15 facts about the latest in Sustainability in Japan 2020

Sustainability in Japan may be somewhat of a mystery for those residing outside of the island country. Fortunately, we are here to give you 15 interesting facts about ventures, organizations, and information about the country’s efforts to move toward a sustainable future.

1. Shikoku Prefecture’s Kamikatsu currently carries out efforts to transform itself into a no-waste village. Kamikatsu is striving to end their dependency on incinerators and landfills. In order for items to be reused and recycled properly, Kamikatsu has over 45 different categories for a more thorough recycling process. Residents are responsible for bringing their own discarded items to a site to perform sorting. It provides the community with a source of second-hand garments and other wares.

   

    

2. The use of natural dyes and coloring in Japan is taking over the fashion scene. Many brands have begun using these natural materials for not only design but also sustainability efforts. Indigo dying, also known as Aizome, has a long history in Japan. During the Edo period, many garments like farm clothing and bedding used the material.
3. Many companies and organizations have stepped up efforts to offer upcycled kimono material, transforming them into an assortment of fashion items. Reborn Kyoto is using upcycled kimonos to not only create beautiful garments but also to empower women across the world.
4. Second-hand shopping is a booming business in Japan. With many second-hand establishments existing in Tokyo’s Shimokitazawa district and Osaka’s Horie neighborhood, there are plenty of shops to choose from. Moreover, it seems as if there is a growing trend amongst younger people when owning second-hand appliances or vetements. Furthermore, there has been a shift in preference among younger people within Japan due to affordability among items that tend to have good-as-new quality.

   

    

5. The sustainability trend may be riding a high wave at the moment thanks to Japan’s Mottainai culture. Mottainai, which has long been a part of Japanese society, can now be seen as a synonym for the world’s answer to sustainability. Mottainai is defined by regret when it comes to waste. This term is now being adapted by many environmentalists worldwide.
6. Mottainai culture has had a positive impression on other countries. The Mottainai campaign established itself in Kenya. The founding member, Professor Wangaari Maathai, made it her mission to eliminate plastic waste within the environment. Her work, inspired by Japan’s Mottainai culture, has embraced the three Rs while including a fourth R for respect.
7. Organic cotton is building its name in Japanese fashion due to its friendliness to the environment and surrounding residents. Many companies, such as Maito and Pristine, have already included organic cotton in their products. The Japan Organic Cotton Association (JOCA) aims to increase the production of organic cotton by 10%.

   

    

8. In 2019, Fair Trade awareness in Japan sat at 32.8% of the Japanese population. This is an increase of 3.5 percentage points from three years prior. Among individuals who were aware of Fair Trade, 42.4% had experience in purchasing Fair Trade goods. It also includes the awareness of fair trade materials used in fashion.
9. Fair Trade towns are being created all over the globe, and Japan is no exception. The country is home to six Fair Trade towns that include Kumamoto, Nagoya, Zushi, Hamamatsu, Sapporo and Inabe city. Locations are accredited as a Fair Trade when towns have committed to promoting Fair Trade products and goods.

   

    

10. Made to Order fashion is becoming more popular, and with good reason. It is said to reduce waste and levels of surplus stock for fashion designers. Brands in Japan, such as TSU.NA.GU and Liv:ra are taking this method of sustainability in stride.
11. Upcycled Japanese fashion is becoming more popular with each passing year. Many stores are beginning to utilize upcycled methods, including taking discarded material and making it into something of higher quality. The Upcycle Japan Association also has vast information regarding upcycling through Japan.
12. Many sustainability-minded designers around Japan are turning to technology to reduce adverse environmental impacts. For example, 3D manufacturing engineering. Synflux is a collective of engineers and designers that use 3D manufacturing technology for their line of clothing. The production aids in reducing costs and decreasing waste material used when creating new clothing. When it comes to technology mixed into the realm of sustainable fashion, Japan’s future is looking bright.
13. It’s important to note that many Japanese are not only looking ahead with new technologies. They are also keeping old traditions alive by embracing Japan’s long standing traditions. Some of these traditions, such as Boro textiles, are being used when creating new fashion sets. Boro is an indigo cotton native to Japan that has been utilized for clothing for centuries. The cotton is also known as the “everlasting” cotton due to its durability and longevity.

    

     

14. Clothing recycling has seen an upward trend in Japan over the years. Although the rate of recycling clothing is not on the same scale when compared to other countries, many companies and organizations have taken it upon themselves to make recycling easier for everyone. Interesting technologies have also been invented to discard items made of cotton safely. JEPLAN Inc. created a technology that can decompose cellulose in cotton and transform it into ethanol, which cuts down on carbon dioxide emissions.
15. The Global Organic Textile Standard was developed by individuals with the aim of ensuring worldwide criteria to ensure the organic status of textiles. Many businesses and brands follow this standard to provide quality for sustainability-minded customers.