Event Report: Kamakura Joins the Fair Trade Movement! Fair Trade Town Certification Ceremony Marks Culmination of Citizen Efforts

Provided by Rei Watanabe

Kamakura City has now been officially certified as the seventh Fair Trade Town in Japan by the Japan Fair Trade Forum, a testament to the culmination of many years of sustained efforts by its citizens, businesses, and local government. To celebrate this honor, a grand certification ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 6th, at the City Council Chambers in the Kamakura City Hall main building, attended by numerous stakeholders and members of the public.

The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from Ms. Rika Sueyoshi, Co-leader of Kamakura Ethical Lab. She expressed her profound gratitude for the dedication and contributions of citizen groups and businesses that have promoted fair trade over many years, stating powerfully, "I am confident that alongside Kamakura's rich nature, history, and culture, the principles of fair trade will become deeply ingrained, marking a significant step towards the realization of a sustainable society."

Following this, congratulatory addresses were delivered by Mr. Takashi Matsuo, Mayor of Kamakura, and Mr. Minoru Ikeda, Chairperson of the Kamakura City Council. Subsequently, Mr. Hiroshi Uchiyama, Representative Director of the Japan Fair Trade Forum, highly commended Kamakura City's initiatives to date, offering his congratulations: "Kamakura City's approach, where diverse stakeholders collaborate to promote fair trade throughout the community, will serve as a model for other regions. We hope this certification will further expand the fair trade network." He then presented the official certificates to Mayor Matsuo, Chairperson Ikeda, and the co-representatives.

Congratulatory messages were then received from Mr. Keiichiro Asao, Minister of the Environment, and Her Excellency Ms. Sandy Anabell DAVILA Sandoval, Ambassador of the Republic of Nicaragua to Japan. Minister Asao stated, "Fair trade is also beneficial for the environment in various countries." Ambassador Sanoval remarked, "It is a great pleasure to establish this connection with Kamakura during this commemorative year, which marks the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Nicaragua and Japan. On behalf of my government, I express our sincere gratitude."

The ceremony was attended by many distinguished guests, including members of the Kamakura City Council who were instrumental in achieving the Fair Trade Town certification, representatives from other Fair Trade Towns across Japan, and business operators who have dedicated their efforts to the sale and promotion of fair trade products.

Finally, in her closing address, Co-representative Ms. Akiko Hirano shared her vision for the future, stating, "This certification is not a goal, but a new beginning. We will continue to convey the importance of fair trade and ethical consumption so that fair trade is no longer seen as something 'special,' and so that Kamakura becomes a town that future generations can be proud of, contributing to a sustainable future."

Taking this Fair Trade Town certification as a new impetus, Kamakura City will further strive to promote and raise awareness of fair trade. Citizens, businesses, and the local government will unite in their efforts to achieve a sustainable society. We invite you to look forward to our future activities.