ORBIS and ZOZO Hold Special Lecture for Junior High School Students on the Theme of "Mottainai"

ORBIS Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Hiroe Yamaguchi; hereinafter referred to as ORBIS) and ZOZO Inc. (Headquarters: Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture; President and CEO: Kōtarō Sawada; hereinafter referred to as ZOZO) jointly held a special lecture on the theme of "mottainai" (wastefulness) on June 17, 2026 (Wed) for 25 mixed-grade students from the Junior High School Attached to the Faculty of Education, Chiba University.

This lecture was conducted as part of the research learning activities implemented at the school. Using beauty and fashion as subjects, it provided an opportunity for students to learn about sustainable production and consumption from the perspectives of ORBIS, the "creator," and ZOZO, the "seller." ORBIS, which has been expanding its BtoB sales channels in recent years, and ZOZO, which is working to create new purchasing experiences through fashion e-commerce. The two companies introduced their environmentally conscious initiatives and created an opportunity for students to think about actions they can take for the future.

Summary of the Lecture | Thinking about Sustainable Production and Consumption from Everyday "Fashion"

During the lecture, students actively asked questions and offered opinions. At the end, time was allocated for presentations on "Actions We Can Take to Reduce Wastefulness," and many practical ideas and new concepts that can be implemented in daily life were shared.

"Subtraction Aesthetics" - Working with Partner Companies to Create Products that Discern Truly Necessary Value

Hiromi Kobayashi, Group Manager of the Product Planning Department, Product Design Group at ORBIS Inc., introduced efforts to reduce "wastefulness" of resources through the power of design. Using popular products such as "ORBIS Wrinkle Bright UV Protector" as examples, she lectured on the ingenuity developed with partner companies. She explained the product design concept of reducing resource usage by designing packaging to be slightly smaller than conventional products, which also led to optimizing the size of cardboard boxes for shipping. She conveyed the importance of a manufacturing approach that achieves not only aesthetic beauty and functionality but also environmental consideration, and the "subtractive perspective" of discerning what is truly necessary.

Improving Ease of Selection and Creating Recycling Systems to Balance Enhanced Shopping Experience and Reduced Environmental Impact

Unju Ri of the Social Friendship Department, FFY Block at ZOZO Inc. introduced initiatives to reduce "wastefulness" in online shopping through the use of measurement technology and the creation of clothing recycling systems.

For example, she explained how "ZOZOMAT" supports users in selecting the right shoe size, thereby reducing logistics costs and the use of packaging materials, leading to a reduced environmental impact. She also introduced the system built through the trade-in service "Kaikae Wari" (Exchange Discount), which circulates new and used clothing on ZOZOTOWN, thereby reducing waste, and conveyed the role of companies in supporting consumers' better choices.

Students who attended the lecture commented, "I learned that the products we use every day are made with the involvement of many people and through repeated thought. I was able to understand the ingenuity behind manufacturing."

Others said, "I learned that environmentally friendly services make it easier for us to take better actions. I want to think about what I can do myself," gaining insight into the role of those who "sell" products and prompting them to consider their own consumption behavior.

Future Outlook

ORBIS believes that collaboration with supply chains and different industries, not just individual companies, is crucial for realizing a sustainable society. This initiative with ZOZO was a new challenge in environmental education for the next generation, with cooperation between the beauty and fashion industries. Going forward, ORBIS will continue to create opportunities for people to think about sustainability through familiar themes by co-creating with diverse partners, contributing to the creation of a sustainable future in both environmental and social aspects.

What is "Mottainai" for Junior High School Students Who Value Time and Cost Efficiency?

Among the "wastefulness in daily life" considered by the students were various ideas that extended beyond just physical goods to spaces and time, such as "methods for effectively utilizing underused school facilities" and "ways to use time spent on social media more meaningfully." In recent years, the word "mottainai" has expanded beyond its meaning of cherishing limited resources to encompass a way of thinking that values various surrounding assets, including time, money, and effort. This lecture provided students with an opportunity to think about sustainable consumption by connecting it to their own lives.

Voices from Attending Students

- I learned that the products we use every day are made with the involvement of many people and through repeated thought. While there are things we can do ourselves, I also felt that there is "wastefulness" that is difficult to solve on our own. I learned that by devising products and services, companies make it easier for us to make better choices.

- As I belong to a seminar themed "Mottainai," I was already taking environmentally conscious actions such as sorting garbage and passing down clothes among siblings. After hearing from the companies this time, I learned that efforts for environmental consideration and reducing "wastefulness" are being made in places we don't notice in our daily lives. It was a very valuable experience to be able to ask directly about things I couldn't find out just by searching online. I want to continue to be conscious of what I can do in my daily life.

Comments from Lecturers

ORBIS Inc. Product Planning Department, Product Design Group

Group Manager Hiromi Kobayashi

Has been involved in cosmetic package design for the POLA ORBIS Group for 20 years. Responsible for the design of flagship items such as the "ORBIS U Series" and "ORBIS Defencera" (Food for Specified Health Uses).

=====================================

Although I lectured to the students, it was actually an opportunity for me to gain many insights. I am very grateful to have received direct feedback and candid reactions from the younger generation.

The initiatives introduced in the lecture are things that are considered "obvious" within the company. However, through the students' reactions, it gave me a chance to reconsider how to convey the inherent value of those efforts.

The lecture also touched upon the concept of "subtraction aesthetics," and I would be happy if the perspective of discerning what is truly necessary leads to the choices students make in their lives going forward. I hope to incorporate the students' feedback into future product development.

ZOZO Inc.

Social Friendship Department Future For You Block, Unju Ri

Joined ZOZO as a sales representative and later moved to the CI Headquarters through an internal recruitment system. Currently belongs to the FFY Block, responsible for planning and operating outreach classes and work experience programs, as well as other educational support for the next generation.

*FFY: "FUTURE FOR YOU"

=====================================

In this lecture, by considering "mottainai" from different standpoints, ZOZO and ORBIS were able to convey the process from product creation to reaching consumers, and the ingenuity behind it. We received various ideas from the students that can be implemented in daily life, which was a valuable opportunity for us to gain new insights and learning. Going forward, as a platformer, we will continue to create opportunities for the next generation to think about environmental issues and find actions they can take, by leveraging connections with various stakeholders.

You can also download the PDF file from here.

d2061-723-2ef10e628a39278f51eac7fa9d65ab8d.pdf