Sustainable Business Japan: ANYTHING is EVERYTHING ((Part I))
Channel: Seek Sustainable Japan | JJWalsh
Date: 2019-07-02

Had such a wonderful time learning about the tradition of MAEKAKE Japanese branding aprons from the ANYTHING co. President Nishimura-san. There is so much great material here that I have a second part to upload next week! 

I have a lot of respect for entrepreneurs like Nishimura-san who has a passion for traditional crafts like Maekake and thinks laterally to find new international markets to keep the industry alive. 

We should support made-in-japan businesses like ANYTHING which not only create great products, but also add to Japan’s destination appeal. 
Nishimura-san is running the business with a sustainability-focus: 

PEOPLE: preserving Japanese heritage and culture, preserving the made-in-japan brand which requires sourcing material locally, hiring local people. ANYTHING has just opened a new factory outside of the major cities, this allows the business to position itself well between the manufacturers and the customers, but also helps revive rural areas. Factory visits will be available from spring of 2020 which will add an interesting tourist attraction to the rural area and increase the economic benefit to the area by attracting visitors there. 
 
PLANET: using traditional techniques which are energy efficient and looking for modern options like solar which would provide opportunities to run more efficient operations. Nishimura-san is also trying out different ways to reuse waste materials by creating add-on #upcycled products to the product line. 

PROFITS: by creating international collaborations and designing products which are transparent in operations, maintain the high-quality made-in-japan, and have access to international customers by being available in international airports and Tokyu Hands stores across Japan, they are successfully tapping into the international market where their traditional products are in high-demand.  

ANYTHING Maekake post on Inbound Ambassador: http://www.inboundambassador.com/sustainable-business-success-anything-is-everything/