Japan’s repair services motivate us to consume more ethically

Many places around the world, including Japan, still have a strong disposable culture. Japan has the second highest amount of disposable plastic waste per capita in the world. In order to realize a circular economy in which resources and products circulate while maintaining their value, it is essential that users continue to “repair” their products. Japan has a repair culture that has continued since ancient times, including kintsugi, for example.

Because of such traditions, there may be a latent spirit of repair in Japanese society. Here are some recent initiatives to break out of the throw-away culture.

Fashion repair & custom service, REPRO -PARK

A boutique retailer, FREAK’S STORE, has teamed up with REPRO-PARK, a brand specializing in repairs, to introduce a repair service at some of its stores. Among an abundance of ready-made and similar products, the brand proposes a new way to enjoy fashion by repairing and customizing as a way of pursuing originality. What sustainable fashion needs is more choices for consumers. This service makes repairing, remaking and customizing easier.

Chair repair service, NychairX

A Japanese furniture company, FUJIEI Ltd., launched a chair repair service in July 2022. This service allows customers to repair and fix defects that have occurred over time so that they can continue to use their beloved chairs for many years to come. Their masterpiece chair, NychairX, has a simple structure that is easy to disassemble and reassemble. Released in 1970, this chair is a tool for the good life, allowing you to experience the “richness of life that comes from using things you love for a long time.”

Empowering consumers and changing their mindset about “fixing things”

Many users face significant technical challenges, such as not knowing whether they can repair a product themselves when it breaks in the first place, or not having access to knowledge and tools for repair. On the other hand, factors such as emotional attachment to the product and concern for the environment are positive motivators to repair broken or worn out products.

Whether or not a product comes with a convenient repair service may also be a factor in choosing a product in the future.