Gen Nagashima, musician, model and social entrepreneur, tells us his thoughts about Fair Trade and his ideal society!
How are you involved in environmental issues Gen?
I’ve been modelling for People Tree for ten years on a voluntary basis! (I modelled for GQ last week!) Also, I started a café, ‘Cinema Amigo’ in Zushi last year. It’s a café where you can see really interesting movies. Major Japanese cinema select very similar movies so I wanted a local cinema that shows alternative films and documentaries. I also wanted to create a community that connects people through film.
Japan’s media is still behind in presenting social and environmental issues. I can only make a comparison with the UK as it’s the only foreign country I’ve ever lived in. I was impressed by the BBC and fringe theatres, which show lots of great documentaries and films. ‘Cinema Amigo’ is a space that combines social awareness and entertainment.
What Fair Trade products do you buy?
Actually I don’t shop much! (laughs) I buy recycled goods and most of what I wear is made by my friends. I’m interested in supporting the local community and I buy Fair Trade products that can’t be made in Japan.
What does People Tree mean to you?
I think People Tree is important in two ways. First, it spreads the concept of Fair Trade. Secondly it spreads the idea through doing Fair Trade. While so many cannot translate their ideas into actions, it is incredible that People Tree have done so for 19 years. It also attracts fashionistas through its designer collections as well as appealing to green consumers. Ecology has a stoic image but I think it needs to be sexy too, which is why I like People Tree.
How can People Tree spread Fair Trade?
The Media should help you promote Fair Trade and raise awareness among young people. Words alone are not enough, prices should be increased on products that use exploited labour, so that Fair Trade products have a better chance of competing – and good business becomes the norm.
We need to teach children to use their hands in making things and how to cook. Because they have no experience they don’t value the work of artisans. We should create a society that admires and respects the work of artisans and craftspeople.
How do you measure happiness?
Smiles. If people around you are happy, you’ll be happy too. I think I smile a lot now and I see a lot of smiles around me now. However hard your work is, you can keep smiling if you find meaning in what you do.
If you can change just one thing in the world, what would it be?
I would ban weapons. There is no way we should accept the violence of war. Wars are related to a scramble for natural resources and manipulative politicians.
Your ideal society?
A society in which everyone can find meaningful work. No one should be forced to exploit the environment and producers just to make a profit. People need to live without worrying about the basics – food, shelter or clothes. A society in which everyone can live with pride and dignity, without feeling that they are being exploited by someone.
