Empowering Individuals: The New Irotoa Collaboration Store in Harajuku

Opening the Irotoa Collaboration Store

Irotoa, known for its inclusive culture and creativity, has opened a new collaboration store in the heart of Harajuku, committed to providing innovative employment support for individuals with intellectual, mental, and physical disabilities. This initiative focuses on respecting the unique characteristics and aspirations of each user, allowing them to work in an environment that fosters economic independence and social participation.

A Model for Employment Support

The Irotoa Collaboration Store is pioneering a new model of employment support that begins with thorough interviews with users, their families, and relevant support organizations. During these consultations, individual lifestyles, strengths, challenges, and personal interests are evaluated to create tailored support plans. These individualized plans go beyond merely assigning tasks; they clarify achievement goals, acquisition sequences, and evaluation methods as well.

The design philosophy ensures that every user starts with tasks aligned with their abilities, securing early successes that encourage step-by-step skill development. This approach nurtures not just skills, but also the unique 'colors' and 'sounds' individuals bring into the world.

Transformative Stories from Families

Improved Lifestyle

A family member stated, "Since my child started attending, their morning routine has become structured, and they even help with household chores. The joy in engaging in conversations with others has been a blessing."

Mental Health Consideration

Another family shared, "Even on days when my child struggles mentally, the team adjusts the work tasks and hours to fit their needs, allowing for continuous participation with no pressure."

Fostering Motivation

Parents appreciate that the tasks assigned revolve around their child's preferences, bringing a positive outlook to their daily activities. "Simply put, my child feels relevant and valued, which is inspiring to witness."

Pride in Achievement

One parent noted, "I’m immensely proud when I can share that my child is working hard. This experience has opened new horizons for our family. Hearing that customers appreciated my child’s creation filled us with pride."

Personal Growth

Feedback from families emphasized that more than the financial compensation, the sense of accomplishment and confidence gained through meaningful engagements has transformed their children. Their hidden 'colors' are beginning to shine vividly, and their 'sounds' resonate powerfully.

The Path to Independence

At the Irotoa Collaboration Store, caregivers encourage individuals to combine valuable tasks such as customer service, product creation, and event assistance, aiming to achieve above-average wages that surpass national averages. Base wages are estimated around 5,000-10,000 yen for short-term engagement and 15,000-30,000 yen for consistent attendance.

Adding to base wages, the incorporation of personalized skill development recognizes individual effort, further encouraging users to strive towards independence in their roles. Each daily effort slowly accumulates, eventually opening the door to new challenges and choices in life.

Irotoa’s Vision for a Supportive Community

Irotoa envisions that regardless of individual disabilities, everyone can express their unique colors and resonate their life’s sounds in the community. For Irotoa, self-sufficiency does not just mean doing everything alone, but rather choosing roles that reflect personal desires and engaging meaningfully with the community.

Respecting Individual Aspirations

At Irotoa, every task begins with the individual’s desire to try something new, expanding their skills through interests and accomplishments. The company emphasizes proactive engagement rather than passive participation.

Balancing Challenge and Support

By consistently planning opportunities for challenges, Irotoa creates a safe environment for users to attempt new tasks and learn from their failures, fostering psychological safety.

Creating Opportunities for Social Interaction

Irotoa is committed to providing platforms for individuals striving for independence to engage with social opportunities without reservation, treating small steps as vital progress. Each success leads to new steps forward.

Merging Culture and Welfare

Located in Harajuku, a nexus for fashion, art, and culture, Irotoa facilitates experiences that allow users to express themselves while participating socially. Working in such vibrant environments instills pride among participants and enhances their sense of belonging.

The Meaning of ‘Irotoa’ and its Harajuku Location

The name ‘Irotoa’ reflects the essence of individuality—‘iro’ meaning color, ‘oto’ meaning sound, and ‘a’ standing for abilities, ambitions, art, and vitality. Each person’s essence (‘color’) sheds light on their unique identity shaped by their life experiences, while their ‘sound’ embodies the rhythm of their existence.

Irotoa aims to facilitate moments where these elements harmonize, not only providing a workspace but a supportive community that empowers each individual’s distinctive color and sound. Situated in Harajuku, the store offers ample opportunities for users to feel like integral members of society, enhancing their confidence and self-worth.

Visit and Contact Information

The store is set to begin operations on August 1, 2025. For those interested, immediate usage is available post-contract. For more details, reach us at: