Have you ever wondered how to donate clothes to charity in Japan? Donating is quite a straightforward process, with several options for those looking to give back to the community.
Here’s a guide on how to do it!
Association and Shops to Choose From to Donate Clothes in Japan
Before donating, ensure the clothes are clean and in good condition. Also, it’s helpful to sort them by type and season, as this makes the process easier for those handling the donations.
Yofuku Post
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Clothing collected at the “Yofuku Post” undergoes a specific process to be reused. First, all items gathered in Japan are sent to Malaysia. They are sorted by category, color, and pattern at a local facility and then exported to over 15 countries across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. These clothes are sold at second-hand markets in their respective regions, giving them a new life.
In some cases, the clothes are not reused as garments but are instead recycled into industrial rags, woolen material, or solid fuel.
Clothes are sent to regions with various climates, including high-altitude areas with cold temperatures and countries with four seasons like Japan, so donating winter clothing is fine. Japanese clothing is especially popular abroad due to its quality and condition.
Men’s, women’s, children’s, and maternity clothing, including both summer and winter items, can be mixed for donation. Only clean, laundered clothing is accepted, and wet clothes are not permitted. While linings or tags with names are fine, items with stains, tears, or damage cannot be accepted.
When bringing garments to the counter, they should be placed in a plastic or paper bag. Once received, clothing cannot be returned, so it is important to ensure that no valuables are left in the pockets.
Charity Shop Network
This is exactly what it sounds like. A network of charity shops in Japan. There aren’t many shops in Japan yet, but they are scattered all over the country, so there might be one near you. You can find an exhaustive list on the official website.
Charity shops are particularly widespread in Europe and the US. In the UK, where they have a 70-year history, there are over 10,000 shops dedicated to various causes such as international cooperation, animal and nature conservation, support for the disabled, and medical assistance.
These shops serve multiple purposes: they facilitate the reuse of unwanted goods, provide a fundraising platform for non-profit organizations, circulation of information, and offer volunteer opportunities for citizens.
On the other hand, charity shops are still rare in Japan, but there is hope that their activities will become more well-known and that more people will be involved. With this aim Japan Charity Shop Network was founded in December 2015 to promote the development of a civil society by raising awareness of charity shops among the general public and businesses. By fostering a ‘culture of charity shops,’ we aim to encourage donations to non-profit activities, mutual aid, citizen initiatives, and the promotion of reuse.
Kodomo Fuku Mirai Fund
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If it is children’s clothing you want to donate, then you can contact the Kodomo Fuku Mirai Fund (Children’s Clothing Fund).
The process is quite straightforward: before sending your garments, make sure to complete the online application. Pack the clothes you no longer wear in a single box or bag you have at home, using reusable cardboard boxes or paper bags. Ensure you include at least 10 items from the specified brands, which you can find in the eligible brands list provided. Once the items are received, an assessment will be made, based on the brand and condition and a corresponding donation will be made to the Children’s Future Fund. If you change your mind and you want the items to be returned, reply by email within 5 days of the assessment results, and they will be returned by cash on delivery.
ECO to SHIP
ECO to SHIP was founded to support children in financial need both in Japan and abroad through independent and transparent operations. Donations are raised through the sale of goods donated. Bank statements and financial records of donations are published every month to ensure transparency.
A wide range of items can be shipped or brought to one of the different collection centers in the country: from clothes to dishware to electronics and furniture.
Eco to Ship provides a variety of associations from which you can choose for your donations. Options range from smaller local organizations like the Kanagawa Kodomo Mirai Fund and the Saitama Ken Kodomo Shokudo Network to larger entities such as the Japanese Red Cross Society and UNICEF. This allows you to select the cause that resonates most with you.
Donate Clothes in Japan and Have a Positive Impact on Japanese Society
While in Japan donate clothes and give back to the community. Each option provides a unique avenue to support those in need. By donating clothes, you contribute to a cycle of reuse and aid to various causes, from international cooperation and environmental conservation to supporting children and non-profit organizations. Your generous contributions can help build a stronger, more compassionate society while giving your unused items a new purpose and life.
More reads:
- Embrace the Simplicity of Danshari, the Japanese Art of Decluttering
- About the Japanese Concept of “Mottainai”
- Japan’s Recycle Shops: A Thrifty Guide to Secondhand Furniture (And More)
- Tokyo’s Antique Treasures: A Guide to Second-Hand Furniture and Antique Markets
Featured image credits: Canva.com
