"Made in Japan" is back in fashion

The recent Tokyo Fashion Week featured collections of young Japanese designers made with locally-produced fabrics and high levels of craftsmanship. For many years, the country's fashion industry has been a favorite of discerning customers around the world, hungry for the latest clothes from designers such as Issey Miyake, COMME des GARÇONS and Yohji Yamamoto. But the prolonged economic slump and the rise of fast fashion have cut into demand for their products. Small-and-medium-sized sewing factories in the country are also having difficulty maintaining their businesses and preserving their craftsmanship. Under such circumstances, the industry is looking for ways to reinvent itself, nurturing young designers and supporting fabric makers and sewing plants. Japan's Industry Ministry and the government of Tokyo's Shibuya ward have begun providing support to designers so they can start companies and develop bases for their businesses. Other News: - Development of batteries that don't need cobalt may reduce dependence on the rare earth metal. - Japanese companies are taking steps to offset the business effects of flooding in Thailand.