Jidai Upcycling project by the craftsmanship group Waji

Transforming "leftovers" into "desired things" and passing them on to the next generation

"Jidai" is a brand and project that takes unused materials and materials for prototypes, adds new designs and ideas to increase their value (i.e. upcycles), and turns them into works of art and products.

"Jidai" is run by Waji, a manufacturing group that produces leather wallets and small leather goods. Waji interprets one of the goals set out in the "SDGs" (Sustainable Development Goals) adopted at the United Nations Summit in September 2015, "Responsible Consumption and Production," in their own way, and strives to create products that customers truly want.

The SDGs, recognized as goals that should be achieved globally, are challenges that not only companies but also government agencies should actively work on. Waji, headquartered in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, is working with Sakai City on a collaborative project to recycle materials such as fire hoses that have outlived their useful life and prototype tennis ball fabric, and turn them into unique products.

"Jidai" continues to pursue sustainable, heartfelt manufacturing by creating products that are both functional and stylish, while making use of the history and stories inherent in each material.