Exploring the Wool Futures Through Circular Design Perspective in Japan

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore alternative production methods and their potential and limitations in facilitating the transition to a circular economy for wool in Japan. The difficulty of securing large tracts of land and high labor costs make it difficult to meet current domestic clothing consumption needs. Discussions on pricing and networking of circular fashion based on domestic production in Japan, heavily dependent on imports, will contribute to the development of sustainability and circular design, which is affected by existing infrastructure and land limitations.

The Japan Wool Competition and Japan Wool Project can be evaluated in terms of surplus resource infrastructure to envision circulation in Japan. The competition allows for evaluation regardless of production type by pricing sheep from individual shepherds to tourist farms. Sheep of non-uniform materials and types can be evaluated, distributed, and used for different purposes individually and uniquely. From a circular design perspective, the development of products that take advantage of domestic wool’s material properties reduces the environmental impact of the production process. This allows domestic circulation.

The data for this study was collected by interviewing stakeholders operating each project, including shepherds, purchasers, and managers. Information from media reports and web-based surveys was also used to supplement these data. The Japan Wool Competition and Japan Wool Project were examined to clarify domestic wool production and utilization.