Chiba University of Commerce Renewed as Fair Trade University

The Japan Fair Trade Forum (FTFJ), which manages the Fair Trade University and Town certification program, has officially renewed the Fair Trade University certification for Chiba University of Commerce.

At Chiba University of Commerce, student groups, notably the 'CUC Ethical Student Club,' conduct continuous and practical Fair Trade advocacy, including participation in the Million Action Campaign, film screenings, hosting Fair Trade cafes, and exhibiting at university festivals. Additionally, their collaborative efforts with Chiba City and local community organizations, such as conducting workshops at kindergartens, continue to expand.

Furthermore, the university implements advanced initiatives that blend education, practice, and community collaboration, such as the course 'Project Practice 3C Lecture: Ethical Lecture—What is Fair Trade?' and the use of Fair Trade ingredients at the student-operated 'Student Venture Cafeteria, Tonari.' The university's overall commitment to Fair Trade, including offering Fair Trade coffee in campus cafeterias and utilizing Fair Trade cotton and banana paper products, was highly commended.

FTFJ remains committed to promoting Fair Trade, working alongside Chiba University of Commerce to realize a future where Fair Trade principles are embedded in daily choices and the local community.

'Fair Trade University' is a system that certifies universities that endorse and actively promote the principles of Fair Trade based on unique Japanese standards adapted from international criteria, such as those in the UK. The Japanese certification system was established in 2014. Shizuoka University of Art and Culture was the first to be certified in February 2018. Since then, Sapporo Gakuin University and Hokusei Gakuen University (Oct 2019), Aoyama Gakuin University (July 2021), Chiba University of Commerce (April 2023), Niigata University of International and Information Studies (Nov 2024), Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (March 2025), and Ferris University (July 2025) have been certified, leading to this renewal for Chiba University of Commerce.