Obu City Newly Certified as a Fair Trade Town

The Japan Fair Trade Forum (FTFJ / Representative Director: Taishi Uchiyama), an organization that conducts Fair Trade University/Town certification projects, has newly certified Obu City, Aichi Prefecture, as a Fair Trade Town.

Obu City's application for new Fair Trade Town certification, submitted on September 15, 2025, underwent an on-site visit by the certification committee on December 11, 2025. Subsequently, after deliberation by the certification committee, it was referred to the board of directors. At the board meeting held on February 25, 2026, it was officially decided to newly certify Obu City, Aichi Prefecture, as a Fair Trade Town.

In Obu City, activities for the dissemination and establishment of fair trade have been continuously developed, starting from citizen-led initiatives and collaborating with the administration, educational institutions, businesses, and citizen groups.

Citizen interest grew following a lecture in 2019, leading to the establishment of the "Obu Fair Trade Town Promotion Committee" in 2021. With the goal of becoming a Fair Trade Town, organized and continuous efforts have been made.

Since then, various awareness-raising activities, such as fair trade markets, workshops, and seminars, have been held in various places within the city. Practical initiatives in collaboration with local businesses, welfare organizations, and educational institutions have also expanded. Furthermore, initiatives linking fair trade with local resources, welfare, and the environment, including the use of fair trade products in city halls and public facilities, have been developed, ensuring that fair trade is steadily integrating into the daily lives of the region.

In 2025, an official promotion system was also established, including a resolution of support by the city council and an official declaration of support by the mayor.

FTFJ expects further development of "sustainable regional development through fair trade" in Obu City in the future and will continue to collaborate with Obu City to promote sustainable regional development through fair trade and international cooperation.

What is a Fair Trade Town?

A "Fair Trade Town" is a mechanism where local governments that support the philosophy of fair trade collaborate with citizens, administration, businesses/stores, educational institutions, and citizen groups to promote fair trade throughout the community.

Through fair trade, it aims to contribute to the self-reliance of producers in developing countries who are in disadvantaged positions and to the protection and preservation of the environment, thereby realizing a just and sustainable society.

Fair Trade Towns are certified based on unique Japanese certification standards, while also referencing criteria from overseas, such as the UK.

Garstang, UK, was the first city in the world to be certified as a Fair Trade Town. Subsequently, initiatives have spread throughout the world, primarily in Europe and the United States.

In Japan, Kumamoto City was certified as the first Fair Trade Town in 2011. Since then, Nagoya City, Zushi City, Hamamatsu City, Sapporo City, Inabe City, and Kamakura City have been certified, and with the new certification of Obu City, there are now 8 Fair Trade Towns in Japan.

Comment from Maiko Hirami, Representative of Obu Fair Trade Town Promotion Committee

Maiko Hirami, Representative, Obu Fair Trade Town Promotion Committee

I am delighted that our five-year activities have been recognized with the new certification of Obu City as a Fair Trade Town, thanks to the support of many people.

The activities began with a question from children: "Do you know about fair trade?" Seeing children learn for their future, we felt it was important for us adults to also think together and have continued our efforts.

Through our activities, we learned that fair trade is not just about choosing products, but about paying attention to the feelings and lives of the people behind them. We feel that this extends beyond caring for distant others to showing compassion for those close to us and supporting each other within the community.

As the Obu Fair Trade Town Promotion Committee, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to realizing a kind society that cares for children.

Comment from Hidetoshi Okamura, Mayor of Obu City

Hidetoshi Okamura, Mayor of Obu City

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the new certification of Obu City as the 8th Fair Trade Town in Japan.

Obu City has set the goal of "Sustainable Healthy City Obu" and has been promoting urban development where not only we who live now, but also the children who will bear the future, can live healthily. Initiatives such as local production for local consumption, environmentally conscious consumption, and creating an environment where people with disabilities can work with purpose and fulfillment, all align with the principles of fair trade.

We will continue to expand our fair trade initiatives in collaboration with citizens, businesses, related organizations, and Fair Trade Towns nationwide.

Comment from Taishi Uchiyama, Representative Director of the Japan Fair Trade Forum

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