Hakuyosha Launches Its First Thrift Store in Kamakura to Reduce Textile Waste

Hakuyosha's Commitment to Sustainability

In a notable effort to tackle the pressing issue of textile waste, Hakuyosha Co., Ltd. is set to open its first thrift collection and purchase specialty store, COCOROMO ROOM, in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, on October 4, 2025. This initiative aims to provide a new avenue for customers to consign or recycle clothes they no longer wear, while offering a comprehensive range of services including cleaning and repairs to extend the lifecycle of beloved garments.

Background of the Initiative

The rise of the fast fashion era has led to a severe increase in clothing waste, which has become a significant environmental concern. Recognizing this crisis, Hakuyosha has made it its mission to assist customers in maintaining their cherished clothing longer through cleaning and repair services. By launching this thrift store, they plan to further contribute to the reduction of textile waste through a secondary market for used clothing. COCOROMO ROOM will not only focus on collection and purchase but also serve as a hub for community engagement through workshops aimed at fostering sustainable fashion practices.

Details of Operations

1. Thrift Purchase Services

Hakuyosha has partnered with Tinpan Alley Inc., the driving force behind the popular used clothing store RAGTAG, to evaluate and purchase garments that customers no longer wear. These garments will then be re-circulated in the market, giving them a second life and reducing landfill contributions.

2. Clothing Collection Initiatives

Working alongside ECOMMIT, based in Satsumasendai City, Hakuyosha will implement a collection service for unwanted clothing. These unsolicited items will undergo sorting before being redirected into reuse and recycling channels, ensuring they do not end up as waste.

3. Workshop Programs - Building Community Connections

To foster a deeper connection with local customers, COCOROMO ROOM plans to host regular workshops. These sessions will educate participants on proper care methods for their favorite outfits and guide them in upcycling unwanted clothing into new fashion items. Collaborating with local businesses during these workshops will integrate diverse viewpoints and further build a community-centric approach to sustainable fashion.

The Ethos behind COCOROMO ROOM

The name COCOROMO ROOM encapsulates Hakuyosha’s mission to responsibly connect clothing that customers once loved with individuals who can appreciate and wear them again. Rather than advocating for environmental initiatives as a burden, Hakuyosha aims to create enjoyable collective experiences promoting sustainability and create a space for collaborative efforts around fashion. Their mantra, “Connecting hearts, Continuation of garments,” underscores their dedication to the art of clothing-sharing within the community.

Grand Opening Details

- Store Name: COCOROMO ROOM
- Opening Date: October 4, 2025
- Operational Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed for lunch from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM)
- Closed Days: Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays (business open on the inaugural weekend of October 4th and 5th)
- Location: 2-10-21 Komachi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Lovearg Komachi
- Website: Hakuyosha

Future Developments

Hakuyosha envisions expanding the thrift purchase and unwanted clothing collection services into delivery channels and enhancing the reach of physical store locations. They also plan to utilize their excellent cleaning technology to restore clothing items that are difficult to reuse due to stains or damage, promoting their reintegration into sustainable fashion markets. This approach, starting from Kamakura, is poised to spearhead a cooperative project focused on sustainable fashion practices.