#Japan #Sustainable Fashion #Tokyo #clothing exchange #Onepiece

Embracing Sustainability with a Clothing Exchange Event in Tokyo

The Japanese apparel brand Onepiece, based in Kakogawa, Hyogo, is set to host a unique clothing exchange event in Tokyo from July 19 to 21, 2025. This initiative is designed to promote sustainable living by allowing individuals to swap their unwanted garments for new pieces. This is particularly vital as families are increasingly burdened by rising living costs and the demands of child-rearing.

The Context of the Event

This event is not just a clothing swap; it’s a response to the alarming rates of textile waste. In Japan, around 450,000 tons of clothing are either incinerated or sent to landfills annually. On average, each person buys about 18 pieces of clothing each year, discarding approximately 15 of those while accumulating up to 35 more that remain unworn. Particularly for parents, the financial strain from purchasing new clothes as children outgrow their sizes can be overwhelming. The clothing exchange creates an opportunity to develop a cycle where gently used garments are passed on, building community and fostering cooperation.

The transition from thinking of ‘discarding’ as ‘throwing away’ to ‘exchanging’ and ‘reusing’ is a pivotal shift. Starting with just one piece of clothing can be a significant step towards protecting our planet for future generations.

Event Details

Name: Clothing Exchange in Tokyo

Dates:

• - July 19-20, 2025 (Saturday to Sunday), 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

- Venue: Oi Racetrack, within the “Oi Racetrack Flea Market”
(2-1 Kachidama, Shinagawa, Tokyo)

• - July 21, 2025 (Monday, holiday), 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

- Venue: Daihatsu Summer Festival Market
(2-15-1 Tsukishima, Chuo, Tokyo)

Participation:

To join, bring one piece of clothing that you no longer need. You’ll be able to select a replaced item from those available at the venue. Please note that exchanges may be denied depending on the condition of the items.

Target Audience:

Open to the general public, especially families with children and those interested in SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

Exchange Fee:

550 JPY (including tax). Note that only various credit cards, electronic payments, and QR codes will be accepted; cash cannot be used.

Exchange Rules:

• - You can exchange as many pieces as you bring in.
• - Please select items to bring with the intention of 'passing on to a friend.'
• - You may bring a maximum of five items to take back, or up to ten if you follow our official Instagram account.
• - You can take back one item even without contributing.
• - Items not accepted include:

- Damaged items such as those with pilling, stains, or worn-out fabric
- Underwear, swimsuits, or any items that touch the skin directly, including uniforms
- Shoes

What is the Clothing Exchange?

The clothing exchange is a participative SDGs activity open to everyone. Our aim is to make sustainable initiatives accessible and manageable. By highlighting clothing that sits unused in wardrobes, we propose a new value in 'exchanging' rather than discarding.

Wearing a piece of clothing for an additional year can reduce waste by approximately 30,000 tons annually. Our motto, “Enjoy Sustainable Living,” underscores our commitment to supporting future possibilities through fashion.

Achievements as of March 2025

• - Total Participants: Approximately 48,000
• - Total Exchanges: 116,608 items (recycling rate: about 65%)
• - Weight of Collected Clothing: 26,776 kg
• - CO₂ Reduction: Approximately 2,973 tons (calculated based on emissions from one item, as referenced on the Ministry of the Environment's website)

For more information regarding the Clothing Exchange, please follow our official Instagram page at fukukokan.

Company Overview

Company Name: Onepiece Co., Ltd.
Location: 77 Sekicho, Beppu Town, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0127, Japan
CEO: Akiko Haruki
Established: March 15, 2005
Corporate Website: onepeace-net.com
Official Online Store: onepeace-online.jp
Official Note: note.com

About Onepiece Co., Ltd.

Our corporate concept is to create a world overflowing with happiness, joy, and inspiration in people's daily lives. Through the power of business and design, we aim to enhance the quality of life and instill a sense of joy in every person. We advocate for improvement across various fronts, including women's happiness, working conditions, community life, and familial ties. By innovating and promoting seemingly impossible initiatives, we strive to connect today's efforts to a brighter future for the next generation, spreading seeds of change throughout Japan and beyond.