LIB Introduces Community Currency eumo Across 11 Locations Nationwide

Ethical brand LIB, managed by Borderless Japan, is set to implement the community currency known as eumo across its 11 stores in Japan, starting February 19, 2026. This innovative payment method reflects LIB's commitment to sustainable consumer practices and community engagement.

What is LIB?

Founded in 2014 as Business Leather Factory, LIB aims to combine ethical principles with high-quality products. The brand operates its own factory in Bangladesh, providing stable employment for various vulnerable groups, including single mothers and individuals with disabilities. Currently, around 900 craftsmen work for LIB, with a total of 19 stores in Japan as of July 2025. The rebranding to LIB was implemented to emphasize the concept of “Life Is Borderless,” promoting mindful consumer choices that positively impact society and the environment. LIB’s leather goods are characterized by careful craftsmanship and a diverse range of colors, offering a selection of items such as business bags, shoes, wallets, and card cases tailored to everyday needs.

Background of eumo's Adoption

The collaboration between Borderless Japan and the non-profit organization eumo has strengthened through various events and activities. The decision to implement eumo is aligned with LIB’s core values, emphasizing not just product quality and design but also the relationships with people and the environment. The mission of creating job opportunities in Bangladesh and introducing repairable products aligns seamlessly with eumo's philosophy of “Turning savings into circulating money.” This approach resonates with LIB’s dedication to fostering “circular consumption” and nurturing relationships through purchasing decisions.

As a brand with physical stores across Japan, LIB is uniquely positioned to pioneer new economic practices within the daily shopping experience. The launch of eumo is not just a new payment method but an opportunity to create an economy where empathy and support circulate effectively.

How to Use eumo

Shoppers can recharge eumo through a dedicated app and can easily pay by scanning a payment-specific QR code available at LIB locations. Customers can choose to add a gift percentage ranging from 0% up to any specified amount to their payment, demonstrating their support for the participating brands and individuals. Beyond LIB, the eumo currency can be used at over 1,000 partner stores across the country, and it also allows for person-to-person transfers. The currency comes with a three-month expiration period to encourage circulation rather than accumulation, redistributing any unused funds based on user engagement. This system transforms consumption from a fleeting act into a means of cultivating ongoing connections and relationships.

The nationwide rollout will commence on February 19, 2026, with locations including Hakodate Tsutaya, Yaesu, Shinagawa, Nagoya, Namba in Osaka, Kobe Sannomiya, Motomachi in Kobe, Hiroshima Airport, Tenjin in Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Naha Airport.

Upcoming Online Event

To celebrate the introduction of eumo, LIB will host an online event featuring eumo representatives Kozo Takei and CEO Issei Taguchi. This interactive discussion will delve into themes such as “What does an economy based on empathy mean?” and “How much can ethical consumption transform society?” Everyone is welcome to join, making this a unique opportunity to rethink the dynamics of consumption and finance.

Event Details

- Date & Time: March 16, 2026, from 12:00 to 13:00
- Format: Online (via Zoom)
- Cost: Free (registration required)
- Signup URL: Event Registration

Representative Statements

Issei Taguchi, CEO of LIB, commented: “We aim to embody sincerity not only in our products but also in the relationships we build with people and the environment. Our commitment to long-lasting designs and repair mechanisms aligns perfectly with eumo’s philosophy of circulation rather than accumulation. Through this introduction, we're forging an engaging experience where empathy and support circulate through daily shopping.”

Kozo Takei, representative of eumo, expressed his enthusiasm for LIB's participation: “We at eumo aspire to shift the motivation of the economy from ‘profit-loss’ to ‘empathy.’ The products from LIB signify a deep-seated relationship between the producers and consumers, demonstrating honest craftsmanship.”

About Borderless Japan

Founded in 2007, Borderless Japan is dedicated to solving social issues through social business, operating over 50 initiatives across 14 countries. The company’s new purpose ‘SWITCH to HOPE’ aims to transform societal challenges into shared hopes. Achievements include prestigious awards like the Good Design Award.