"The place where pocket embroidery is born" Welfare facility "Mikomiko"

We had the opportunity to visit Micomico, a welfare facility in Yokohama, that embroidered the pockets on our collaboration item with equalto, "WIDE CREW NECK P/O equalto edition."

Mikomiko is a facility known as a life care facility (disability service facility) that provides welfare services mainly to people with intellectual and physical disabilities. At two locations, the first and second locations, they engage in a variety of tasks, such as cafeteria, confectionery, handicrafts, and posting flyers. People with disabilities of all ages gather at the facility, and support is provided at a pace that suits each user. The work content is also adjusted according to the physical condition and mood of the user on that day, creating an environment where everyone can work with peace of mind.

Mikomiko No. 1 Office, with a cafe attached

When you step into the first facility, the first thing that catches your eye is the sight of users creating bead art, coloring books, weaving, and more. Here, users can learn skills at their own pace and express their creativity through a variety of tasks. Bead art is made faithfully to models, but has a unique charm that gives it a sense of originality. In coloring books, works are produced one after another, carefully finished down to the smallest detail with delicate use of colors. Each piece has the warmth that can only be achieved by hand, and the finished product touches the hearts of those who see it.

Bead art of ekiben sold at the cafe. Even the grains of rice on the inside of the lid are recreated.

The cafe not only sells products made by users, but also roasts coffee on-site. The roasted coffee is served at the cafe, and users display the products they made in the store and offer them to visitors, making it a place where users and visitors can naturally communicate with each other through the space and objects.

A customer at Cafe Mikomiko who roasts coffee beans. In order to make delicious coffee, the condition of each and every bean is checked.

I actually had a chance to try it, and it was delicious, with a fragrant aroma spreading across the palate and a pleasant lingering aftertaste even after it was put in the mouth.

Second office "Casa Micomico"

We visited Casa Micomico, located about a five-minute walk from the first facility, and found it to be bustling with activity. This facility, which opened in May 2017, sees users engaged in handicrafts such as bead art, sewing, and embroidery.

There are also dedicated staff on hand to assist with sewing and embroidery, allowing users to proceed with their work without hesitation.

The way people work varies from person to person. One user looked for reference images on his iPad, compared them to the images, and spent a lot of time working on them. Some work can be completed in a few hours, while others take several days.

The bead art was created by passengers in memory of the train, whose retirement in January 2025 has been announced. Every detail has been reproduced in exquisite detail.

This user told us that, while she was no longer able to dance, which she enjoyed, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she was able to immerse herself in crafting and avoid becoming depressed thanks to Mikomiko's activities. The work she created at that time was characterized by detailed embroidery and sophisticated use of color, and was a finish that would make a great addition to interior decor.

The embroidery on the pockets used in this collaboration was also created by various users, each with their own ideas. The color scheme and design were all born from their own ideas. Some people embroidered the ideas in their heads at lightning speed, while others worked slowly and carefully, hesitating. Here, you can see the warmth and individuality that can only be created by human hands.

Communication between the facility staff and users was very lively, and it was clear that a strong relationship of trust had been built between them. The staff provided support at the users' own pace, and it was impressive to see the users also clearly convey their thoughts and opinions to the staff. I felt that this kind of trust is what makes the daily work more meaningful.

Finally, we were shown the personal belongings of the company staff. Most of the items, such as bags and clothes, were customized to Micomiko specifications.

Thank you so much for spending your precious time with us, Micomiko. We look forward to creating even more amazing things together with you in the future.

Welfare facility "Mikomiko": https://mikomiko200541.wixsite.com/home