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Nov 3, 2025

Favorite eco-friendly Japan brands

I posted this morning about an initiative that repurposes parts from retired Osaka Metro train cars and turns them into bags, chairs, and more. I'm also a big fan of the Nozomi Project, who make jewelry items with broken pottery found after the 2011 earthquake/tsunami. Do you have any favorite Japan-based brands that have a focus on upcycling or eco-friendliness?

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genkidesu

genkidesu

Love to travel, interested in J-beauty products and consider myself a convenience store snack aficionado. Navigating the ever-present challenges of expat life, particularly about my TCK's (third culture kids).

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  • TonetoEdo

    TonetoEdo

    on Nov 4

    Most of the upcycled items I have bought I've either made myself or found at local craft markets. Think repurposed textiles. Just by browsing shops, I've picked up some lovely accessories. A favourite is a vintage pottery shard set in silver. I got it at a shop in Brahms Path - ブラームスの小径 - the narrow footpath parallel to Takeshita Dori. One I'm curious about is Kimono Reborn - https://kimonoreborntokyo.com/ They do hats, bags, and t-shirts from discarded kimono.

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  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    on Nov 5

    @TonetoEdo Just had a look at Kimono Reborn and those totes are absolutely gorgeous. Would make for great gifts -- I always think it's handy getting things like that, since you don't need to worry about picking the wrong size like you would with clothing for people.

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  • TonetoEdo

    TonetoEdo

    on Nov 5

    @genkidesu I just remembered another fair-trade, eco-friendly shop I visited in Tokyo. People Tree has clothing, food, and general goods. https://peopletree.co.jp/

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  • BigfamJapan

    BigfamJapan

    on Nov 7

    I love the Nozomi project too. I am fascinated by Ishizaka Recycling company that repurposes 95% of demolished houses. Ever since I did a tour of their recycle plant, I am a big fan!

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  • BigfamJapan

    BigfamJapan

    on Nov 7

    I am also a fan of Chabudai in Kawagoe, who not only sell used Kimono and related products, but also repurpose them too. (Review on City-cost ; https://www.city-cost.com/reviews/z4lP8-Engawa_Chabudai_Okimono_ya_Shopping_Entertainment_Kawagoe_shi?vid=1)

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