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Japan Sustainable Repair Association (JSRA): A Step Towards Sustainable Living

On July 4, 2026, the Japan Sustainable Repair Association (JSRA) was officially established as a general incorporated association, marking this date as "Fashion Repair Day." The mission of JSRA is to foster a culture of repairing clothes, shoes, and bags, thereby encouraging the continued use of these items and significantly contributing to the values associated with the repair and refurbishment industry in pursuit of a circular economy.

The Background Behind JSRA’s Creation

In Japan, a significant portion of clothing discarded from households ends up in landfills. The government has set an ambitious target to reduce the volume of discarded clothing by 25% by 2030, compared to the year 2020. The Ministry of the Environment has been advocating for proper care and repair of existing clothing as a necessary action we can take to promote sustainability.

However, the repair and refurbishment industry faces numerous structural challenges, including a decentralized network of small-scale businesses, a shortage of skilled labor, and stagnation in the transmission of techniques. Despite the urgent need for repair services amidst the rise of fast and casual fashion trends, opportunities to "repair and reuse" have been diminishing. Unfortunately, repair work is often inadequately represented in policy and statistics, hindering the establishment of a resilient industry.

To address these issues, JSRA aims to elevate repair and refurbishment to a proudly recognized industry, creating a nationwide practical platform where businesses, brands, governments, educational institutions, and consumers can collaborate effectively.

Vision and Mission of JSRA

JSRA's vision is clear: "Cultivating a Culture of Repair for the Future — Transforming Repair into a Proud Industry.” The organization is focused on enhancing technical, human, quality, and systemic foundations to promote the repair and remodeling industry, thereby contributing to sustainable living and a circular society.

Four Pillars of JSRA

JSRA is built on four foundational pillars, summarized by the motto: "Polish. Nurture. Connect. Expand." These pillars represent JSRA's commitment to implementing the principle of "repairing and continuing to use."

1. Polish: Standardization and Quality Assurance of Techniques
JSRA seeks to establish evaluation criteria for repair quality, construction standards, terminology definitions, and certification marks, ensuring a reliable environment where consumers can confidently choose to repair.

2. Nurture: Promotion of Human Resource Development and Education
Through skills certification systems and educational programs in conjunction with schools, JSRA aims to raise the social standing of technicians and create pathways for younger talent to enter the industry.

3. Connect: Policy and Cross-Industry Collaboration
Acting as the official representative for the repair industry, JSRA will promote collaborations with the government, educational institutions, commercial facilities, and associated businesses to tackle common industry challenges.

4. Expand: Advocacy and Cultural Development
JSRA will use events, media, and social networks to disseminate the repair culture and spread the behavior of "repairing and continuing to use" throughout society.

Member Companies at Establishment

At its inception, JSRA was constituted with key companies taking significant roles as directors, auditors, and secretariat members, including:

• - Oshare Kobo Co., Ltd.
• - An Coton Co., Ltd.
• - Applause Co., Ltd.
• - Tokyo Sewing Co., Ltd.
• - Reform Studio Co., Ltd.
• - BPLab Co., Ltd. (Secretariat)

The Secretariat Structure

Coordinated by Oshare Kobo, Reform Studio, and BPLab, the secretariat will handle the management of the association, member relations, and public relations efforts.

Future Activities

Starting after its establishment, JSRA will initiate committee activities focused on technology, human resources, policy, and public relations. This will facilitate the proliferation of the repair culture and the establishment of a robust repair industry. An event centered on repair and refurbishment is planned to coincide with the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Promotion Month" in October 2026. In due course, JSRA will also recruit full members, primarily comprising repair businesses, as well as supporting members that align with the goals of a circular economy.

Future Schedule

Specific future schedules will follow, with initiatives planned for broadening the impact of the association in various fields related to repair.

Comments from the Representative Director

"Repairing isn't merely about fixing broken items; it's about maintaining the memories and affections of the user, supporting a lifestyle where things are cherished and used for longer. The repair industry is vital for our future society, but we face challenges such as an aging workforce, a lack of successors, and vague quality standards that are difficult to address alone. JSRA provides a platform for repair businesses to come together, sharing resources and expertise to create a supportive environment around technology, human capital, systems, and culture. We aim for a society where 'repairing and continuing to use' becomes the norm for everyone, working together with our members to promote repair culture and develop this industry."

— Takahashi Minoru, Representative Director of JSRA

Overview of Japan Sustainable Repair Association