Japan

An on line project designed to sell top quality goods made by the disabled is gaining momentum across Japan.

The goods, sold under the name Magokoro-Zeppin, (roughly translated as “Exquisite Goods from the Heart"), include a wide selection of the best quality products made in disabled centers throughout Japan.

They include freshly baked cakes and cookies, folk crafts, dynamic art work that would surprise Picasso, ceramics, stationery, and toys that will involve 107 facilities and their best items.

Some say the quality is so good that there is no reason to advertise the disclaimer that they are made in welfare centers for the disabled.

The Nippon Foundation decided to support this project because of the wonderful products being made in these welfare centers by the disabled.

The Foundation’s partner in the project is the NPO Japan SELP (for Self hELP) Center, which will be managing the details. They have a long history in the promotion and development of products made by the disabled.

Both the Foundation and the NPO agree that the selection of goods to be marketed must be made according to the strictest standards.

The key priority will be to emphasize the excellent quality of the goods themselves rather than the fact that they were made by the handicapped.

By taking this position, it is thought that more economic support will be enjoyed by the persons who are actually making the goods.

The NPO and Foundation selection criteria to choose and screen goods for the Magokoro Zeppin brand will be based on price, tastefulness, product design, originality, maturity, product strength, handmade quality , seasonality, and scarcity.

Eventually, a nationwide committee will be chosen to evaluate the products, to boost product recognition so that more customers will become aware of the high quality of the brand’s goods.

“Magokoro Zeppin” goods can be found at: http://www.magokoro-zeppin.com/