Awareness regarding gender equality issues in Japan has continuously appeared in the spotlight for several reasons. Although the country has made significant strides to promote equality in the workplace, government and society, the country still...
Economic downturns are difficult for anyone, and this is especially true for people working in the arts. The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the economy in Japan and the rest of the world. Japanese artisans have been especially hard hit...
WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization) designates the second Saturday of May every year as “World Fair Trade Day.” Events and campaigns are held simultaneously in each country initiated by approximately 350 fair trade organizations in more...
We know that sustainable fashion brands come with quality and ethical assurances, which typically add to their price tags. TSU.NA.GU. is a Japanese fashion brand that challenges this notion by adopting a made-to-order model. In 2018, the brand...
Allbirds is a conscious startup that makes sustainable, stylish and comfortable footwear. Conventionally, the majority of athletic footwear has been made with petroleum-based synthetic materials. However, Allbirds’ manufacturing uses renewable...
Giving back by companies can involve allocating part of their profits to community involvement and environmental efforts. In fact, many conscious companies conduct such initiatives throughout the year. This means that as a customer, with every...
Young people all over the world face challenges regarding their life and employment. The job market is increasingly competitive, with more unstable work and a decreasing supply of career-track jobs. This is especially true for Japanese young people...
The Link Up Waste Project is an upcycling project developed by painting & wall covering contractor, Kawakami Tosokogyo. Launched in May this year, the project tackles issues such as textile waste and unemployment. It also allows the company to...
In Japan, various dye techniques developed during the Edo period, such as kusaki-zome, a natural dyeing technique that draws colors from plants, flowers and fruit. Back then, natural pigments were used for textile dyeing, which was eco-friendly and...
“How can SMEs be sustainable?” There is no better time for Japan to ask this question. More than 80% of registered businesses in Japan are SMEs. With the COVID-19 crisis impacting the nation, vulnerabilities in systems are exposed and...