#Japan #Shinjuku #Repair Cafe #Pal System #Nonbiru Magazine

Embracing a Life of Sustainability with Nonbiru Magazine's New Issue

The Pal System Cooperative Union, headquartered in Shinjuku, is excited to announce the start of orders for the May and June issue of their unique lifestyle magazine, Nonbiru, beginning April 20. This issue continues the popular theme of 'mending lifestyles' from their September and October 2025 issue, highlighting heartwarming initiatives that promote a sustainable approach to living without discarding items unnecessarily.

Celebrating the Art of Repair: Repair Cafes and Swap Events

The feature topic for this issue is 'A Life of Passing and Receiving'. It aims to bring joy to the process of repairing and rejuvenating items that may seem disposable. Readers will find inspiring showcases of projects that creatively repurpose old umbrellas into unique fabric creations, as well as details about local Repair Cafes where volunteers and experienced individuals assist others in fixing their belongings. Additionally, there will be reports on clothing and toy exchange events for children, fostering a culture of sharing and creative sustainability.

In a bid to enhance this sense of community, Nonbiru also includes an article on embroidery workshops taught by Ukrainians living in Japan. These workshops not only educate participants about the intricacies of embroidery, regardless of skill level, but also serve as a platform for international exchange and cultural appreciation.

Honoring 20 Years of Nonbiru: Revival of Timeless Articles

As Nonbiru approaches its 20th anniversary in the fall of 2026, the magazine will revive select articles from its archived editions, hoping to reengage readers with nostalgic yet relevant content. This month, it revisits a series of picture books created through collaboration among illustrators from Japan, China, and Korea, focusing on themes of peace—particularly timely given the current global tensions. These stories reflect a shared hope for harmony and understanding across borders.

A Space for Action: Highlighting Young Voices

In the 'Actions for Tomorrow' section, this issue will spotlight a one-day cafe staffed by young individuals who stutter, promoting a better understanding of disabilities and providing them with the opportunity to pursue their dreams of service. This initiative aims to create more spaces throughout the country where such dreams become accessible realities.

Nonbiru: A Resource for Empowerment and Connection

Nonbiru is not just a magazine; it’s a living testament to the ethos of maintaining individuality and vibrancy throughout life, and the importance of helping one another in times of need. It serves those who strive to tackle diverse community issues by highlighting efforts to collaborate and understand one another, fostering rich connections in our society. The magazine provides insightful tips to address daily challenges and encourages readers who aspire to be of service to others.

To enhance the experience, subscribers can order the magazine alongside grocery deliveries, enjoying the insightful content of Nonbiru every two months.

Nonbiru May and June Issue Overview

• - Publisher: Pal System Cooperative Union
• - Release Date: May 18, 2026
• - Format: B5 size, 52 pages

Article Highlights

• - Title: Reimagining Defunct Umbrellas (by HOUKO, Kesennuma City, Miyagi)
• - Feature: Ukrainian Embroidery Workshop — Creating 'Lushinic' Together (By JPAKRAIANY)
• - Spotlight: Zero Waste Shop VIOLETTI (Nerima, Tokyo)
• - Initiative: Free Exchanges of Baby & Kid's Items (Hand-Me-Down, Suginami, Tokyo)

Ongoing Series

• - Nonbiru Interviews, Actions for Tomorrow, My Peace and This Image, and Essays (by prominent contributors)

For those interested in subscribing or ordering, visit the Pal System online order page where registration is required.

Order Number: 190608

Items are also available through 10 co-ops in the Pal System Group in metropolitan Tokyo, other prefectures, or at various bookstores and centers across the region.

As it continues to be a crucial element in connecting communities, Pal System promises to deliver both essential goods and information that enrich lives and promote sustainability.