iDA Joins FASHION BANK, Commencing Activities as Osaka Branch

iDA Co., Ltd. (iDA, Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Kenichiro Horii) has endorsed the mission of the general incorporated association FASHION BANK (FASHION BANK, Headquarters: Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Representative Director: Mitsuru Sugano), which connects the value of fashion to the next person, and has commenced activities as its Osaka branch. As a first step, a kick-off briefing was held on April 20th (Monday) at Herbis ENT (Kita-ku, Osaka) for companies and organizations, where the background of the project and its future vision were shared.

From left in the photo: Mitsuru Sugano, Representative Director of FASHION BANK (General Incorporated Association); Kenichiro Horii, Representative Director of iDA Co., Ltd.

Background of Participation in FASHION BANK

In the fashion industry, fashion loss due to mass production and mass consumption has become a prominent social issue. While efforts to raise awareness of sustainable fashion and the utilization of reuse and recycling are spreading, continuous action is required. Meanwhile, in Japan, difficulties in securing clothing are recognized as one of the living challenges, with many feeling inconvenienced by clothing. FASHION BANK was established to address these social contradictions, collecting surplus new clothing and delivering it to those in need. By building a circulation system that delivers necessary clothing to necessary people appropriately, it aims to simultaneously solve issues faced by the fashion industry and society.

iDA, while developing comprehensive human resources services specializing in the fashion and beauty industry, has promoted activities contributing to solving industry issues, such as participating in the "THAT’S FASHION WEEKEND" event aimed at reducing fashion loss.

Now, iDA has endorsed FASHION BANK's mission and joined the project. It will start activities as the Osaka branch, playing a role in connecting regional companies and administration with the project.

Sharing Initiatives and Vision at the Kick-off Briefing

As iDA commenced FASHION BANK's activities as the Osaka branch, a kick-off briefing was held on April 20th (Monday) for companies and organizations operating in Osaka. Mitsuru Sugano, Representative Director of FASHION BANK, and Kenichiro Horii, Representative Director of iDA, took the stage to explain the project and share its future vision.

About FASHION BANK

FASHION BANK is a project that appropriately purchases surplus new clothing from apparel companies, stores, sorts, and provides it to support recipients. Instead of merely donating, it provides clothing according to the season and the situation of the support recipients, thereby building a meticulous system that realizes practical and continuous support. This activity is being expanded in collaboration with local communities and administration. Furthermore, as the activities are supported by sponsorship from companies, emphasis is placed on communication between support recipients and providers, and support is also provided for this.

Mr. Sugano explained the project, touching on his own experience, stating, "I realized in various support settings that fashion has the power to bring joy, confidence, and positive feelings to people." He then expressed his strong feelings for the project, saying, "FASHION BANK is a necessary presence in society as a system that not only reduces clothing waste but also delivers emotional richness. By taking on the 'clothing' aspect, which is difficult for local governments alone, we can build comprehensive support for 'food, clothing, and shelter' in collaboration."

Significance of iDA's Participation and Establishment of Osaka Branch

In the subsequent talk session, iDA's Kenichiro Horii also took the stage. In response to Mr. Sugano's question, "Why did you decide to participate?", he explained the background of iDA's endorsement and participation in FASHION BANK, stating, "As a comprehensive human resources service company specializing in the fashion industry, iDA operates nationwide. We had a desire to contribute to solving the sustainability issues facing the industry and to contribute to various regions." Regarding the establishment of the Osaka branch, he said, "We wanted to start a meaningful activity from Osaka, iDA's founding place."

He further emphasized that many companies struggle to find clear solutions to the problem of mass clothing disposal, stating, "FASHION BANK's initiative to circulate fashion to those in need can be a means for such companies to translate their intentions into concrete actions, making it a highly significant project for the entire industry."

Future Vision

Mr. Sugano said, "This is the first time we are collaborating with a company like iDA, which operates nationwide, and I am looking forward to our future cooperation. We aim to establish branches covering all 47 prefectures, expand the project, and deliver fashion to many people." On the other hand, Horii stated, "First, the Osaka branch will function as a hub connecting support recipients, providers, local governments, and companies."