One Day, One Life 5th week of October ~ GTF Green Challenge Day pop-up ends
Hello. Autumn is in full swing and the trees are changing color. I had the pleasure of spending two memorable days at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in early November.
Thank you for the GTF Green Challenge Day
The pop-up at GTF Green Challenge Day in Shinjuku Gyoen, held on November 1st and 2nd, was successfully completed.
We are truly grateful to all the people who came to this environmentally themed event. We were delighted to see so many people purchasing ethical products, including organic tea and forest coffee beans, animal-print pouches that help protect the endangered mountain bongo, and slippers that help support self-reliance in slum areas of Nigeria.
Encounters across borders
What was particularly impressive about this event was the large number of visitors from overseas. Perhaps due to its location in Shinjuku Gyoen, people from various countries came to visit.
One customer from California was particularly memorable. He was interested in the vibrant colors of African fabrics and warmly commented, "I'm happy to be able to make a purchase that contributes to environmental protection and social contribution."
It was a moment when we were able to share our passion for ethical living and the environment, transcending differences in language and culture. It was the very "connection" we had been striving for.
A cycle created by ethical choices
As we spoke with customers, we received many questions such as, "What kind of support will this provide?" and "What kind of people are the producers?"
Their organic tea and forest coffee beans are grown using sustainable farming methods that respect the environment. Mountain Bongo's animal print pouches support the conservation of endangered species. Their slippers, made from fabric from Nigerian slums, help support the independence of local people.
It was impressive to see how, by carefully explaining the background of each product, many people came to realize that their purchase was changing someone's future.
What I felt in a place full of greenery
The event was held in the lush green space of Shinjuku Gyoen. Despite being in the middle of the city, the two days were filled with the scent of trees and the chirping of birds.
Precisely because the event was themed around environmental protection, we were able to reaffirm the significance of our activities in this natural setting. Protecting African forests, maintaining biodiversity, and protecting people's livelihoods. It was a valuable time for us to share with the attendees how all of these are connected.
Cherish each and every day
"One day for a lifetime"
Each and every encounter we had during the two days of the GTF Green Challenge Days was an irreplaceable treasure for us: people who came from California, people who spoke passionately about their feelings about the environment, and people who were interested in African culture.
Through dialogue with customers, we were able to see for ourselves over the two days that interest in ethical living is definitely spreading.
What place will we go to next, and what kind of encounters will await us? We will continue to cherish each and every day as we carry out our activities.
Thank you for always visiting our site.
Representative Kaoru Tsuji
Future store openings
Kyoto Porta POPUP
Period: November 11th (Monday) to 19th (Tuesday)
Venue: Kyoto Porta Ancient Capital, Kyoto, where we will introduce the charm of African fabrics and ethical initiatives. Everyone in the Kansai area, please come and visit us.
*The latest information is also posted on Instagram (@crosstrade_1115)
