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TASKI SHOESHINE: A New Dawn for Empowering Disabled Workers

In an inspiring move towards inclusivity, Start Line Inc., based in Mitaka, Tokyo, has introduced TASKI SHOESHINE, a unique service designed to employ individuals with disabilities as shoe shiners within corporate environments. This initiative falls under the broader TASKI umbrella, which seeks to create workspaces where people from diverse backgrounds come together to shine.

Understanding TASKI

The name 'TASKI' is derived from the practice of passing the baton in ekiden races, symbolizing the connection between people and the ideas they share. The vision behind TASKI is to establish a society where everyone can live authentically, bridging the gap between individuals and the community at large. With a mission to empower disabled individuals, Start Line combines its experience in disability employment support with the specialized skills of various professionals, creating roles that allow employees with disabilities to thrive in shared workspaces alongside their peers.

Since its inception, TASKI has launched various services, including TASKI COFFEE in June 2024 and TASKI BREAD in September 2025, forming partnerships with over 15 companies and establishing meaningful connections within the community.

Introducing TASKI SHOESHINE

TASKI SHOESHINE offers a vital service where disabled employees care for the leather shoes and sneakers of their colleagues, ensuring they are clean and polished. The tasks involved—cleaning, conditioning, and achieving a mirror shine—are straightforward and yield visible results, making it an ideal employment option for various disabilities.

In our busy lives, the care of our shoes often takes a back seat. However, maintaining clean footwear can significantly elevate one’s professional image and build trust with clients. By allowing individuals with disabilities to take on this responsibility, not only does it boost their self-esteem and confidence, but it also promotes workplace pride, leading to enhanced performance.

Wearing clean shoes, much like grooming hair or dressing well, is intrinsically linked to self-care and personal value. TASKI SHOESHINE not only provides a valuable service but also enhances employee satisfaction and supports corporate branding and values.

Detailed Tasks Involved

The responsibilities of employees in the TASKI SHOESHINE service include:

• - Cleaning, conditioning, and polishing shoes to a mirror finish
• - Selecting and implementing processes tailored to different types and materials of shoes
• - Managing a shoe shining counter, handling reservations, and overseeing the intake and return of footwear.

Initially, the focus will be on black and brown leather shoes and sneakers, with plans to extend training to include suede and patent materials within 6 months to one year.

Unique Features of TASKI

A distinctive aspect of TASKI is its ability to create employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the same environments as their colleagues. Companies can combine TASKI SHOESHINE with other services like TASKI COFFEE, fostering a unique atmosphere where employees can prepare for client visits over a coffee while enjoying shoe shining.

Anticipated Benefits

1. Increased Employee Satisfaction: Regular access to professional shoe shining improves overall workplace appearance and can enhance motivation. Observing skilled professionals with disabilities working diligently can foster greater understanding of diversity and inclusivity within the company culture.

2. Career Development: TASKI SHOESHINE offers structured employment with clearly outlined roles and a visible transformation process, allowing individuals with various disabilities to engage meaningfully in the workplace. The service also extends to customer interactions, allowing for skill development and promoting confidence in communication.

3. Confidence in Hiring: The TASKI model assists companies in the entire employment process, from recruitment to training and retention, with a holistic approach to supporting disabled workers. Using their expertise, Start Line strives to enhance self-management skills among employees with disabilities, ultimately promoting their job retention.

Partnership with BOOT BLACK JAPAN

A key collaboration has been established with BOOT BLACK JAPAN, led by master shoeshiner Yuya Hasegawa, a champion in the World Champion of Shoeshine event held in London in 2017. BOOT BLACK JAPAN aims to elevate the art of shoe shining and enhance the reputation of the profession.

The collaboration adds a layer of expertise to TASKI SHOESHINE, allowing disabled workers to learn high-level techniques and take pride in their craft. With BOOT BLACK JAPAN’s proficiency in providing technical guidance, this partnership opens up new opportunities for employment and skill acquisition for disabled individuals.

Contact Information for TASKI SHOESHINE

For inquiries, reach out to [email protected] (Attention: Kouzu)

About Start Line Inc.

Founded in 2009, Start Line employs evidence-based practices rooted in applied behavioral analysis and context-based behavior science to create inclusive workplaces. With a motto encouraging compassion for self and others, Start Line has expanded its service offerings to include customized training for companies and individuals seeking employment support for people with disabilities, striving to forge a society where everyone can live authentically.