Kisho Fukai: Successor Venture and Kapok

2022/01/25

I am currently devoted to the "venture business aiming to balance social impact and profitability" that I admired during my university days. Specifically, I create plant-based downwear using the cotton from the seeds of the kapok tree.

In this article, I will share my story from both the perspective of a successor and a venture entrepreneur. When I was attending Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC), the term "social entrepreneur" was born. I was thrilled by the brilliant achievements of my seniors and worked hard on weekly seminar readings and presentations, thinking, "Someday, I want to do business that addresses social issues."

However, as soon as I entered the workforce, lacking experience, I was tossed about by profit-driven business. Later, I joined my family business, the apparel manufacturer Futaba Shoji. I worked hard with my grandfather and father to revitalize the business, but the more I learned about the apparel industry structure based on mass production and mass disposal, the more I realized how difficult it is to balance social impact and profitability.

To change the industry's status quo, I searched for sustainable materials that could be continuously produced. That's when I encountered kapok and was convinced, "This is it!" Since it comes from tree nuts, there is no need to cut down trees, nor is there a need to harm birds like with down feathers. The business aspect, such as functional cost, is also excellent. My life took a major turn after this encounter with kapok.

In October 2019, I established KAPOK KNOT, a brand centered on kapok. We started with a made-to-order crowdfunding campaign, receiving over 17 million yen in support and numerous awards. Our clothing production, which is kind to consumers, producers, and the global environment, was highly acclaimed. To spread this brand worldwide and prove that "enjoying fashion" and "thinking about the future" can coexist, I founded a venture while being a successor to a long-established company. This was to accelerate collaboration with kapok farms and research and development.

The designer who has supported me since the brand's launch is a university classmate, and many other members are Keio University alumni. I have received help from various seniors in many fields. I still cannot forget the excitement of speaking with Ms. Yamaguchi and Mr. Yamazaki of Motherhouse, seniors I admired during my student days. My father and sister are also Keio University alumni, and following in their footsteps to become a Keio University alumni was a major turning point in my life.

I intend to return this favor through the future growth of KAPOK KNOT.