#Japan #Tokyo #NPO #CLOUDY #I'm NOT perfect

Embracing Imperfections: The 'I'm NOT perfect' Event

The concept of value in products often raises the question: who determines their worth? This March, the 'I'm NOT perfect' event returns for its fifth edition, encouraging attendees to rethink the significance of imperfect products at the Homunculus Garage Gallery in Ebisu. From March 20th to 22nd, guests can peruse and purchase items with visible imperfections and experiences, such as misaligned seams or incorrect sizing, which typically don't make it to retail. Notably, all proceeds from the event will benefit non-profit activities in Ghana, emphasizing a social mission.

Background of the Event

CLOUDY, which organizes the event, aims to resolve societal issues through shopping by creating jobs in Ghana, especially for women and disabled individuals. They've employed over 630 workers to produce fashion items, yet not every product meets quality standards due to imperfections. However, CLOUDY encourages us to see these deviations not as mistakes but rather as uniqueness. The philosophy behind 'I'm NOT perfect' advocates for accepting differences, thus fostering a kinder society towards both products and people.

What to Expect at the Event

1. Shopping Experience with Imperfect Products

Attendees will encounter products characterized by their 'imperfections.' Customers will have the autonomy to set their prices, creating a platform for them to engage with the concept of value directly. It’s designed to lead participants to consider what we deem valuable in products based on personal interaction and tactile experiences.

2. Introduce a Book that Changed My Values

Various individuals from fields such as sports, arts, business, food, and education will showcase books that have significantly altered their perspectives. This segment will feature both messages expressing the value derived from these texts and the opportunity to buy select titles on-site.

3. Book-Driven Value Relay

Collaborating with Value Books, the event will include the sale of second-hand books and a collection of donations from visitors to create a cycle of value through literature.

4. Unique Vegetables from Miyazaki

As part of CLOUDY's initiative to provide school lunches in Ghana, this section features unique, delicious vegetables sourced from Miyazaki Prefecture. While these vegetables may not conform to standard market aesthetics, they carry distinct flavors and help support an important cause.

This event serves as a dual exploration of knowledge acquisition from books and practical applications. Attendees are encouraged to reflect on the nature of value through diverse lenses, understanding that not everything that is labeled as 'defective' is devoid of potential. By re-examining worth, we open doors to prospective avenues and connections.

Personal Reflection

Yuto Doja, the founder of CLOUDY, reflects on his introduction to Ghanaian products years ago, noting that many were deemed 'B-grade' items. He emphasizes the emotional resonance he felt towards these imperfect goods, understanding that what society deems as 'out of standard' may embody charm and individuality. Through this event, he hopes to stimulate discussions surrounding the origins of value in our belongings.

Sales Outcome

All proceeds from the event will fund CLOUDY's operations in Ghana, directly affecting local communities and reinforcing the importance of ethical shopping.

Event Details

• - Date: March 20th to March 22nd, 2026
• - Time: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• - Location: Homunculus Garage Gallery, 3-22-8 Higashi, Shibuya, Tokyo

The 'I'm NOT perfect' event has support from various sponsors, including Ino Farm, Value Books, Meiji Co., and Homunculus.

For more updates, follow CLOUDY (@cloudy.tokyo) and NPO CLOUDY (@npo_cloudy) on Instagram.