Setouchi Mirai Design Inc. (Head office: Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture; CEO: Noda Karin; hereinafter referred to as "Setouchi Mirai Design") is pleased to announce that it will begin collaborating with TocoLabo LLC (Head office: Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture; Representative Director: Kanazawa Moe; hereinafter referred to as "Tocolabo"), a company in Tsuda, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture that operates rental space, upcycling businesses, and local events, to procure kimonos and obi. This will be a new development for "Re:ADY B," the company's 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 are lying dormant throughout Japan. Through this collaboration, we aim to accelerate the resolution of the following social issues by collecting traditional materials from within Hiroshima Prefecture.
- Solving the problem of kimono waste
We will contribute to reducing the amount of clothing waste generated annually, estimated at 500,000 tons, while preserving Japanese culture through upcycling and promoting the creation of a sustainable society. - Employment support for people with disabilities <br>In cooperation with Type B business operators that provide continuous employment support, we have achieved a fair payment system based on the results of work. We provide the joy of working and the opportunity to improve skills.
- Inheriting and promoting Japanese culture
In cooperation with Tokorobo, we will collect kimonos and obi from within Hiroshima Prefecture and promote products that combine tradition and modern design both domestically and internationally. - Reforming women's work styles : All of the core members of "Re:ADY B" are women raising children. As life events such as marriage and childbirth can affect women's careers, we are promoting flexible work styles that fit each individual's lifestyle as a reform of work styles for women.
Future outlook
Through this collaboration, Setouchi Mirai Design aims to expand the "Re:ADY B" project and increase brand recognition 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 Mirai Design CEO Karin Noda
This collaboration marks a new step in connecting Japan's beautiful culture with the world. By strengthening our procurement system, we will further expand the ethical initiatives that Setouchi Mirai Design has cultivated, and while solving social issues in Japan, we will create a sustainable society that will lead to the future.
Contact Information
Setouchi Mirai Design Co., Ltd. Contact: Noda Email: info@readyb.store
Phone: 090-4806-5727