Drone Logistics Association Enters Apparel Market. Chichibu-based "&WORLD" Launches EC Site Sales on May 1, 2026

General Incorporated Association Chichibu Yuimachi (Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture / Representative Director: Masayuki Fukada), which is engaged in regional revitalization through advanced technologies such as drone logistics, will launch its new apparel brand, "&WORLD," on its official EC site https://c-yuimachi.designstore.jp/ on Friday, May 1, 2026. This model, dubbed "wearable regional contribution," returns a portion of the sales to solve local issues in Chichibu. It is a rare case in Japan where an advanced technology organization enters the apparel business. "We are uniting three businesses—the 'Andoya' restaurant, the '&WORLD' apparel brand, and regional support through advanced technology—under one vision: 'Peace of mind for the region. Peace of mind for the world.' We will nurture these businesses from Chichibu to become globally competitive." (Masayuki Fukada, Representative Director, General Incorporated Association Chichibu Yuimachi) Under the slogan "Peace of mind for the region. Peace of mind for the world," &WORLD will launch its first lineup in three categories: T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and accessories. The brand name is a portmanteau of "Anndo" (peace of mind) and "WORLD," signifying its mission to spread "peace of mind" worldwide through attire. ■Chichibu Yuimachi Official YouTube Channel "&WORLD" Teaser Video: https://youtu.be/_WIvF8PJkB8?si=E-yWDXGBME1Aheoy 【Why "Wearable Regional Contribution" Now? - A New Model for Regional Revitalization】 The trend of locally-sourced brands is shifting from "point" contacts like hometown tax donations, souvenirs, and tourism consumption to "line" contacts that integrate into daily wardrobes. Against the backdrop of an expanding value-oriented demographic that is positive about sustainable and story-driven consumption, the presence of brands that "wear the stories of the region every day" is growing both domestically and internationally. On the other hand, it is rare in Japan for an organization whose main business is solving regional issues through advanced technologies such as drone logistics and digital human resource development to launch its own apparel brand. "&WORLD" is positioned as a pioneering initiative in this regard. Since its establishment in February 2024, Chichibu Yuimachi has supported the social implementation of advanced technologies such as robotics, AI, and big data in the Chichibu region for two years. In January 2026, it also opened "Andoya," a regional issue-solving restaurant with an adjacent drone port, which has already socially implemented a regional return model through food. "&WORLD" is the third project and the first product brand. By building a business structure that connects "region and world" across three domains—technology, food, and fashion—it proposes a new model for regional revitalization. The brand concept is "Peace of mind for the region. Peace of mind for the world." In Japan, "Anndo" (peace of mind) was institutionalized after the Kamakura period as an "Anndojo," a document guaranteeing a warrior's dominion by their lord. It refers to the deep sense of security gained when one's foundation of life is protected. "Anndo" is the emotion people truly reach beyond safety and security—we position this as the fundamental theme of town development. ■"Wearable Regional Contribution" Model - The biggest feature of &WORLD is its "sales-return type (cross-subsidy type)" business model, where the product itself becomes a source of funds for regional issue resolution. A portion of the sales will be returned to Chichibu Yuimachi's efforts to solve regional issues through advanced technology. A single T-shirt can become a source of funds for Chichibu's next-generation logistics and digital human resource development. This direct link between apparel and social implementation is only possible because the organization is operated by a legal entity with an advanced technology backbone. Two Wheels of "Food" and "Fashion" - The restaurant "Andoya," operated by Chichibu Yuimachi, opened in January 2026 at Roadside Station Otaki Onsen. It is a regional issue-solving restaurant that also functions as a relay hub for regional logistics with an adjacent drone port. Andoya delivers "peace of mind to the region" through food, while &WORLD spreads "peace of mind to the world" through fashion. Both will work together as two wheels supporting "Anndo town development" from both regional and global perspectives. Andoya Official Website: https://www.andoya.c-yuimachi.com/ 【Brand Features】 1. "Direct-link" Social Return Model where sales support the region Since its establishment in February 2024, Chichibu Yuimachi has focused on solving regional issues through advanced technologies such as drones, AI, and big data for two years. A portion of &WORLD's sales will be returned to these regional issue resolution efforts. The operational structure, which unites three businesses—the 'Andoya' restaurant, the '&WORLD' apparel brand, and regional support through advanced technology—realizes a unique return model where "wearing directly supports the future of Chichibu." 2. Brand logo imbued with the will to "compete globally" The &WORLD brand logo strongly evokes a sense of luxury.