[Kurashiki Origin] Shaping a Circular Economy and Welfare. The 4th 'Okayama Mottainai Festival' Attracts 5,400 Participants, Donating Approximately 700,000 Yen to Support the Needy.
The 'Okayama Mottainai Festival Executive Committee' held the 4th 'Okayama Mottainai Festival' on February 21, 2026, attracting approximately 5,400 visitors. Approximately 700,000 yen, from event sales and sponsorships, was donated to six local organizations, promoting a circular model of economy and welfare.
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- 📰 Published: April 10, 2026 at 20:48
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The "Okayama Mottainai Festival Executive Committee," composed of Kurabiz Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, Representative Director: Yuichi Akiba) and Okamoto Seikou Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, Representative Director: Yoichi Okamoto), held the 4th "Okayama Mottainai Festival" at Kurashiki Ivy Square on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
We are pleased to report that approximately 5,400 people attended the event, and a total of approximately 700,000 yen, comprising about 10% of event sales and a portion of sponsorship funds, was donated to six local organizations operating in Okayama Prefecture. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the exhibitors and visitors.
■ "Shopping" as a Force for Regional Support
The "Okayama Mottainai Festival" is an event where companies and restaurants from Okayama Prefecture gather to sell "imperfect products"—items that would otherwise be discarded from manufacturing and food service sites—at affordable prices. 10% of these sales are then donated to local organizations in need of support.
We aim to create a circular model that transforms corporate "mottainai" (inventory loss) into regional vitality, with the profits channeled into welfare (regional support). This time, we welcomed a record 5,400 visitors. By reducing waste issues faced by companies, we were able to create a warm cycle where everyone's shopping directly contributes to regional development.
■ Donations Utilized for Children's Cafeterias and Disability Support
The donation ceremony was held on April 3, 2026.
Yuichi Akiba, Chairman of the Okayama Mottainai Festival Executive Committee (Representative Director of Kurabiz Co., Ltd.), and Yoichi Okamoto (Representative Director of Okamoto Seikou Co., Ltd.) presented a donation certificate (approximately 700,000 yen) to Mr. Masaki Inoue, Representative Director of the general incorporated association "Minna no Ouchi Haru House," representing the six recipient organizations. The collected donations are planned to be used as part of the activities of each organization.
At the "Okayama Mottainai Festival," exhibitors, visitors, and support organizations each contribute in their own way, aiming for Kurashiki to become a city where the spirit of "mutual aid" circulates. We plan to continue this initiative and nurture it into an event deeply rooted in the community. We anticipate holding the event again (date undecided), so please look forward to it.
■ Comment from Mr. Masaki Inoue, Representative Director of Minna no Ouchi Haru House
"Products sold at the 'Mottainai Festival' are generally called 'B-grade items,' but we believe that when people shop and the profits contribute to support activities, these items transform into valuable 'A-grade items' for us. If the current state of society is 'Plan A,' what we want to propose is 'Plan B,' the society we truly desire. Like this event, involving companies, support organizations, and even the administration...
We are pleased to report that approximately 5,400 people attended the event, and a total of approximately 700,000 yen, comprising about 10% of event sales and a portion of sponsorship funds, was donated to six local organizations operating in Okayama Prefecture. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the exhibitors and visitors.
■ "Shopping" as a Force for Regional Support
The "Okayama Mottainai Festival" is an event where companies and restaurants from Okayama Prefecture gather to sell "imperfect products"—items that would otherwise be discarded from manufacturing and food service sites—at affordable prices. 10% of these sales are then donated to local organizations in need of support.
We aim to create a circular model that transforms corporate "mottainai" (inventory loss) into regional vitality, with the profits channeled into welfare (regional support). This time, we welcomed a record 5,400 visitors. By reducing waste issues faced by companies, we were able to create a warm cycle where everyone's shopping directly contributes to regional development.
■ Donations Utilized for Children's Cafeterias and Disability Support
The donation ceremony was held on April 3, 2026.
Yuichi Akiba, Chairman of the Okayama Mottainai Festival Executive Committee (Representative Director of Kurabiz Co., Ltd.), and Yoichi Okamoto (Representative Director of Okamoto Seikou Co., Ltd.) presented a donation certificate (approximately 700,000 yen) to Mr. Masaki Inoue, Representative Director of the general incorporated association "Minna no Ouchi Haru House," representing the six recipient organizations. The collected donations are planned to be used as part of the activities of each organization.
At the "Okayama Mottainai Festival," exhibitors, visitors, and support organizations each contribute in their own way, aiming for Kurashiki to become a city where the spirit of "mutual aid" circulates. We plan to continue this initiative and nurture it into an event deeply rooted in the community. We anticipate holding the event again (date undecided), so please look forward to it.
■ Comment from Mr. Masaki Inoue, Representative Director of Minna no Ouchi Haru House
"Products sold at the 'Mottainai Festival' are generally called 'B-grade items,' but we believe that when people shop and the profits contribute to support activities, these items transform into valuable 'A-grade items' for us. If the current state of society is 'Plan A,' what we want to propose is 'Plan B,' the society we truly desire. Like this event, involving companies, support organizations, and even the administration...