Exploring Fashion Education: 20 Ways to Engage with SDGs in 2026

Explore Fashion Education: Engaging with SDGs in 2026

The concept of Fukuiku, proposed by Chikuma Co. Ltd., emphasizes the cultivation of a rich mindset through clothing. This year, the company is hosting the 30th Fukuiku Lab Seminar titled "Current Status of SDGs Towards the Future" in a hybrid format, allowing participants to join either in person or via Zoom. The seminar is scheduled for July 31, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM, at AP Innogate Osaka, Room J.K. Accessible to all with prior registration, the event is free, aiming to shed light on the ongoing efforts towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as we approach the countdown to 2030.

The SDGs, adopted in 2015, outline a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future. Despite increased recognition over the years, questions remain about how far we have come in addressing these ambitious goals. The seminar will explore where we currently stand and what the future may hold beyond 2030, especially in relation to the world of fashion and clothing, emphasizing their role in sustainability.

The program promises valuable insights, featuring talks from distinguished speakers:

1. Takafumi Matsui from Osaka University's Graduate School of Engineering will discuss the evolution from MDGs to SDGs and future prospects.
2. Nana Urakami from the United Nations Regional Development Centre will share insights on 'visualizing' actions to promote SDGs at a local level.
3. A presentation on the Kansai SDGs Youth Action 'Chikuma Award' by Gojo High School's Business Club will highlight their project addressing clothing waste issues.
4. Naohiro Nakamura, Team Leader of the Environmental Promotion Office at Chikuma, will present their company’s efforts in sustainable uniforms, showcasing how businesses can actively contribute to SDGs.
5. Sho Nakahira, a designer from Chikuma's Uniform Business Division, will also participate in discussions, focusing on the integration of sustainability into corporate practices.

The seminar seeks not only to inform but also to inspire a wide range of stakeholders—from educators and students to professionals and the general public—to consider their role in contributing to a more sustainable world through fashion and beyond. As part of a broader initiative, Chikuma also promotes 'Fukuiku', a program that develops social understanding regarding issues like communication, manners, environmental awareness, and international diversity through clothing. Initiated in 2004, Fukuiku aims to prepare individuals to face challenges with an enriched mindset.

Founded in 1903, Chikuma Co. Ltd. has long been a key player in the textile industry, dealing with business uniforms, school uniforms, and fabric products. The establishment of the Environmental Promotion Office in 1995 marked a significant commitment to eco-friendly practices, and in 2004, they became the first company nationally certified under the Wide-area Certification System for environmental initiatives. Noteworthy achievements include receiving recognition from the Minister of the Environment in 2007, winning the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award in 2009, and launching joint recycling programs with local governments.

Chikuma's 'Recycle System' aims to ensure that uniforms do not become waste, promoting a circular economy within the industry. In partnership with Kitakyushu city, they have managed to recycle over 27 million clothing items through their innovative 'used clothing collection and recycling program.'

For those interested in attending the seminar, further details and registration options are available on the Chikuma official website. This initiative not only aligns with pressing environmental goals but also encourages collective action towards a sustainable future, advocating the essential connection between education, community involvement, and fashion.

Let us come together to reflect on our current status regarding SDGs and imagine the possibilities for a sustainably minded future, all while educating the next generation about the importance of their choices in fashion and consumption on a global scale.

For inquiries, contact:
Chikuma Co., Ltd., Campus Division FukuikuNet Research Institute
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 06-6222-3511
Fax: 06-6222-3614

Explore more about Chikuma and their commitment to sustainability:
Chikuma Website
Chikuma Recycle System
Fukuiku Initiative

Join us in rethinking our role in sustainability through fashion education and beyond!