We at SOLIT had the privilege of designing inclusive uniforms for Kokuyo K Heart’s Tokyo Division. For over two years, SOLIT has collaborated with Kokuyo Co., Ltd., exploring the definitions and frameworks of their in-house inclusive design. Kokuyo identified “Enhancing Well-being Both Inside and Outside the Company” as a key corporate priority in 2022 and has also been actively implementing this across various areas of the company.
Kokuyo’s commitment to inclusive hiring dates back to 1940, even before the legal establishment of employment quotas for persons with disabilities in Japan. In 2003, Kokuyo K Heart Co., Ltd. was established as a special subsidiary, and in 2023, the company opened the HOWS PARK diversity office on the first floor of its Osaka headquarters. HOWS PARK serves as a collaboration hub for both Kokuyo and Kokuyo K Heart, promoting seamless partnerships beyond disabilities.
Recently, Kokuyo established a new K Heart division in Tokyo, launching employment for individuals with disabilities in cleaning duties at Kokuyo’s Shinagawa office, THE CAMPUS. To commemorate this new milestone, Kokuyo approached us at SOLIT for the joint development of dedicated uniforms for these staff members.
With insights directly from the staff members who will wear them, we used the inclusive design methodology (known as HOWS DESIGN at Kokuyo) to develop each detail and specification. After multiple prototypes, it’s rewarding to finally see the uniforms in use!
In this article, we at SOLIT have shared our aspirations and the concepts behind this collaboration. We hope you enjoy reading, alongside Kokuyo’s official press release and interview articles!
Kokuyo’s official press release：Kokuyo Official Website
Clothes that Inspire Confidence and Pride in Work
SOLIT Fashion Designer and Production Manager
ITSUO
For Kokuyo K Heart uniforms, I envisioned something more than just functional workwear. I wanted these uniforms to enable the wearers to feel confident and approach others with ease. In cleaning work, there’s often a sense of hesitancy or self-consciousness when interacting with other office workers due to concerns about appearance or getting dirty, which can lead to reserved behavior.
But in reality, office cleanliness plays a vital role in comfort for everyone, and by enhancing the environment for employees and guests, cleaning staff contribute significantly to Kokuyo’s corporate image.
I hope these uniforms become a source of pride, breaking down psychological barriers. We worked on redefining expectations for the uniform, understanding the essential features needed, and establishing a foundation based on the following elements:
・Confidence when meeting people, whether inside or outside the office
・A refined material texture, suitable even for public settings
・A non-aggressive aesthetic
In choosing materials, we moved away from standard heavy-duty workwear fabrics, opting instead for a refined, wrinkle-resistant material that delivers a sophisticated look. With a texture similar to that found in general fashion items, the fabric maintains a polished appearance even after washing, giving the uniform a neat, coordinated set.
We also incorporated ribbing—a signature of SOLIT’s designs—to enhance freedom of movement. Inspired by THE CAMPUS’s vibrant color scheme, we added bright pink stitching, with options like coveralls, cargo pants, overalls, and shirts for flexibility in personal style.
By providing options like cargo pants and overalls, each staff member can create a look that suits their preference. We hope that these uniforms inspire confidence and establish the cleaning team as a valued part of the workplace.
I'm excited to see K Heart's new initiatives and the stories they bring!
Moving Away from a Rugged, Heavy Image—Towards Something Distinctive at Kokuyo
SOLIT Fashion Designer
MERINA
When I joined the project, the concept for designing overalls was already set. As we began to design the uniform based on overalls, my initial impression was that of a 'rugged and powerful image.'
Overalls traditionally carry a rugged, heavy-duty image, often associated with physical labor. While functional, the design is generally basic, unadorned, and often made with denim, which tends to be heavy, slow to dry, and restrictive.
After understanding Kokuyo’s brand image and hearing about the aspirations for the uniforms, it was clear that the conventional, rugged look didn’t align with Kokuyo’s values. I aimed to bring warmth and softness to the design, something that reflected Kokuyo’s welcoming nature and offered comfort to the wearer.
Therefore, while retaining the defining features of overalls, we paid special attention to details and color. We were particularly careful in selecting the color scheme. For the inner layer, we chose a terracotta color, which is casual yet subtly sophisticated, aiming to convey warmth and approachability.
This terracotta shade, also used on some of THE CAMPUS’s walls and staircases, evokes natural earthy tones that soften the rugged impression of overalls and add a sense of calm. While ensuring the uniform's practicality, we focused on small details like button colors and thread accents, striving to create a uniform that goes beyond simple workwear. The goal was to design something that would allow the wearer to walk confidently, even passing by others on the street.
We hope that wearing this uniform helps staff perform their work comfortably and confidently, creating a positive impression on those around them.
Uniform creation isn’t solely about functionality; it’s about supporting the wearer’s mindset and daily activities. We believe that a good uniform design should make the wearer feel proud of their work and motivated to give their best each day.
It would mean a lot to us if the new Kokuyo K Heart uniforms resonate with this spirit.
Carrying Our Vision Into Everyday Wear
SOLIT Representative
MISAKI
From working with Kokuyo on defining diversity and inclusion within the company, to contributing to the HOWS PARK opening, web launches, and more, SOLIT has had the privilege of being involved in numerous Kokuyo projects.
Visiting HOWS PARK every few months, we’ve learned firsthand about the staff’s approach to work, their aspirations, and have even discussed exciting future possibilities. So, when the opportunity came up to design the new uniforms, I couldn’t have been happier.
We approached this uniform project with a deep understanding of Kokuyo’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. While the project came with specific requirements, we also drew on our insights into Kokuyo’s broader vision, considering aspirations that might not have been explicitly stated. ITSUO and MERINA led the design, transforming these values into the fashion aspects, while I focused on the operational and production framework, structuring the project with these underlying principles in mind.
- Involving wearers in the design process and incorporating their feedback
- Selecting materials and shapes that consider various body types and conditions
- Using durable, easy-care materials that ensure longevity and minimize waste
- Providing tailored, on-demand uniforms that reduce excess stock
- Keeping costs reasonable for long-term sustainability
As a bespoke uniform provider, we can’t create ultra-low-cost items. Additionally, our commitment to environmental and human rights considerations in production is something we hold dear and won’t compromise on. Kokuyo and Kokuyo K Heart recognized our values and priorities, and despite the challenges they may have faced in securing internal approvals and managing operations, they chose to work with us.
Still, with the collaboration between SOLIT and Kokuyo, we hope that these uniforms, worn every day, will reflect not only the values of the people who wear them but also the company’s philosophy and vision.
Direction：Misaki Tanaka
Design Lead / Production：Itsuo Mihara
Design：Yanome Rina
Photo：Yamanaka Sampo
Writing / PR：Natsumi Wada