BPLab Participates in the Establishment of the Japan Sustainable Repair Association to Promote Repair Culture

BPLab and the Japan Sustainable Repair Association: A Commitment to Repair Culture

On July 4, 2026, which has been designated as "Fashion Repair Day," BPLab Co., Ltd., headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, announced its involvement in the establishment of the Japan Sustainable Repair Association (JSRA). Under the leadership of Naoki Yashiro, BPLab is stepping forward as a key player in this initiative by contributing to the management, member support, communications, and corporate collaborations of the association.

The JSRA aims to cultivate a culture where citizens can "repair and continue to use" their everyday items such as clothing, shoes, and bags. Its overarching mission is to enhance the social value of the repair and alteration industry while contributing to the realization of a circular economy.

The Need for Repair Culture in Japan

In Japan, the issue of clothing waste has emerged as a significant societal concern, with the government aiming to reduce waste by 25% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels. The Ministry of the Environment advocates for consumers to take actions that promote proper care and repair of their clothing, emphasizing the importance of prolonging the life cycle of garments.

However, the repair industry faces numerous challenges, including fragmentation among small-scale businesses, shortages of skilled workers, and stagnation in technical transfer. Despite being crucial for society, the repair sector is not yet sufficiently recognized as a legitimate industry, highlighting the need for a supportive infrastructure encompassing technology, quality, human resources, and regulatory frameworks.

BPLab has been actively engaged in promoting a circular economy through initiatives such as the "BIOLOGIC LOOP" textile recovery and recycling platform and the "R-LOOP" circular collection boxes for clothing and miscellaneous goods, developed in collaboration with Book Off. These efforts are vital for establishing repair as a systemic entry point into a circular economy, enabling consumers to extend the lifespan of products by preventing them from being discarded.

Vision and Mission of JSRA

The JSRA sets forth a vision of "Carrying Forward a Culture of Repair for the Future. Making Repair a Proud Industry in Society." The association aims to enhance the promotion of the repair and remodeling industry through improved foundations in technology, human resources, quality, and regulations, contributing to sustainable living and the realization of a circular society.

Core Functions of JSRA

The core values of JSRA are summarized in the four pillars: "Polish. Grow. Connect. Expand." The association is committed to laying the groundwork for socially implementing the concept of "repair and continue to use."

Founding Members and Governance Structure

The founding companies consist of various organizations that will serve as directors, auditors, and administration entities, with BPLab taking on administrative responsibilities. Other key members include Oshare Koubou Co., Ltd., An Coton Co., Ltd., Aplause Co., Ltd., Tokyo Sewing Co., Ltd., and Reform Studio Co., Ltd.

Leadership Statements

Naoki Yashiro, the CEO of BPLab stated, "Repairing clothing, shoes, and bags is an essential infrastructure for utilizing resources effectively in our society. BPLab has been striving for textile recovery, resource recycling, and establishing circular schemes while making traceability visible. We will continue to bridge connections between repair service providers and corporations, municipalities, educational institutions, and consumers. The goal is to create a foundation where quality and skills are rightly recognized and offer an option for society to choose 'repair before discarding.' Our mission is to create a sustainable circular model that links repair with reuse and recycling."

Conclusion

The establishment of the Japan Sustainable Repair Association represents a significant step toward fostering a culture of maintenance and prolongation of the lifecycle of products in Japan. Through collaborative efforts and innovative initiatives, BPLab and its partners are committed to reshaping consumer behaviors, ultimately leading toward a more sustainable future.