What comes to mind when you hear the words “contributing to society”?
Some people may think of it as “a special activity.” They may picture something that requires strong commitment and resolve, such as volunteering or making donations.
But what if enjoying shopping or a meal could naturally contribute to society? An event called the “Mottainai Festival,” themed around “contributing to society just by buying,” was held at Kurashiki Ivy Square.
Here’s a look at the lively event.
The information provided was current when this article was published in March 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What Is the Mottainai Festival?
The Mottainai Festival began in 2023, and its fourth edition was held in 2026.
In manufacturing and food service, off-spec and discarded items inevitably arise. The festival began as an initiative to put these items that would otherwise be thrown away to use as “resources” and give back to the local community. A total of 31 organizations are taking part, including local businesses, restaurants, and high schools that support this mission.
The event has another major feature: around 10% of its sales are donated to local welfare organizations.
The recipient organizations are as follows:
- BOKKA LLC Uematsu Free School
- Minna no Ouchi Haru House
- General Incorporated Association Homie, Daytime Temporary Support chill
- Kawabe Reconstruction Project Aruku
- Certified NPO Parent Support Step (including the Usagi Cafe, a place for parents to connect)
- Kurashiki Shien LABO
The Day of the Event
It was so warm that it hardly felt like late February, and the day had a hint of spring in the air.
Kurashiki Ivy Square, the event venue, is a multi-purpose tourist facility in the Bikan Historical Area.
As a result, travelers and tourists who happened to be nearby were often seen stopping in.
Inside Ivy Gakkan, the main area was devoted to selling off-spec and discounted items. The booths offered food, miscellaneous goods, and unexpected bargains.
Meanwhile, the Courtyard Plaza was mainly home to food stalls, with steam rising from freshly prepared dishes and savory aromas filling the air.
Under a cloudless blue sky, the plaza was bustling with people relaxing with a drink in hand or enjoying a meal.
Quiz Stamp Rally & Chalk Art Experience
I picked up a pamphlet at the venue and joined the quiz stamp rally. Signs at three locations around the venue each had two quiz questions.
Here’s one of the questions:
The answer is 3.
Unfortunately, I got it wrong. Some questions like this really made me stop and think, and the rally gave me a fun opportunity to learn about social initiatives.
At the Courtyard Plaza, chalk artist TURURI led a chalk art activity.
Apparently, the heart shape was made using the name tags of the participants.
The children were using chalk that had already been used or was deemed off-spec during manufacturing. They used it to draw on cars and reusable materials, and to make cardboard crafts.
The pictures everyone drew together turned out beautifully.
Event Food Served on Your Own Plate with Your Own Chopsticks
The Mottainai Festival recommended in advance that visitors bring their own chopsticks, plates, and bags. Bringing them was not mandatory, of course, and the atmosphere was that people could help out as much as they comfortably could.
For lunch, I chose the seafood marinated rice bowl from the “Uoharu + Obento, Nichinichi.” booth. Since I had brought my own plate, I asked them to serve it on that.
My family chose the special curry from “Minna no Ouchi Haru House.” This is one of the organizations receiving donations from the event.
There are shops you’ve been curious about but never had a chance to visit, and shops you’ve never heard of that seem to be right near your home. Discovering new shops and organizations like these may be one of the unique charms of an event.
A once-in-a-lifetime chance to hunt for hidden gems
After satisfying our appetites, we wandered freely around the venue and enjoyed shopping.
With all kinds of products—from sweets, shoes, and miscellaneous goods to seasonings—on display throughout the venue, it felt like a treasure hunt.
Our eyes darted from one thing to another, and before we knew it, we had filled a large bag with purchases.
At some booths, it seems that nearly all of the bargain items they had prepared had sold out by the end of the morning. If there’s a shop you have your eye on, it’s probably best to get there early.
From the Writer
To be honest, while enjoying the food and shopping at the venue, I wasn’t consciously thinking, “I should contribute to society.” The phrase “contributing to society” can feel a little intimidating and hard to relate to.
But at the Mottainai Festival, some of the money you spend while having fun naturally goes toward donations. You don’t need strong convictions or any special commitment.
Just by taking part, you can support someone in the community.
I felt a warmth in this easy, understated cycle of giving.
When I brought my purchases home, the organizations receiving the donations would occasionally come to mind as I used them. This feeling of standing a little taller may also be one of the small changes the event brought about.
Mottainai Festival Information
| Name | Mottainai Festival |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, February 21, 2026 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Location | Kurashiki Ivy Square |
| Admission (tax included) | Free admission |
| Website | Mottainai Festival |
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