The Japanese have a knack for putting hard-to-describe feelings into words. A good example is the word “mottainai,” used when expressing regret over wasting a resource or opportunity. It’s an expression that’s getting good use recently, as society makes a push to be more eco-conscious.
This weekend’s Mottainai Festa combines such eco-consciousness with a love for festivals. The Mottainai Campaign, which organizes the event, was established in part by the late Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, who won the honor for her work on sustainable development as a path to peace.
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