Setouchi Mirai Design Inc. (Head office: Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture; CEO: Karin Noda; hereinafter referred to as "Setouchi Mirai Design") is pleased to announce that it will begin collaborating with One or Eight Inc. (Head office: Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture; CEO: Hara Masashi; hereinafter referred to as "One or Eight"), a company that operates a recycle shop while sorting belongings while dying under the concept of "building a bridge from those who no longer need it to those who need it", to procure kimonos and obi. This will be a new development for "Re:ADY B," its own ethical fashion brand that upcycles kimonos and obi, symbols of Japanese culture.
Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen the collection system for traditional materials hidden in Hiroshima Prefecture and expand the business of the "Re:ADY B" project, which produces one-of-a-kind fashion items. In order to fulfill our mission as an ethical fashion brand that supports employment for people with disabilities and reduces the burden on the environment, we will promote Japan's beautiful culture both domestically and internationally.
Background and purpose of the collaboration
"Re:ADY B" was born as a project to create new value by upcycling kimonos, obi, and other items that are estimated to be worth 40 trillion yen and lying dormant throughout Japan. Through this collaboration, we aim to accelerate the resolution of the following social issues by collecting traditional materials from Hiroshima Prefecture.
1. Solving the problem of kimono disposal
We hope to contribute to reducing the amount of clothing waste, which is estimated at 500,000 tons per year, while preserving Japanese culture through upcycling and promoting the creation of a sustainable society.
2. Employment support for people with disabilities
We have strengthened our ties with Type B business operators that provide support for continued employment, and have achieved fair compensation based on the results of our work. We provide the joy of working and the opportunity to improve skills.
3. Preserving and promoting Japanese culture
In collaboration with One or Eight, we will collect kimonos and obi from Hiroshima Prefecture and distribute products that combine tradition and modern design both domestically and internationally.
4. Work Style Reform for Women
All of the core members of "Re:ADY B" are women raising children. As a way to reform the way women work, where life events such as marriage and childbirth can affect their careers, the company promotes flexible working styles that suit each individual's lifestyle.
Ethical fashion brand "Re:ADY B"
Future outlook
Through this collaboration, Setouchi Mirai Design aims to expand the "Re:ADY B" project and increase brand awareness both domestically and overseas. Specifically, the company plans to implement the following measures:
- Improving productivity by strengthening procurement systems
- Development of new product lineup
- Strengthening promotion for overseas markets
Comment from Setouchi Future Design CEO Natsuri Noda
This collaboration will reduce the amount of clothing that is on the verge of being discarded, such as kimonos and obi, that are being sorted out during the deceased's lifetime or after death. Many people who have donated kimonos and other items have said that they cannot bear to throw them away, so we will further expand the ethical efforts that Setouchi Mirai Design has cultivated by expanding our purchasing and strive to solve social issues in Japan. We will create a sustainable society that will lead to the future while spreading the beauty of Japanese culture to the world.
Comment from One or Eight CEO Masashi Hara
Kimono are an item that symbolizes traditional Japanese culture, but in modern times, opportunities to use them are fewer, and more people are having trouble storing and disposing of them. I think that Re:ADY B's efforts are wonderful in that they breathe new life into these kimonos and incorporate them into modern life in the form of bags, clothes, etc., thereby balancing the inheritance of Japanese traditional culture with practicality. I myself have had the opportunity to interact with people with disabilities through volunteer activities, and I realize the importance of them having a place to work and contribute to society. Since our company also wanted to work on providing employment support for people with disabilities, I sympathized with Re:ADY B's thoughts and thought that I could help them even if just a little.
Company name: One or Eight Co., Ltd. Representative: CEO Masashi Hara
"Through recycling, we can become a bridge between those who don't need it and those who do."
URL: https://1-or-8.com/company/
▶︎Recycle Shop One or Eight
We are accepting requests to purchase unwanted furniture, bicycles, musical instruments, audio equipment and tools, home appliances, brand-name goods, old liquor, mobile phones (smartphones), second-hand goods, antiques, etc.
〒731-0138 Hiroshima Prefecture Hiroshima City Asaminami Ward Gion 3-24-33
Toll free number: 0120-574-108 (reception hours 9:00-17:00)
TEL: 082-555-9907
Business hours: 11:00-17:00
Store closed: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and public holidays (may be closed temporarily for purchasing and delivery)
