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Embracing the Art of Repair in Nonbiru's September-October Issue

Starting August 18, 2025, the Pal System Cooperative Association will begin accepting orders for the September-October edition of their informative magazine, Nonbiru, which tackles community and lifestyle challenges. This issue is centered around the theme of mending and continues to promote a lifestyle where cherished items, such as clothes and utensils, are repaired instead of discarded. It shines a light on individuals who passionately embrace the joy of mending by giving new life to old materials.

The Delight of Darning and Kintsugi

In this issue, Nonbiru explores the theme of “living through mending.” Given the pressing global issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and rising prices, the magazine illustrates how people are shifting towards repairing items instead of throwing them away. The articles include traditional European techniques like “darning” for clothing repair, and “kintsugi,” a method involving lacquer filling and metallic powder finishing for ceramic items.

Additionally, it highlights initiatives that repurpose old cotton clothes, sheets, and towels into industrial cleaning cloths, providing sustainable solutions to a modern problem. The lifestyle of mending brings not only environmental benefits but also a sense of satisfaction and connection to one’s belongings. Through discussions on recycling and remaking old materials, the issue emphasizes the connections fostered through these activities.

Personal Reflections on Mending

The issue also features an essay by a journalist reflecting on their personal experiences repairing a torn curtain in the room they shared with their late mother. This narrative coincides with the overall theme, capturing how mending offers a restorative process both emotionally and practically. The writer shares how focusing on sewing helped them detach from the screen's distractions, drawing a stark contrast to today’s digitally connected lifestyle.

Strengthening Community Through Support

Popular segments such as “Nonbiru Interviews” and “Actions for Tomorrow: Moving People” spotlight organizations committed to supporting individuals with disabilities while fostering community connections. In one interview, a café run by a group supporting these individuals, open just one day a week, is featured. Another organization provides swimming classes tailored to the unique needs of each participant, showcasing their dedication to inclusivity and empowerment.

A Magazine for a Brighter Future

Nonbiru aims to inspire those striving for a fulfilling, self-sufficient life and those who believe in mutual assistance during tough times. It highlights individuals facing various local challenges and promotes collaborative efforts that foster rich community ties. The magazine serves as a resource for those looking for solutions to daily life problems and for people eager to make a positive impact in their communities.

By placing orders for the magazine alongside their delivery products, readers can subscribe to this bi-monthly publication.

The Pal System is committed to connecting communities not just through staple food products and household essentials, but also by disseminating valuable information designed to foster community engagement.

Overview of the September-October Issue of Nonbiru: "Mending Life: Clothes, Utensils, and Memories"

• - Publisher: Pal System Cooperative Association
• - Release Date: August 18, 2025
• - Specifications: B5 size, 52 pages

Featured Articles:

• - “Mend Instead of Discard: Darning as a Quiet Activism” by Aya Darning (Tokyo)
• - “Generous and Inclusive: The Tama Kintsugi Group” (Tokyo National City)
• - “Mending Memories, Stitching Nostalgia” by Chie Gyoji (Kyoto Shimbun Reporter)
• - “Hello Again! Greetings from the Aiai Workshop” (Iwaki City, Fukushima)
• - “Remake, Inherit, and Utilize” - the general incorporated association Sozaikuru (Chofu City, Tokyo)

Popular Series:

• - Nonbiru Interviews, Moving People, My Peace and This One Page, Serialized Essays (by Suu Mizuno, Tomoko Saotome, Setsu Uchiyama, Tetsuro Irohi, Akiko Suzuki), and more.

For those interested, the Pal System's order page requires registration for online orders.

Additional Information:

• - Delivery Number: 190608

The publication is available through the Pal System’s 10 cooperatives across 12 prefectures, the internet platform, the Agricultural Book Center in Kanda, and at the Junkudo Bookstore in Ikebukuro.

As 2025 marks the International Year of Cooperatives, the Pal System Cooperative Association remains dedicated to its mission of supporting community life, connecting people, and promoting sustainability through their initiatives.