Fukuoka students launch project to circulate used clothing locally

On October 31, high school students from Fukuoka Women’s Commercial High School launched a project to promote the circulation of used clothing in their community. With support from Mercari Inc. and Nakagawa City, students are collecting unwanted clothing, remaking it into new items, and selling them on Mercari Shops. The project aims to reduce waste while fostering environmental awareness and entrepreneurial skills.

The Fukuoka Women’s Commercial Reuse Project is a collaboration project partnered with SPINNS to install collection boxes on campus and host reuse workshops and sales. This year, Mercari joined to provide training and collection support through its Mercari Eco Box (a box designed to re-evaluating value of unused item). Nakagawa City also supported the initiative by providing collection sites and promoting it online.

Students managed various aspects of the project, including promotional materials, community engagement, and overseeing the remaking process. The project serves as an educational platform, raising sustainability awareness and offering hands-on experience in tackling environmental issues. Principal Shota Shibayama emphasized that the initiative empowers students to address climate challenges directly.

Mayor Shigeki Takematsu attended the launch event along with teachers, students, and media members. Attendees viewed products made from collected clothing, including bags and frilled shirts crafted from reclaimed fabrics, now available for sale on Mercari Shops. Items produced by the students are currently available on Mercari Shops, where they also manage sales and order fulfillment. Fukuoka Women’s Commercial High School’s shop can be accessed here.