We ask artisans to make things from materials that are plentiful in their own countries, using traditional methods. We offer technical support to help them, for example, develop manufacturing processes that don't use bleaches or chemicals, and we give them advice on the type of design Japanese consumers want. When we place an order, we pay half of the purchase price up front, to give our producers a source of stable income. Sales are growing, and there are now 17 people working exclusively for Global Village. Almost all are Japanese.
Japanese people are considerate and shy.
In other countries, when a discussion turns to something controversial, like pollution, people get quite vocal when they disagree with you. But in Japan, people listen objectively and try to understand the other person's point of view. Maybe that's because they are brought up with a strong respect for team spirit. Safia and her husband have two children, aged 3 and 6. Their home also serves as the company office, so the house is a hive of activity, from packing box lunches in the early morning to talking with overseas clients late at night.