Japan Sustainable Repair Association (JSRA) established on July 4th, "Fashion Mending Day"

We are pleased to announce that the Japan Sustainable Repair Association (JSRA) was established as a general incorporated association on July 4th, 2026, "Fashion Mending Day." JSRA is an industry-wide organization aiming to foster a culture of "repairing and continuing to use" everyday items such as clothing, shoes, and bags, thereby contributing to the enhancement of the social value of the repair industry and the realization of a circular economy.

Participating Companies at Establishment (Directors, Auditors, Secretariat)

Background of Establishment

In Japan, a significant portion of clothing discarded by households is incinerated. The government has set a goal to reduce the amount of clothing discarded by households by 25% by 2030 compared to fiscal year 2020. The Ministry of the Environment also highlights the importance of extending the life of existing clothing through proper care and repair as one of the actions we can take.

On the other hand, the repair industry, which plays a crucial role in reducing such waste, faces numerous structural challenges, including the dispersion of small businesses, labor shortages, and stagnation in skill transfer. Furthermore, due to the increasing speed and casualization of fashion, opportunities to "repair and use" items are diminishing. Despite being a necessary presence in society, the mending industry is not adequately recognized in statistics or systems, and the foundational development of the industry has not progressed.

To change this situation, JSRA aims to develop the repair industry into one that can be proud of, and to build a nationwide, practical repair industry platform that connects businesses, brands, government agencies, educational institutions, companies, and consumers.

Our goal is to make "repairing and continuing to use" not a "special act," but a new societal norm. Through this realization, we will contribute to sustainable living and a circular economy.

JSRA's Vision and Mission

JSRA's vision is "To carry the culture of repairing and continuing to use into the future. To make mending a proud industry in society." We aim to contribute to the realization of sustainable living and a circular economy by developing the foundations of technology, human resources, quality, and systems, and by promoting the repair/reform industry.

Key Functions of the Association: Four Pillars

JSRA's values are "Polish. Nurture. Connect. Expand."

We will implement "repairing and continuing to use" by establishing the four foundations of technology, human resources, systems, and culture.

1. Polish | Standardization of Technology and Quality Assurance

We will develop evaluation criteria for repair quality, construction standards, terminology definitions, and quality assurance marks to create an environment where consumers can confidently choose repair services.

2. Nurture | Promotion of Human Resource Development and Education

We will create pathways for young talent to enter the field and enhance the social standing of technicians through skills certification systems, educational programs, and school collaborations.

3. Connect | Policy and Cross-Industry Collaboration

As the official point of contact for the repair industry, we will promote collaboration with government agencies, educational institutions, commercial facilities, and related companies to address common industry challenges.

4. Expand | Public Relations Activities and Culture Cultivation

We will disseminate the culture of repair through events, media, and social media, and promote the practice of "repairing and continuing to use" throughout society.

Participating Companies and Executive Structure at Establishment

The participating companies at the time of establishment will primarily consist of those serving as directors, auditors, and secretariat.

Founding Participating Companies

* OSHIRE KOUBOU Co., Ltd. * An.Coton Co., Ltd. * Applause Co., Ltd. * Tokyo Sewing Co., Ltd. * Reform Studio Co., Ltd. * BPLab Co., Ltd. (Secretariat)

Secretariat Structure

OSHIR KOUBOU Co., Ltd., Reform Studio Co., Ltd., and BPLab Co., Ltd. will collaborate to manage the association, handle member inquiries, and promote public relations.

Future Activity Plans

Following its establishment, JSRA will launch committee activities focused on technology, human resources, policy, and public relations promotion. Through collaboration with member companies and organizations, we will work to spread the culture of repair and establish the foundation of the repair industry.

We plan to hold an event centered on repair and mending in October 2026, coinciding with "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Promotion Month (Abbreviation: 3R Promotion Month)."

Furthermore, we will sequentially begin recruiting regular members, primarily consisting of mending businesses nationwide, as well as supporting members, which include companies, organizations, and individuals who agree with the realization of a circular economy.

Future Schedule

Comments from the Representative Director

"Repairing and mending is not just about fixing broken items. It is an industry essential for the future society that connects users' memories and affections, and supports a lifestyle of cherishing and using things for a long time.

On the other hand, there are challenges in the field, such as the aging of technicians, a shortage of successors, and the lack of quality standards, which are difficult to solve by individual companies alone. JSRA is a platform for businesses involved in mending to connect with each other and jointly establish the foundations of technology, human resources, systems, and culture.

We aim to create a society where "repairing and continuing to use" becomes an obvious choice for consumers, and together with our members, we will work to spread the culture of repair and develop the industry."

Minoru Takahashi, Representative Director, Japan Sustainable Repair Association

Overview of Japan Sustainable Repair Association