Chiba University of Commerce Renewed as Fair Trade University
Key facts
- Chiba University of Commerce Renewed as Fair Trade University
- The Japan Fair Trade Forum has renewed Chiba University of Commerce's certification as a Fair Trade University. The university was recognized for its continuous student-led advocacy, community collaboration, and integration into the curriculum.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 4, 2026
Direct answer
The Japan Fair Trade Forum has renewed Chiba University of Commerce's certification as a Fair Trade University. The university was recognized for its continuous student-led advocacy, community collaboration, and integration into the curriculum.
- Citation
- Chiba University of Commerce Renewed as Fair Trade University (June 4, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 4, 2026
The Japan Fair Trade Forum has renewed Chiba University of Commerce's certification as a Fair Trade University. The university was recognized for its continuous student-led advocacy, community collaboration, and integration into the curriculum.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 23:01
- 🔍 Collected: June 4, 2026 at 14:20
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 4, 2026 at 14:50 (29 min after Collected)
At Chiba University of Commerce, student groups, notably the 'CUC Ethical Student Club,' conduct continuous and practical Fair Trade advocacy, including participation in the Million Action Campaign, film screenings, hosting Fair Trade cafes, and exhibiting at university festivals. Additionally, their collaborative efforts with Chiba City and local community organizations, such as conducting workshops at kindergartens, continue to expand.
Furthermore, the university implements advanced initiatives that blend education, practice, and community collaboration, such as the course 'Project Practice 3C Lecture: Ethical Lecture—What is Fair Trade?' and the use of Fair Trade ingredients at the student-operated 'Student Venture Cafeteria, Tonari.' The university's overall commitment to Fair Trade, including offering Fair Trade coffee in campus cafeterias and utilizing Fair Trade cotton and banana paper products, was highly commended.
FTFJ remains committed to promoting Fair Trade, working alongside Chiba University of Commerce to realize a future where Fair Trade principles are embedded in daily choices and the local community.
'Fair Trade University' is a system that certifies universities that endorse and actively promote the principles of Fair Trade based on unique Japanese standards adapted from international criteria, such as those in the UK. The Japanese certification system was established in 2014. Shizuoka University of Art and Culture was the first to be certified in February 2018. Since then, Sapporo Gakuin University and Hokusei Gakuen University (Oct 2019), Aoyama Gakuin University (July 2021), Chiba University of Commerce (April 2023), Niigata University of International and Information Studies (Nov 2024), Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (March 2025), and Ferris University (July 2025) have been certified, leading to this renewal for Chiba University of Commerce.
FAQ
What is the Fair Trade University system?
It is a certification system that recognizes universities based on Japan's own standards, which adopt international criteria from countries like the UK, for promoting fair trade principles and activities.
What were the main initiatives that Chiba University of Commerce undertook to be evaluated as a Fair Trade University?
The main initiatives included student group awareness campaigns, film screenings and cafe events, education through classes, use of fair trade ingredients in student-led cafeterias, community collaboration, and the introduction of fair trade products across the campus.
When was the Fair Trade University certification system established in Japan?
The system was established in 2014, and Shizuoka University of Art and Culture was the first to be certified in 2018.
When was Chiba University of Commerce first certified as a Fair Trade University?
It was certified in April 2023.
Which organization is promoting the Fair Trade University movement?
The movement is promoted by the Japan Fair Trade Forum (FTFJ), a general incorporated association that conducts the Fair Trade University and Town certification program.