#Japan #Kumamoto #Factelier #DEAI #Craftsmanship Awards

DEAI Sewing Factory Wins Prestigious Award

In a noteworthy achievement for the Japanese apparel industry, the DEAI sewing factory from Kumamoto has clinched the top honor at the "CRAFTSMANSHIP AWARDS 2025." This unique event, hosted by the Made-in-Japan fashion brand Factelier, invites customers to vote for their favorite products and the factories behind them, thereby creating a bridge between the producers and the consumers.

The awards are part of an initiative aimed at countering the stark decline in domestically produced apparel, which now stands at a mere 1%. The event culminated in a ceremony held on October 3, 2023, at the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu during the "Manufacturing Culture Festival 2025," which saw around 30 apparel factories engage in discussions about the future of Japanese craftsmanship.

The CRAFTSMANSHIP AWARDS include categories like "Best Buy," where customers share which products they found most valuable, and "Best Gift," showcasing items chosen as perfect presents. The DEAI factory, which practices a unique method where each item is crafted by a single skilled artisan, won the coveted "Best Overall" award, reflecting consumer appreciation of their quality and craftsmanship.

Responses from the Winners

Toshihiro Idehi, the representative of DEAI, expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am genuinely surprised and thankful. Our factory operates with a small team of 14, where 11 members are dedicated to sewing, ensuring each piece is made with utmost care." He emphasized ongoing challenges in maintaining their production methodologies but is inspired by this recognition to continue exploring new avenues.

Also noteworthy was the achievement of TFC in Toyama, which won in the Best Buy category for their high-quality cotton dress polo shirts. Their representative, Shigeki Mori, remarked on the importance of recognition, especially as 2023 marks their 50th anniversary.

Why Customer Feedback Matters

Commenting on the significance of customer input, Factelier's representative, Toshio Yamada, shared the impactful words from various factory owners: "For many, this is the first time they feel acknowledged for their work." He mentioned how the event not only celebrates the factories but actively fosters a sense of community and motivation among the artisans.

The CRAFTSMANSHIP AWARDS aims to encourage factories by bringing customer feedback directly into their realm. As many factory owners indicated, positive reviews nourish motivation and validate their hard work. Factelier intends to continue this program in subsequent years, promoting Japanese craftsmanship on both local and international levels.

Looking Forward

As the fashion industry battles against diminishing domestic production, initiatives like these are vital for reviving interest and appreciation for Japanese craftsmanship. With the next award voting period scheduled for August 24-31, 2025, there is heightened anticipation on which factories will take home the honors next time.

For more details on the awards and the participating products, you can visit the dedicated page at Factelier CRAFTSMANSHIP AWARDS 2025.

Factelier, established in 2012, aims to promote and support domestic manufacturing, connecting consumers directly to factories and ensuring fair compensation for quality craftsmanship. As they continue this mission, customer interaction remains crucial, and they hope to amplify consumer voices in future endeavors.

Stay tuned for more updates as we look forward to another exciting year of craftsmanship recognition in Japan.