "Creativity Exhibition for Achievements!" is that both adults and children can actually touch tools, including stationery, and see the moments when they light up with "I did it!" throughout the venue.

I hope this can be an opportunity to encounter tools that will help increase the time your child can comfortably spend at school and home.

We sincerely look forward to your visit.

Conclusion

Having worked as an elementary school teacher in my previous job, I have seen children struggle to master everyday tools, including school supplies, up close.

For example, since a compass is a necessary tool for drawing circles, there is no need for everyone to use the exact same brand. However, because teachers and parents are often unaware of what compasses are currently available on the market, they may not be able to choose the right tool for the child, leading to stumbling over "not being able to use the compass" before even starting to teach how to draw circles, which can prevent them from reaching the intended learning.

Visiting this exhibition (a place for choosing tools) could lead to new discoveries that may become one of the means for children to deepen their learning more comfortably.

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