This study explores the dynamic field of circular economy (CE) in the circular textiles and fashion (CTF) industry of Japan, highlighting the country's distinct position and its potential to catalyze challenges in business cooperation with the European Union (EU). The methodology consisted of (1) desk research with a systematic literature review, and (2) conducting 20 interviews with stakeholders from SMEs to large multinationals, government officials, clusters, and public and private sector stakeholders in Japan and the EU. First, this work introduces the CE paradigm and the CTF sector. Secondly, it analyzes the CTF industry in Japan examining the historical background, contemporary market dynamics, private sector activities promoting circularity among local enterprises, and consumer trends; it is remarked the challenges include the lethargic CTF commerce amidst demographic and economic trends, the collapse of traditional textile enterprises, and the domination of multinationals. Thirdly, as this study's key contribution, it designs a collaborative framework between EU and Japanese CTF businesses to foster circularity in both regions to catalyze challenges in opportunities. This article may provide helpful insights for policymakers and businesses, ranging from local startups to global enterprises, aiming to capitalize on Japan's CTF industry.

中文翻译：

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释放日本纺织和时尚行业的循环经济潜力：欧洲企业的机遇


本研究探讨了日本循环纺织品和时尚 （CTF） 行业循环经济 （CE） 的动态领域，突出了该国的独特地位及其在促进与欧盟 （EU） 商业合作挑战方面的潜力。该方法包括 （1） 案头研究和系统文献综述，以及 （2） 对日本和欧盟的中小企业、大型跨国公司、政府官员、集群以及公共和私营部门利益相关者进行 20 次访谈。首先，这项工作介绍了 CE 范式和 CTF 部门。其次，它分析了日本的 CTF 行业，研究了历史背景、当代市场动态、促进当地企业循环的私营部门活动以及消费趋势;据称，挑战包括人口和经济趋势中昏昏欲睡的 CTF 商业、传统纺织企业的倒闭以及跨国公司的主导地位。第三，作为本研究的主要贡献，它设计了欧盟和日本 CTF 企业之间的合作框架，以促进两个地区的循环性，从而促进机遇中的挑战。本文可能为政策制定者和企业提供有用的见解，从本地初创公司到全球企业，旨在利用日本的 CTF 行业。