FUMIKODA's Traditional Craft Accessories Presented to First Lady Biden on Eve of Japan-US Summit

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 11, 2024--

FUMIKODA Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan; CEO: Fumi Koda), renowned for its Japanese vegan bag brand, proudly announces the selection of its accessories as a gift for Mrs. Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States, at the pre-summit dinner of the Japan-US Summit held on the evening of April 9th, 2024, Eastern Time. FUMIKODA continues its commitment to craftsmanship, seamlessly blending Japanese aesthetics and traditional techniques into its products.

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- Selected Accessories as Gift:
The selected gift is a set of three items - a bangle, earrings, and necklace - utilizing the coloring technique of traditional craft "Takaoka Copperware''. These items were produced by FUMIKODA to support the IT education of children in foster care facilities.
In the selection process, FUMIKODA's commitment to environmentally friendly production, preservation of traditional culture, and support for social welfare initiatives, among other efforts aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was selected.

FUMIKODA produces business bags and accessories that balance functionality and design using high-performance vegan leather "FUMITEX," developed in Japan. With a commitment to Japanese craftsmanship, all materials, components, and sewing are made in Japan. The brand actively incorporates traditional Japanese craftsmanship, crafted by artisans, while maintaining a conscientious approach to environmentally-friendly production. This dedication to meticulous craftsmanship, along with the use of FUMITEX, has garnered support from numerous business professionals.

- About FUMIKODA:
Since its establishment in 2016, FUMIKODA has been a Made-in-Japan bag brand embodying Japanese aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship. Founded by Fumi Koda, a creative director who graduated from Parsons School of Design in New York and operates an IT consulting company in Tokyo, FUMIKODA aims to produce functional, high-design business bags with minimal environmental impact in Japan.
FUMIKODA actively engages in SDGs, including product upcycling, supporting employment for people with disabilities, and assisting children in foster care facilities. FUMIKODA’s "Reuse Project" collects used company bags and donates them to students, showcasing FUMIKODA’s commitment to SDGs.
https://fumikoda.jp/en

- About "Takaoka Copperware":
The vivid turquoise blue detailing used in some of FUMIKODA’s products, such as bags accessories, is an item called Orii-blue that was created by traditional artisan Koji Orii from Takaoka-Doki, a copper that boasts a history of over 400 years.

FUMIKODA's Accessories Presented to First Lady Biden on Eve of Japan-US Summit (Graphic: Business Wire)

WASHINGTON (AP) — “Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill dropped by the White House on Friday for a visit with President Joe Biden and walked away with a pair of the president's aviator sunglasses and a greater respect for the office.

“I love the merch," he said, taking off the glasses during a quick appearance at the White House daily press briefing following his visit with Biden. Hamill, 72, famous for playing Luke Skywalker, kidded with reporters that he'd take a few questions — as long as they weren't about “Star Wars.”

“I was honored to be asked to come to the White House to meet the president,” he said. He's been to the White House before, during the Carter and Obama administrations, but he'd never checked out the Oval Office, and that was quite something, he said. Biden showed off photographs and other Oval Office items, Hamill said.

Hamill said Biden told him to call him “Joe,” to which Hamill offered an alternative suggestion: “Can I call you Joe-bi-Wan Kenobi?”

“He liked that,” said Hamill, who also voiced the Joker in “Batman: The Animated Series.”

Both Hamill and the White House were vague about his reason for visiting. But Hamill, a Democrat and Biden supporter with a huge social media following, has been posting about the president's reelection campaign this week.

“May The First Not Quench Your Thirst For Biden’s Re-election!” he wrote on May 1.

On Friday he posted, “May The Third Be Absurd That The Guy Who Tried To Steal A Fair Election Is Allowed To Run Again," a reference to Donald Trump and his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

May 4th is unofficially “Star Wars” Day, in part because of the famous Jedi phrase “May the force be with you." The pun goes, “May the fourth be with you.”

Hamill also lent his voice to “Air Alert” — a downloadable app linked to Ukraine’s air defense system. His voice urges people to take cover whenever Russia unleashes another aerial bombardment on Ukraine.

Actor Mark Hamill, left, joins White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre as she speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Friday, May 3, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Actor Mark Hamill takes off sunglasses given to him by President Joe Biden, as he joins White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre as she speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Friday, May 3, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Actor Mark Hamill takes off sunglasses given to him by President Joe Biden, as he joins White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre as she speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Friday, May 3, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)