Details of the Initiative
The KOBAYASHI Naoaki Seminar of the School of Commerce research on fair trade. As part of its activities, we participate as a partner organization in “TOKYO ETHICAL,” an initiative led by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to promote ethical consumption (https://www.ethical-action.tokyo/).
While the majority of partners are businesses, several academic institutions, such as Aoyama Gakuin University, Kyoritsu Women’s University and Junior College, and International Christian University, are participating. Unlike other universities, we take part as an individual seminar group.
Ethical generally means “morally right,” and ethical consumption specifically refers to consumer behavior that considers the impact on people, society and the environment. The concept supports many of the SDGs, with a particularly strong connection to Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. One major element of ethical consumption is the purchase of Fairtrade-certified products.
We have participated in events such as the TOKYO ETHICAL Meeting, which fosters dialogue among partner companies and organizations, and the TOKYO ETHICAL Marche, held in various locations throughout Tokyo, where we sell a variety of Fairtrade-certified goods, including our own original products.
Other contributions last year included a variety of initiatives.
Four second-year students were involved in producing posters and videos for the TOKYO ETHICAL Campaign 2024.
https://www.ethical-action.tokyo/articles/4030/(TOKYO ETHICAL website)
Two third-year students took the stage at the TOKYO ETHICAL Conference.
https://www.ethical-action.tokyo/articles/4287/(TOKYO ETHICAL website―includes video content)
The seminar hosted a booth at the Meiji University Festival in collaboration with TOKYO ETHICAL and the Tokyo Consumer Affairs Center.
https://www.ethical-action.tokyo/news/4247/(TOKYO ETHICAL website)
https://www.shouhiseikatu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/manabitai/tieup/d_renkei/d_houkoku/20241103_jirei_meidaisai_repo.html (Tokyo Kurashi WEB ―includes video content)
The KOBAYASHI Seminar will engage in various TOKYO Ethical initiatives this year as well, to turn into action the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s message: “Think a little, and have a better future.”