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Ginza Eikokuya: A Legacy of Sustainability and Style

Ginza Eikokuya, a bespoke suit retailer based in Tokyo, has been at the forefront of garment recycling since 2015 through its partnership with JEPLAN, known for its BRING initiative. As part of its commitment to sustainability, the company has successfully maintained an impressive rate of collecting about 200 suits annually.

A Journey of Sentiment

The company has long recognized the emotional ties customers have with their suits, often shared through poignant stories. If you've ever been reluctant to part with a cherished suit—perhaps one worn during significant life events—you’re not alone. Customers frequently express their resistance to disposing of garments that carry such memories. For some, it’s their loved ones' suits that leave a lasting imprint. Customers share tales like, "I wore this suit during the most important business negotiation of my life," highlighting the sentiment embedded in these garments.

This emotional connection led Ginza Eikokuya to gracefully handle suits that have served their time, resonating with the founder's vision of delivering reliable attire at life's important moments. In 2015, this philosophy found its match in the FUKU-FUKU Project, the precursor to BRING, forging a path toward sustainability.

Continuing Commitment: Suits to Auto Parts

Over the recent months, from December 2024 to June 2025, Ginza Eikokuya has stabilized its collection rate to 100 suits every six months. This demonstrates not just a number in recycling, but a testament to the heartfelt wish of 5,000 customers to not let go of their treasured suits. Each piece embodies a story, connecting memories and experiences.

Collected suits undergo a meticulous recycling process via JEPLAN's supply chain. Notably, wool suits are repurposed into fibers for automotive interiors, breathing new life into materials that might otherwise remain unused. Customers often express gratitude for this initiative, stating, “If Ginza Eikokuya recommends it, I trust it,” reflecting the added value this service brings to their suit ownership experience.

Towards a Truly Sustainable Society

In response to the growing concern over waste in the fashion industry, Ginza Eikokuya's product disposal rate stands at an astonishing 0.1%, with many clients preserving their suits for over two decades. Under the leadership of the third-generation president, Eiki Kobayashi, the brand promotes a unique vision of “human sustainability,” emphasizing the responsibility to create a work environment where employees not only thrive but also experience a sense of achievement.

With an average annual salary of 5.25 million yen in 2024, outstripping the apparel industry average, and an impressive average tenure of 23 years—significantly higher than the general average of 13.6 years for publicly listed companies—Ginza Eikokuya showcases its leadership. The company has maintained a zero turnover rate among employees with less than three years of service, attesting to the supportive atmosphere cultivated through ongoing evaluation and mentoring.

As they advance, their dual focus on garment resource circulation through BRING and ensuring a sustainable workforce aims to preserve the technical expertise of skilled artisans and stylists for future generations. Ginza Eikokuya is dedicated to fostering a true circular economy in which garments, human skills, and societal wealth are interconnected.

About Ginza Eikokuya

Founded in 1940, Ginza Eikokuya has established itself as a trusted name in bespoke suits. The brand prides itself on three essential pillars that set it apart:
1. A dedicated stylist team proficient in understanding client needs.
2. Technicians dedicated to personalized fitting, adjusting suits as needed.
3. A nurturing environment for young talent to refine their skills at the full bespoke tailoring workshop.

Their dedication to precision crafting allows the creation of perfectly fitted suits that cater to each client's unique physique, integrating nuances that mass-produced garments fail to capture. By separating customer service and fitting roles, the company ensures each sphere is handled with expertise.

At Ginza Eikokuya, a complimentary bespoke experience is offered, allowing potential customers to engage with bespoke services without the pressure to order, thereby avoiding the common apprehension surrounding pricing.

Furthermore, the collection includes elegant accessories that enhance any outfit, reflecting Ginza Eikokuya's enduring commitment to quality and timeless style.

In its 80-year journey in Ginza, Ginza Eikokuya is not just another men's clothing store; it embodies a fusion of tradition and innovation, elevating the wearer's dignity and confidence.

The Vision of President Eiki Kobayashi

Eiki Kobayashi, who assumed the presidency at just 28, is an influential figure in the realm of traditional businesses. Born in Tokyo in July 1981, he graduated from Keio University and joined Ginza Eikokuya in 2006. Under his leadership, significant attention has been drawn to strategic management and mentoring emerging leaders.

Kobayashi also serves as a guest lecturer in organizational theory at prestigious institutions such as Hitotsubashi University and Meiji University, sharing insights beyond merely preserving a legacy but fostering the next generation of leaders.

Conclusion

The innovative spirit of Ginza Eikokuya, paired with its dedication to sustainable practices and community building, continues to resonate strongly. As they craft bespoke garments steeped in history and carry stories forward, they also weave a future filled with potential and promise, one suit at a time.