Lounge
May 14, 2015
Mitsukoshi & Isetan Joint Charity T-Shirt Exhibition: Ceremony for Donation Presentation Report
A Joint Initiative by Mitsukoshi and Isetan
Charity T-Shirt Exhibition — Bonds with Designers
Charity Fund Presentation Ceremony Report
The charity fund presentation ceremony for “Bonds with Designers,” a charity T-shirt exhibition held at six Mitsukoshi and Isetan stores and on the Isetan website in late May, took place on August 15th at the Akasaka ACT Theater.
Photo by JAMANDFIX
Total Charity Fund for more trees: ¥35,468,994
“Bonds with Designers,” a charity T-shirt exhibition jointly organized by Mitsukoshi and Isetan, expressed the wish to “preserve nature as it is for future generations” through fashion.
Under the theme “Empathy = Warm Happiness, Abundant Future,” over 40 design messages were contributed by designers from Japan and abroad. Orders were taken for printed T-shirts (¥5,000 each), and the shipment of all items has now been completed.
A portion of the proceeds from these T-shirts was donated as a charity fund to the NPOmore treesto support forest restoration activities in Japan and around the world.
A total of 18,603 T-shirts were ordered, resulting in a total charity fund of ¥35,468,994.
Kunio Ishizuka, Representative of Mitsukoshi Isetan Holdings Ltd., stated in his address, “We received far more orders than we initially anticipated. We had planned to donate ¥1,000 per T-shirt, but with the large number of orders, we were able to reduce the production cost, which allowed us to exceed ¥1,000 significantly. We are delighted to be able to make such a substantial donation.”
The Encounter of 18,603 T-shirts with more trees
Ryuichi Sakamoto, founder of more trees, expressed his gratitude, saying, “When I first heard the amount, I was so surprised I couldn't believe my ears. Thank you for this incredibly generous donation.
A large number of the general public, the companies Mitsukoshi and Isetan, and our organization more trees, which is involved in environmental initiatives completely unrelated to them, were able to connect through the realization of a single idea.
Mitsukoshi and Isetan acted as a conduit, or bridge, enabling an encounter between 18,603 individuals and more trees, who might never have met otherwise. This企画 (kikaku - project) was made possible through their efforts.
I believe that the many people who feel the urgency of global warming personally, and who want to do something but don't know how, have gathered here through these T-shirts, which were not inexpensive at ¥5,000 each.
We will strive to fulfill the aspirations of these individuals and deliver results. We ask for your continued support.”
“We will use it for reforestation activities on Luzon Island in the Philippines.”
Furthermore, representing the supporters of more trees, Masafumi Suzuki, Editor-in-Chief of Shinchosha's 'ENGINE,' and fashion director Tomoki Yuza took the stage.
From left: Tomoki Yuza, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Masafumi Suzuki
In response to Editor-in-Chief Suzuki's question, “Why did you establish more trees?”, Sakamoto replied, “Forests and humans have a close relationship; we are also a species that emerged from forests. Throughout human history, civilizations such as ancient Egypt, Palestine, the Maya civilization, and Easter Island were all dependent on forests. The fact that forests worldwide are disappearing may be a sign of the collapse of this globalized human civilization; that is my fundamental belief.”
Regarding the eco-boom in the fashion industry, such as organic cotton and fair trade, Yuza commented, “I wore a more trees T-shirt today, and this organic cotton feels good to wear and also makes me feel like I'm participating in the activity. Isetan will also be implementing various brands' initiatives using materials like organic cotton as part of their 'Green Project' this autumn, which I find interesting.”
Yuza further added, “In the case of more trees, the purpose of the funds is clear, so participants can feel a concrete connection, which is very good.”
Finally, Sakamoto announced, “We plan to use the donated funds for reforestation in a specific area on Luzon Island in the Philippines. We will proceed with transparency and share information.”