IDEAS FOR GOOD’s first short documentary “The Repair Cafe : It Wasn’t Just About Fixing Things”

On November 11, IDEAS FOR GOOD, a web media platform operated by Harch Inc. to share ideas for a better society, held an event of its first short documentary, “The Repair Cafe : It Wasn’t Just About Fixing Things.” This event focused on rethinking the relationship between people and things.

“Every broken item holds a story.”

Are there broken items lying forgotten around you?

A frayed sweater, a cracked tablet, or an old toy from childhood—each of these items holds memories and stories. Yet, in a society shaped by mass production, mass consumption, and capitalism, it has become commonplace to replace broken items rather than repair them. Often, even repairing can cost as much as buying a new item, and some repairs are simply difficult to do on your own.

The Repair Cafe offers a solution. These spaces allow local volunteers to repair all kinds of items—from household electronics to clothing and bicycles—for free.

IDEAS FOR GOOD’s first short documentary, “The Repair Cafe,” takes viewers to Amsterdam, the birthplace of this initiative, and follows the activities of the Repair Cafe movement there. Through the interactions that arise within these cafés, we gain a new perspective on the relationship between people and objects, and reconsider what true richness means.

Image courtesy: Repair Cafe Jeltje

In July 2024, a new EU directive took effect to promote product repair, mandating manufacturers to provide repair options for 11 categories of products, including televisions and mobile phones. Similarly, Japan held a circular economy ministerial conference in July 2024 to discuss the role of repair in regional revitalization and lifestyle changes.

As the planet faces critical planetary boundaries, we are challenged to find ways to build a richer, more sustainable society through “repair” and “regeneration.” This film event encouraged attendees to reflect on the relationship between people and things, and the kind of future we wish to create.

After the film show, IDEAS FOR GOOD founder Yu Kato and the documentary’s director Masato Sezawa, held a cross-talk session. They shared behind-the-scenes stories of the film’s production, discussed strategies for engaging people in the circular economy, and explored the future of repair culture in Europe and Japan. The event also provided a dialogue session for participants, fostering connections among individuals interested in the circular economy and sustainability.

[Reference] “[Screening] The Repair Cafe: It Wasn’t Just About Fixing Things” will be held on 11/11 | IDEAS FOR GOOD (in Japanese)
[Related Page]The Repair Cafe Special Site | IDEAS FOR GOOD (in Japanese)
[Related Site] IDEAS FOR GOOD (in Japanese)