I feel that the paths of typhoons have changed dramatically over the last 15 years or so.

About 15 years ago, I worked in Tokyo for a short period of time, and my home was on the other side of the Tama River.
I heard that a typhoon was going to hit the Kanto region, which was rare at the time.
Even though I was working under a really scary, demonic boss and had incredibly hard work, I declared that I was going home because a typhoon was coming. If the typhoon came, I wouldn't be able to get over the Tama River.
At that time, the lowest ranking employee made the outrageous claim that people in the Kanto region can be so relaxed because they don't know how scary typhoons are, and that they're actually underestimating typhoons by not preparing even though they're not used to them! Everyone go home! It was accepted, and it seemed true that if someone from Kyushu said so, it must be true, so everyone left work early that day.
(It turned out to be nothing serious, and I got some cold looks the next day.)
I'm getting off topic, but back then, typhoons rarely hit the Kanto region directly. Now, I feel like they hit more often than Kyushu.

I've heard a lot about the abolition of plastic bags and the problem of plastic waste in the ocean, but the only changes I've actually noticed are the paths and size of typhoons. I also think that summers have gotten hotter than they used to be.
Having grown up in a world that has gone from an inconvenient era to becoming increasingly convenient at an incredible speed, I was unable to fully see global issues as something that affected me personally.
I mean, we went from black telephones to smartphones... it's amazing. So, in the end, I think I was aware that as long as I was alive, everything would be fine. I lived my life as if it was someone else's problem.

However, after giving birth to my child, I finally began to think of it as my own problem, even if only a little, and I wanted to reduce my children's anxiety about their future.
It's really just a little bit.

Changing the subject, I've always liked old things.
Ever since I was in elementary school, I've loved the old-fashioned clothes my mother wore when she was young.
But there are many things that are unusable and old.
So remaking has always been something I've been familiar with. Not because I thought it was fashionable or anything, but because I loved it and found it fun.
I was also fascinated by the appeal of remade items, which are unique and one-of-a-kind, even down to the fabric level.

This may be a bit of a bold statement, but it's the precious Earth and my favorite good old things.
Recently, I've realized that it's possible to have both.
However, while I think it is necessary to be considerate of the environment and other issues, it takes more effort and money than using something new from the start, and if that makes the product less appealing, I don't think there's any need to make it.
I decided that I could make something better than using new materials, so I started Shoeface. Fabric = the charm of old things. That was the first thing.
We take it a step further and take attractive items, not just old ones, that can no longer serve their original purpose and reinvent them by taking advantage of their good qualities and increasing their value.
Rather than simply recycling or remaking, the company has focused on "upcycling" and has created shoelaces using old scarves, kimonos, and their fabric.

And so,
First, to make something good.
Next, as an approach to completing a good product, we consider whether it is environmentally friendly, and if that is not possible, we decide not to make it.
I value that kind of thinking.

Recently, while I was searching for ways to take the brand a step further, my first motivation, "making good things," was suddenly met with my new line of African fabric, "Kitenge."

First of all, I was captivated by the charm of the print! What a lovely and unique use of colour.
You can definitely make something good!

But what about the environment and the planet? It's not just that there are no problems, but are there any benefits?
The appeal of the material is no less than the good old things I love, but the next criterion for moving forward is whether it adds value in relation to global issues.
...Oh! I was planning to purchase this item, and I found out they're focusing on the SDGs!
So, we have met the criteria for deciding whether to proceed or not! But it's all up to the supplier!

I think it's really important to be able to cooperate without having to leave everything to someone else. You could call it lucky sustainability.
Wouldn't it be great if you could buy something you want and then contribute to the SDGs?
This is not just a way of thinking when I create something,
For example, I think this feeling can be shared by people who have purchased shoeface not because they were particularly conscious of the environment, but because they were attracted to it as a purely fashion item.

As I mentioned earlier, I am a person with extremely low awareness of environmental issues.
I only put it out because recyclable waste and garbage collection is carried out at the local level and at the nursery school my child goes to.
The only other thing I do is change the detergents I normally use to more environmentally friendly ones, which is a no-brainer.
As for things other than the environment, I occasionally donate money or take unwanted clothes to collection points, and that's about it.
I can only do things that are easy to do. But maybe this is not the right way to do it.
However, I think it's important to consider that it's precisely because it's easy that we can take on the challenge and continue.
So, this may sound a bit rude, but even if you are not very conscious of it like me, just by "buying what you like" as an action,
As a result, I am able to get involved in these issues, even if only a little.
It also gives you an opportunity to face and think a little.
Or, when someone who already has a strong sense of awareness of a problem wants this product, we can properly support that awareness.
I hope to become a brand that can provide that kind of help and support.

So, that was a long introduction, but we have started planning a new line using African fabrics with amazing patterns and backgrounds!

The only question left is whether it can be produced.
The fabric is very stiff and has a lot of starch.
But after washing it becomes softer and the texture becomes even better!
However, when I apply heat, the glue remains and the fabric becomes stiff again, so I can't use an iron.

We also tackled many other small but important issues one by one, and although I'll skip over the details, we were finally able to start production.

Like the scarf fabric, this is also carefully made by domestic artisans.
Although it may seem easy to sew, it can sometimes take more effort than a scarf.
In addition, the price is also higher simply because the fabric is more expensive than other lines! Sorry.
We wash the products thoroughly before production, but due to the characteristics of the fabric, there is a possibility that the color may fade or transfer.
The texture of the fabric varies depending on the print pattern, so some items may remain slightly stiff even after washing.

But it's really cute.
Patterns and colors not found in Japan. Just happy.

The African fabric we use is Kitenge, one of the most beloved print fabrics in East Africa.
It is made of sturdy 100% cotton material.
It is said to be a fabric closely related to everyday life in the region, used to make dresses, shirts, wrap skirts and miscellaneous accessories.

I've heard that this fabric is not regularly restocked and is rarely restocked.
Also, just like the kimono fabric series, even if they are made from the same patterned bolts of cloth, the appearance can be completely different depending on where the fabric is used, the shoes worn by the wearer, the width of the wearer's feet, etc.
Therefore, just like scarf and kimono fabrics, you can enjoy the value of each unique item.

Please check out shoeface's new line, African Kitenge!

Kitenge shoelace list