Tokyu Hotels and Mottainai Baasan Host Final SDGs Cooking Event in Nagoya

Final Cooking Event at Tokyu Hotel Nagoya

On May 31, 2026, Tokyu Hotels & Resorts will host the last session of their SDGs education event featuring the beloved children’s book character, Mottainai Baasan, at Nagoya Tokyu Hotel. This unique experience focuses on teaching families about the importance of food sustainability and reducing food waste. The event, titled “Let’s Learn with Mottainai Baasan: Cooking,” is specifically designed for children aged 6 to 10 and aims to engage both parents and children in a fun and interactive way.

Introduction to Mottainai Baasan

Mottainai Baasan is a character from an illustrated book series by author Mariko Shinju, which has been cherished by children since its debut in 2004. The series, now reaching its 20th anniversary, conveys essential lessons about the value of resources and respecting food. Mottainai Baasan gently teaches young readers about the sadness of waste and encourages the appreciation of food through entertaining stories that resonate with children across various cultures, including adaptations in countries like Korea, China, France, and India.

The Importance of Sustainability

In line with their sustainable policy established in 2019, Tokyu Hotels aims to create a “hotel friendly to Earth, towns, and people.” This initiative strongly aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on raising awareness and educating families about environmental stewardship. The event is part of a series of cooking workshops previously held in Shibuya, Osaka, and Futako Tamagawa, where they successfully engaged 88 participants from 36 families in food sustainability discussions and activities.

Engaging Activities for Families

Participants can expect an engaging program that includes:

- Storytime: An introduction to Mottainai Baasan and the message of the series.
- Cooking Class: Families will create icing cookies using vegetable scraps, led by skilled pastry chefs and hotel staff. Children will receive adorable chef hats and coats to immerse themselves in the culinary experience.
- Taste Education: An interactive session focusing on flavor profiles and the importance of tasting different food components.
- Dining Experience: After cooking, families will enjoy a gourmet multi-course meal crafted using the “Mottainai” concept by the hotel’s head chef.
- Takeaway Gifts: Each child will receive exclusive Mottainai Baasan stickers and a completion certificate.

Feedback from Past Events

The event has received positive feedback from past participants who reported increased awareness of food waste and a stronger commitment to reducing it after engaging in activities with family. One participant stated, “This event was a great way to learn about reducing food waste while having fun with my child,” reflecting the successful blending of education and enjoyment.

Event Details

The final event will take place on May 31, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Nagoya Tokyu Hotel’s 4th-floor banquet hall. Reservations are required, with a capacity for 20 families (40 participants total). The cost is 8,000 yen for one adult and one child, inclusive of service charges and taxes. Pre-registration will begin on April 22, 2026, and spots will fill up quickly.

Conclusion

Tokyu Hotels & Resorts is committed to fostering a sustainable future through educational initiatives like this cooking event. The focus on fun and interactive learning ensures that families leave with valuable knowledge about food waste and sustainability. Join us for this final opportunity to learn alongside Mottainai Baasan and make a difference in how we view our food!