Sustainable Fashion Communicated Through Student Projects: Diversity, 3Rs, and the Lifecycle of Clothing

The Chiba University Environment ISO Student Committee (hereinafter referred to as the Student Committee), in collaboration with ZOZO Inc. (hereinafter referred to as ZOZO), has been implementing a joint project themed "Fashion and Sustainability" since fiscal year 2022. On March 30, 2026 (Monday), a reporting session for the fiscal year 2025 activities was held at ZOZO headquarters.

※For details of this project, please click here

Overview of FY2025 Initiatives

This project started with an orientation held on November 11, 2025. Out of the 22 project members for FY2025, 16 students visited ZOZO headquarters on the day, received a company tour and business explanation, and then shared the project's purpose.

Subsequently, brainstorming sessions were held on the theme of "Fashion and Sustainability," where students actively discussed the challenges and questions they felt in their daily lives and the messages they wanted to convey to society.

Based on the discussions, the following three themes were set for FY2025:

• Diversity

• 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)

• The Behind-the-Scenes of Fashion (The Lifecycle of Clothing)

Each group proceeded with preparations for their initiatives and presented their results to visitors at the "Chiba Winter Fes 2026" held by the Student Committee on February 15, 2026 (Sunday). The project booth attracted over 430 visitors and was a great success, with queues forming at the entrance.

Content of Each Initiative

● Fashion × Diversity

An exhibition was held to introduce the history and characteristics of fashion from around the world with photographs, allowing visitors to learn about cultural backgrounds and differences in values. A face-cutting panel was installed to create an experiential activity that visitors could enjoy.

In collaboration with Chiba University's Faculty of Education Affiliated Special Needs School, indigo-dyed works, accessories, and hats created by individuals with disabilities were exhibited alongside introduction panels modeled after ZOZOTOWN product pages. Furthermore, messages from visitors to the creators were solicited, and over 70 handwritten comments were received. These were delivered to the special needs school at a later date, promoting understanding of diversity and human connection through fashion.

● Fashion × 3Rs

A designer experience workshop using used clothing and fabric scraps from vegetable dyeing was conducted. Participants freely combined materials to design original clothing. Approximately 140 groups, mainly children, participated.

Additionally, panel exhibits introducing fabric materials and the mechanisms of vegetable dyeing were held, providing an opportunity to learn experientially about concepts such as "reuse" and "upcycling."

● Fashion × Behind the Scenes (Lifecycle of Clothing)

Activity Reporting Session

On March 30, 2026 (Monday), a reporting session for the fiscal year 2025 activities was held at ZOZO headquarters. Students presented their project achievements and exchanged opinions.

Fifteen students who made significant contributions to the implementation of the initiatives received completion certificates from ZOZO.

Voices of FY2025 Project Representatives

● Student Team Supervisor

Yuma Saito, 2nd Year, Faculty of Law, Economics and Politics (FY2025)

This year's project was concentrated in the latter half, which made it easier for members to maintain motivation. On the other hand, we had to rush preparations to implement projects for the Chiba Winter Fes in February, and there were some anxieties.

However, led by the group leaders, members cooperated to devise various plans, and we were able to approach the Chiba Winter Fes with thorough preparations.

I believe we were able to conduct workshops where participants could enjoy learning about aspects they don't usually pay much attention to, such as the process of making clothes, the diverse forms of fashion, and the importance of the 3Rs in fashion.

I sincerely thank everyone at ZOZO for their cooperation in the lead-up to the event.

I hope that through this activity, visitors have become interested in fashion and sustainability or have had an opportunity to learn something new.

● ZOZO Representative

Satomi Kaneko, CI Headquarters, Social Friendship Department, ZOZO Inc.

In our collaborative project with Chiba University, we value providing opportunities for challenge and practice while respecting student initiative. This year, towards the "Chiba Winter Fes," students independently planned initiatives, and each group presented their outcomes through workshops and panel exhibits. It served as a platform where many visitors were reached, and students' creativity and actions were fully demonstrated. Furthermore, through the process from planning to execution, problem-solving skills and teamwork abilities were cultivated. We have also gained many insights while supporting them and will continue to provide ongoing support to ensure it remains a valuable opportunity for both parties. We also expect that the experience gained through this initiative will lead to the future challenges and growth of each student.

Future Outlook

Through this project, students have cultivated the ability to view the relationship between fashion and sustainability from multiple angles and to consider social issues as their own. Chiba University will continue to create practical learning opportunities through corporate collaborations to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

Inquiries Regarding This Matter

Chiba University, Environmental ISO Secretariat

Email: kankyo-iso(at)office.chiba-u.jp

TEL: 043-290-3572