Sapporo secures a second renewal as a Fair Trade Town

Sapporo City in Hokkaido has officially secured its second renewal as a Fair Trade Town, a designation that recognises the city’s sustained commitment to ethical consumption and international social justice.

Sapporo first earned the title in 2019, becoming the fifth municipality in Japan to achieve the status. The renewal confirms that the city continued commitment to meet the rigorous standards required of fair trade. These standards demand active participation from local government, businesses, educational institutions, and civil society to support producers in developing nations and protect the environment.

The city’s has always been engaged with fair trade even before its first certification. Since 2002, the Fair Trade Festa in Sapporo has served as a cornerstone event, offering workshops, talks, and a marketplace for fair trade goods.

A formal governance structure was then established in 2017 with the launch of Fair Trade Town Sapporo. This steering committee comprises a diverse range of members from the public and private sectors. The group coordinates learning programmes in local schools and universities, supports student-led organisations, and facilitates product development with local companies. These efforts have ensured that fair trade remains a visible and accessible choice for residents in their daily lives.

Fair Trade Forum Japan stated that the collaborative model seen in Sapporo represents a leading example of how regional revitalisation can align with international cooperation. The organisation intends to continue working with the city to further the reach of fair trade and contribute to the realisation of a more equitable global society.