Exploring New Work Styles at the Irotoa Collaboration Store in Harajuku

Introduction

Nestled in the backstreets of Harajuku, Tokyo, a new hub is emerging that embodies the theme of "Colors of Individuality, Sounds of Life." The Irotoa Collaboration Store serves as both a platform for conveying the brand's unique vision and as a registered workplace for individuals who face challenges in traditional employment due to disabilities or health issues. This facility promotes a new way of working while connecting individuals with both society and nature.

The Irotoa Collaboration Store: A Creative Intersection

The Irotoa store is located just a short walk from Harajuku Station, marked by its white walls and glass façade that invite the light in. Inside, visitors will find a kaleidoscope of artistic expressions, including dyed pieces, handmade accessories, illustrations, and photographs.

But this store is not just a retail space; it is a creative intersection where colors and sounds meet—elements that have rarely interacted before. Here, the diverse sensitivities of creators, customers, and supporters blend naturally in the vibrant atmosphere of Harajuku, cultivating new connections. The aim is clear: to empower users and stakeholders to express themselves through creation, service, and outreach, fostering their ability to live independently in society.

Understanding the Continuous Support B-Type Employment Program

The Continuous Support B-Type Employment Program is a welfare service designed for individuals with disabilities who find it difficult to engage in traditional work settings. This program includes around 15,000 locations across Japan, serving over 200,000 individuals as of the fiscal year 2022 (according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare).

Participants engage in work-related training and can earn compensation based on their contributions. While designed to help individuals acquire necessary job skills, the nature of the work often tends toward tasks that are repetitive and require minimal skill, resulting in limited opportunities for creativity or skill enhancement. The program targets those aged 18 and older with physical, intellectual, or mental disabilities or chronic illnesses, with service fees based on income, ranging from free to approximately 9,300 yen per month.

Current Challenges Faced by the Employment Program

Despite its historical role in providing workplaces for people in the community, the Continuous Support B-Type Employment Program faces several significant challenges:

1. Low Wages
The average monthly wage is around 15,000 yen, with a structure that makes it difficult to increase added value through outsourced light work or product sales.

2. Monotonous Tasks
Many tasks are limited to simple jobs, such as assembly or piecework, with few opportunities for creative or skill-building processes. This narrow scope restricts chances for individuals to gain new skills or experiences, inhibiting their future independence and career progression.

3. Limited Connections to Society
Many operations are confined within the facility, with limited interaction with the local community or mainstream market. As a result, the program often serves more as a safe space rather than a platform for growth and challenge, potentially stunting aspirations and creativity.

Irotoa's Innovative Vision

In response to these challenges, Irotoa is proposing a new model:

- High-Value Product Development

Irotoa leverages sensitivity to colors and sounds to create products that balance aesthetic appeal with practicality. Through partnerships with MATERIAL CROWN and the cultural essence of Harajuku, Irotoa aims to produce high-market-value items to enhance wage potential.

- Diverse Opportunities

Participants are involved in a range of activities beyond production, such as customer service, displays, social media management, and event planning—creating an environment that capitalizes on their strengths.

- Cultural Engagement

The store will host collaborative events with apparel brands, cafes, and artists, expanding opportunities for participants to connect with the external world and engage with their community.

Voices from Pre-Opening Events

During pre-opening events, participants expressed their joy and excitement:

- A 30-year-old male visitor noted, "I was thrilled to see my work displayed in the heart of Harajuku, and I believe it will attract passersby naturally."
- A student from a special support school shared, "I felt happy when a customer said 'thank you.'"

Irotoa's Aspirational Path Forward

The Irotoa Collaboration Store aspires to be a nurturing space where hidden desires and aspirations can blossom. It fosters small challenges that transform into confidence, enabling individuals to express their unique working styles and lifestyles. Irotoa aims to watch over and support the growth of these aspirations while guiding participants along their journey toward independence. The horizon ahead promises vibrant days filled with colors and harmonizing sounds.

A Message from Our Leadership

"Irotoa is a space where each person’s color and sound resonate together. Witnessing the smiles of those who have experienced this space has only reinforced my passion and mission to enhance it further."
— Takumi Tsukamoto, CEO of Taiyo Koubo Co., Ltd.

Grand Opening Information & Contact Details

Irotoa Collaboration Store

- Address: 3-21-16 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Start Date for Services: August 1, 2025
- Access: 8-minute walk from Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) takes the Takeshita Exit; 4-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae Station (Tokyo Metro) takes Exit 5.