A municipality in which the entire town supports Fair Trade, including citizens, government, businesses, retailers and schools. Currently, more than 2,000 municipalities in over 30 countries have been certified as Fair Trade Towns.
In Japan, six cities - Nagoya, Zushi, Hamamatsu, Sapporo and Inabe - have been certified.

Why are we aiming to register as a certified Fair Trade Town?

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Social awareness raising
Fair Trade Town certification is part of raising awareness ofFair Trade principles and philosophy in local communities. It encourages the use and sale of Fair Trade products and educates consumers and businesses about the importance of sustainable trade.

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Supporting producers in developing countries
Fair Trade aims to enable producers in developing countries to sell their products at a fair price. The Fair Trade Town status means that the region actively supports the initiative and demonstrates its support for producers in developing countries in a tangible way.

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Contribution to the local economy
The more Fair Trade products that are available, the more business opportunities there are for local retailers, restaurants and businesses. This has a positive impact on the local economy and contributes to the sustainable development of the region as a whole.

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Contribution to the SDGs
Fair Trade is also positioned as an international initiative and contributes to the SDGs. In particular, it is directly related to Goal 8 (Promote decent work and support economic growth) and Goal 12 (Responsible production and use).

 

Local community togetherness
The Fair Trade Town status provides an opportunity for local residents and businesses to work together towards common goals and a sense of unity. Cooperation based on shared values and goals strengthens the cohesion of the whole community.

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Environmental considerations.
Fair Trade is not just about fair prices, but also about environmental considerations. By aiming for certification, communities can promote Fair Trade practices that are also environmentally friendly and contribute to building sustainable communities.

How to become a certified Fair Trade Town?
There are six criteria in Japan set by the Fair Trade Forum Japan (Fair Trade Forum Japan), all of which must be met.

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Criterion 1: Establishment of a promotion organisation and expansion of the support base.
Criterion 2: Develop a movement and educate the public.
Criterion 3: Penetration into local communities
Criterion 4 Contribution to local revitalisation
Criterion 5 Wide provision of fair trade products by local shops (commercial establishments)
Criterion 6 Support and dissemination of Fair Trade by local authorities

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At first glance, this may seem like a high hurdle, but as it is unravelled, the number of connections between citizens of Kamakura will increase, and the distance between companies and businesses, and companies and citizens, will surely become closer. Also, by involving various stakeholders, not only in Kamakura, there is the potential for even greater change.Of course, it will also be a friendly society for the future children of Kamakura.