#Japan #Sustainable Fashion #BuySell Technologies #KIMONO #Ueda

Exploring the Sustainability of Kimono Fashion

A fascinating project has emerged at Ueda High School, located in Nagano Prefecture, where students are exploring the possibility of kimono becoming a sustainable fashion choice. BuySell Technologies, the company behind the reuse service "BuySell," has generously donated reusable kimono garments to the school, enabling students to investigate the discarded clothing issue while considering the role of kimono in modern fashion.

Background

The initiative was sparked by growing concerns over the global issue of clothing waste. The school's project, which is part of its Global Studies curriculum, encourages students to consider alternative fashion options. Second-year student Miyamoto and seven others took on the challenge of wearing kimono during school days to examine how this traditional attire could fit into their lives and impact their daily school environment.

In recent years, the number of individuals wearing kimono has significantly declined among the younger generation. BuySell Technologies recognized the importance of this initiative and provided twenty sets of necessary garments and accessories, facilitating a unique cultural experience for the students.

Project Details

From January 13 to 16, students dressed themselves in kimono, documenting their experiences over the four-day period. This provided a unique opportunity for them to reflect on the changes and challenges they encountered in their daily lives while embracing this ancient form of attire.

According to the feedback gathered from participants, several advantages and drawbacks of wearing kimono emerged:

Drawbacks of Wearing Kimono

• - Inexperience: Many students found themselves frequently bumping into objects due to the unfamiliarity of the clothing.
• - Incompatibility with modern accessories: Students faced challenges when trying to wear conventional backpacks and bags designed for Western clothing.
• - Difficulty in dressing: They expressed that while mastering the art of kimono dressing is desirable, resources and opportunities to learn are scarce.

Advantages of Wearing Kimono

• - Improved posture and confidence: Participants noted that wearing kimono led to better posture, which in turn positively influenced their confidence.
• - Diverse fashion possibilities: Through daily changes in hair and accessories, students discovered the vast array of fashion expression that kimono offers.

Reflection on Findings

Miyamoto summarized the findings by recognizing that while there are both inconveniences and benefits to wearing kimono, it holds the potential to become a contemporary fashion choice for those willing to engage with its unique characteristics. He noted that the versatility of kimono stands in stark contrast to fast fashion, revealing its potential as a sustainable alternative in the fashion industry.

The survey highlighted the lack of resources for learning kimono dressing, prompting Miyamoto to propose the creation of a booklet that consolidates information about kimono. The aim is to create more opportunities for engagement and to increase awareness around kimono among their peers through future initiatives.

BuySell Technologies’ Commitment

BuySell Technologies remains dedicated to supporting cultural sustainability and the preservation of kimono traditions for future generations. As a leader in the reuse business, BuySell connects unnecessary items with people in need, emphasizing the resurgence of kimono as an alternative to modern fashion that could contribute to sustainable practices in the industry.

Ueda High School

• - Name: Nagano Prefecture Ueda High School
• - Principal: Miwa Miyashita
• - Location: 1-4-32 Ote, Ueda City, Nagano, 386-8715
• - Website: Ueda High School

About BuySell Technologies

BuySell Technologies is a company with a mission to bridge the gap between people and valuable items through reuse. Operating comprehensive reuse services, they facilitate the cycle of buying and selling, primarily through home collection, and connect various items—ranging from kimono to stamps and branded goods—back into the market for those in need.

• - Company Name: BuySell Technologies Co., Ltd.
• - Chairman & CEO: Kohei Iwata, Kosuke Tokushige
• - Headquarters: PALT Building, 4-28-8 Yotsuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-0004
• - Corporate Website: BuySell Technologies
• - “Good Items, Sustainable Items” Project: Project Website