The textile industry is an essential industry that is indispensable in our lives. However, human rights issues have been occurring worldwide in this industry, posing threats to workers' rights and safety.
In April 2013, the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh, which housed multiple garment factories, and more recently, about in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region have made headlines. Considering such circumstances, there are significant benefits to utilizing textile manufacturers within Japan. In this article, we would like to explore the advantages of choosing Japanese textile manufacturers, taking into account their relevance to human rights issues in the global textile industry.
Japanese textiles are provided by numerous manufacturers who offer high-quality products backed by a long history and excellent craftsmanship. This allows end-users to purchase products with confidence. Throughout various textile production regions across the country, high-quality and unique textiles are being produced, and there are many manufacturers that strictly adhere to labor standards and safety regulations.
Unfortunately, citing recent news as an example, there was a case in May this year where issues with a sewing factory in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan, became a topic of discussion. According to a document released by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in February 2022 titled "Current Situation and Challenges of Responsible Supply Chain Management in the Textile Industry" from the Consumer Goods Division, the majority of reported human rights issues regarding Japanese technical intern trainees (as of April 10, 2023, the Technical Intern Training Program has been abolished) were related to the textile industry, particularly the sewing industry. The apparel business in Japan has a complex supply chain, making it difficult to grasp the actual situation on the ground. However, brand holders and designers can easily visit the production sites, leading to greater visibility of the supply chain. This is one of the advantages of choosing domestic manufacturers. There are many manufacturers who are earnestly dedicated to craftsmanship. Additionally, selecting domestic manufacturers contributes to the revitalization of the local economy, creating employment opportunities, and fostering the development of regional industries.
I have witnessed numerous Japanese craftsmen who create exceptional textiles while valuing people and communities. I hope that our choices can be a step towards achieving a sustainable textile industry.