[Event Report] Pop-up Event with Ethical Brand Smateria (March 8, 2026)

CACAO Inc. (Headquarters: Tokyo) held a pop-up event with the ethical brand Smateria on Sunday, March 8, 2026. We are pleased to report that the event ended in great success, gathering fans from all over the country who empathized with the passion of Mizuho Mori, an active high school student president, as well as those who learned about the brand through the radio.

■ An Ethical Challenge that Began with a High School President's "Love"

"Smateria" is an ethical brand where each item is handmade using a sewing machine by women in Cambodia, featuring sophisticated designs by an Italian designer.

The representative, Mizuho Mori, has been visiting Cambodia since childhood due to her mother's work, and was a passionate user of Smateria products she encountered there. Her passion led to a connection, and she acquired exclusive sales rights in Japan when she was a first-year high school student. She established an LLC herself, and now, even as a second-year high school student, she leads the brand as a manager.

This event was held with the aim of "expanding the recognition of Smateria," and especially "delivering the joy of making ethical choices to young people in their 20s."

■ Designs that are Earth-Friendly and Uplift the User's Heart

The brand name is derived from "material." It uses nylon nets repurposed from mosquito nets and fishing nets, as well as recycled plastic as fabrics.

Surprisingly light and durable: Easy to use for everyday purposes, and can be washed whole by putting it in a laundry net.

Sophisticated design: Abundant color variations by an Italian designer and heart-fluttering cuteness.

Giving back to society: A portion of the purchase price is donated to orphanages in Cambodia, directly contributing to local job creation.

The brand proposes a heart-fluttering experience of "not just choosing it because it's good for the environment," but realizing "it was actually good for the environment after choosing it because it's cute."

■ Fans Gather from All Over the Country

On the day of the event, many fans of the representative, Mizuho Mori, and fans of the brand visited from afar, creating a bustle with a line forming in front of the store even before it opened.

The customer base was diverse, ranging from young people in their 20s to those who became interested after listening to radio broadcasts, and even overseas residents temporarily returning to Japan. We received comments such as, "The colors are vibrant and it lifts my spirits when I use it," and "I became an even bigger fan after learning the story."

■ Comments from Representative: Mizuho Mori

"Smateria is a brand that I myself have loved since I was a child. I want people in Japan, especially those of my generation, to know more about its appeal, not just as an ethical brand, but as something that makes your heart flutter just by holding it and makes every day fun. I will continue to disseminate life-sized messages that I can convey precisely because I am an active high school student."

■ Towards Corporate Collaborations and Novelty Developments

Going forward, in addition to sales to individual customers, we will also focus on collaborations with highly environmentally conscious companies and the production of novelty items. It is also possible to create original items reflecting your desired fabrics and logos. Utilizing the strengths of a high school student president, we will create a culture where the younger generation feels closer to ethical consumption.

[Store Information]
■ Store Name: YELL

■ Website: https://yell-gotanda.com
■ Opening Date: Friday, June 17, 2022
■ Address: 2F Gotanda Building, 1-23-2 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0022
■ Business Days: Monday to Friday
■ Business Hours: 10:00 - 19:00
■ Access: 5-minute walk from Gotanda Station East Exit
■ SNS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yell_gotanda/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yell_gotanda
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yell.gotanda

[Thoughts Put into "YELL"]
YELL For ALL ~Cheering on everyone~
To yourself for doing your best
To your family, friends, and loved ones
To the producers
YELL supports everyone.
As per the concept above, we aim to be a store that contributes not only to yourself but also to your precious family and friends, manufacturers, and everyone involved with YELL.

[Mission of CACAO Inc.]

"Providing Excitement to Everyone from Children to Adults"
CACAO Inc. has set its mission to "Provide excitement to everyone from children to adults," and will provide value so that everyone can spend their days "living looking forward to tomorrow."
In an era touted as the 100-year life, where there are diverse ways of living,
we want to increase the number of people who can live freely by bringing out their true selves as much as possible, even if it's just one more person.
There is nothing more enjoyable than being excited about your own life and the lives of your loved ones.
To lead more exciting days, we will not just provide support, but will better lives together by showing our own exciting lives.

[Company Overview]
Company Name: CACAO Inc.
Location: 1-23-2 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Established: October 26, 2021
URL: https://www.company.cacao-yell.com/
Business Description: Retail

[Customer Contact Information]
e-mail: wakuwaku.cacao@gmail.com