Shimokawa Code of Conduct

  1. Prohibition of Child Labor
    We do not employ children under the age of 15 or those subject to compulsory education.
    Workers under the age of 18 are protected in accordance with legal requirements.
    When hiring, we require the submission of a resume and verify the age of the applicant. We will maintain an employee registry and ensure proper management of it.
  2. Protection of Foreign Workers
    When hiring foreign workers whose native language is not Japanese, we provide language education and workplace training to facilitate quick adaptation to the work environment.
    We respect the human rights of foreign workers and, under no circumstances, will the company hold their passports or residence cards. However, to confirm identity and legal status, we will verify and update the status of passports and residence cards.
    We conduct regular interviews to check and improve their health and living conditions.
  3. Prohibition of Forced Labor
    We ensure that all employees are treated with dignity and respect in the workplace. No employee will be forced to work through violence, threats, or coercion. Any form of abuse, harassment, or corporal punishment is strictly prohibited.
    We also prohibit any loans to employees that might lead to a situation where forced labor could not be ruled out.
    The adoption of a Representative Employee System strengthens the management structure.
  4. Prohibition of Discrimination
    We base our hiring and employment decisions on respect and equality, regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, social origin, political views, religion, or social status. We prohibit discrimination due to marriage, pregnancy, or chronic illness.
    Pregnant women are provided with work adjustments to reduce physical strain.
    When hiring craftsmen, the skill level of the artisan is the primary criterion. A probationary period will be set, and employment contracts will be finalized based on mutual agreement.
  5. Wages and Benefits
    Wages must be at least the minimum wage set by law. We ensure that employees receive sufficient wages for a basic living standard, along with all legally required benefits.
    No deductions from wages will be made without the employee’s consent.
    We maintain wage records under the guidance of a labor consultant, following the laws in Japan.
    Paid leave is also provided.
  6. Working Hours
    The prescribed weekly working hours shall not exceed 48 hours, including overtime, which may not exceed 60 hours. Employees will be given one day off in a seven-day period, and overtime will be compensated according to applicable regulations.
    Discussions with representative employees will determine holidays (including under a flexible working hours system). Saturdays off will be decided each month to ensure an average of 40 hours of work per week.
    Overtime and holiday work will be recorded in the wage ledger and communicated to the relevant employee orally on each payday.
  7. Freedom of Movement
    The company does not restrict internal movement during working hours. Employees are free to use their break time as they wish and are allowed to go out during that time.
    While the company sets the break time from 12:00 to 13:00, if changes are necessary for the convenience of employees, they are required to record their time on the attendance sheet for accurate tracking of working hours.
  8. Prohibition of Short-Term Repeated Employment
    When hiring on short-term contracts, we avoid repeated contracts and aim to promote stable long-term employment for employees.
  9. Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
    We respect the rights of employees to freely associate, join unions, or participate in other occupational or industrial organizations. We also respect the right to engage in collective bargaining as defined by law.
    A representative employee will be chosen by mutual agreement.
  10. Health and Safety
    A safe and hygienic workplace environment must be provided. We promote workplace safety and the protection and preservation of the environment.
    We ensure the installation of water-flushed toilets, air conditioning, and fire extinguishers, all managed according to legal regulations.
    To enhance safety, we avoid installing walls inside the factory, ensuring that the entire area is visible from any point within the factory.
    All employees are required to undergo an annual health checkup as mandated by law.
  11. Protection of Employees
    We respond sincerely and protect employees who file complaints regarding employment conditions, discrimination, freedom of association, working hours, or compensation.
    We address issues related to facility deterioration, such as roof leaks, machine repairs, replacements, and regular maintenance.
    Monthly individual interviews will be conducted to understand the situation of employees.
    Management ensures safety and comfort by making necessary repairs and improvements.
  12. Fair Disciplinary Practices
    Employees must be treated with respect and dignity. No employee should be subjected to any form of physical or psychological harassment, and any punitive fines are strictly prohibited.
    Disciplinary actions must be fair, and when necessary, a third party (such as an employee representative) will be involved for oversight, with their signature obtained.

The Mindset Built Over Four Generations and 76 Years

  1. Inheritance of Skills
    We inherit the 220-year-old traditional skills of Kurume Kasuri (Ikat weaving). The skills, passed down through multiple generations of artisans, have become a refined crystallization of craftsmanship.
  2. Open Doors
    We conduct factory tours throughout the year. With a welcoming spirit, individuals and groups can observe the manufacturing process of Kurume Kasuri.
    We also engage in outreach by giving lectures at universities, businesses, and other venues both domestically and internationally to promote the craft.
  3. Spirit of Challenge
    We maintain an active and fearless attitude toward new endeavors, such as product development, new projects, and collaborations.
  4. Sharing Skills and Information
    Through social media, we openly share scenes of artisans at work and the process of making Kurume Kasuri. This allows a wide range of people to become interested and curious about the craft.
    We welcome those from both Japan and abroad who are interested in internships and hands-on experiences.
    We emphasize a collaborative atmosphere in which all artisans, including those on the shop floor, share and teach each other’s techniques.