Feel Brooklyn  - November 2021 Vol.1 -

Skincare that Nurtures the Skin -Rice Force-

Tabula Rasa By Bosco Sodi

Support For HIV/AIDS -Out Of The Closet -

Select "Local"-Whole Foods Market

Be a Superhero - Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. -

Skincare that Nurtures the Skin - Rice Force -

#SUSTAINABLE #BEAUTY #PRODUCTS

Nov. 01 2021

I would like to introduce the sustainable products available at Brooklyn Beauty/ Fashion Labo.
 It's a product of Rice Force, a Japanese skincare brand with the concept of "skincare that nurtures the skin.” 

As the name suggests, Rice Force has developed products inspired by rice, and products using “Rice Power Extract”, a unique beauty ingredient created using its own fermentation technology, are attracting attention as a completely new type of skincare.

I talked with Mr. Inagi of Rice Force to uncover the secret behind Rice Force products. Rice power extract comes in 36 different varieties. Normally, one ingredient can be derived from one raw material, but the wide variety of Rice Power Extract is a result of the fermentation process. 

By changing the way and the order in which the rice is fermented or controlling the time spent on each process, various ingredients with different effects on the skin can be created, allowing the formulation of skin care products to address a variety of skin issues. 

The Deep Moisture series, using rice power extract No.11, is particularly popular. 

This ingredient has been approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare as a new active ingredient for quasi-drugs to improve the skin's ability to retain moisture. It is recommended for people with dry or very dry skin. Since 2019, Rice Force has undertaken an interesting industry as part of its commitment to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

Employees are involved in every step, from planting to harvesting the rice that forms the basis of Rice Force products.

 Foreign partners also participated in this project and experienced Japanese rice production from scratch. The rice used is "specially cultivated rice" grown using only organic fertilizers, without any chemical fertilizers. 

The rice that was harvested was then extracted as Rice Power Extract and transformed into a product. 

Being from Kagawa Prefecture, I was deeply impressed to see that a product from my hometown is being sold in Brooklyn, New York. 
In my conversation with Mr. Inagi of Rice Force, who is also from Kagawa Prefecture, I was reminded that rice, the staple food of the Japanese people, holds tremendous significance.

Tabula Rasa By Bosco Sodi

#ART #EVENT #FUTURE

Nov. 02 2021

Tabula Rasa is a participatory artwork created by Mexican artist Bosco Sodi, consisting of 439 clay spheres that were placed in Washington Square Park for passersby to take home and plant in their respective homes.

The number of spheres represents each day of the pandemic. The clay contains corn, squash, and bean seeds mixed in, with the hope that they coexist as they grow into new life.

I participated in the performance and admired the sculptural form of the sphere at home. 

However, this morning, I decided to take it to Prospect Park and found a good spot loved by dogs on morning walks to place it. I look forward to seeing my sphere grow and start a new cycle of life in my neighborhood.

Support For HIV/AIDS -Out Of The Closet -

#SUSTAINABLE #COMUNITY #LOCAL #CLOTHING #ENVIRONMENT #FASHION #STORE #THRIFT

Nov. 04 2021

Out of the Closet is more than just a thrift store. It is a non-profit thrift store run by the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF). When you shop at this store, you can directly support people with HIV/AIDS.

This time, I visited Out of the Closet in Brooklyn to uncover the secrets of this store. 

When you shop at the store, 96 cents of every dollar you spend goes to support people suffering from HIV/AIDS. Specifically, 96 cents of every dollar spent at the store goes toward the AIDS Healthcare Foundation's HIV/AIDS programs, services for new housing, an on-site pharmacy, and free HIV testing. 

The pharmacy, AHF Pharmacy, is a non-profit medical institution, and like the store, 96 cents of every dollar goes back into providing services to patients and the community. 

In addition, the store we visited in Brooklyn offers free HIV testing. Out of the Closet recommends that anyone who is sexually active has had a blood transfusion, or has had HIV should get tested every six months. 

Even if you are married or have not had sexual intercourse with more than one person, you should still get tested, they said. Counseling and testing for HIV prevention are available at any time, and no appointment is necessary. Those who have been tested will receive a 20% discount on their next purchase. Even if you want to do something to help, not only with HIV/AIDS, you may not know what to do first. Out of the Closet is an environment that is friendly to both those who provide support for HIV/AIDS and those who receive it.

Select "Local" -Whole Foods Market -

#COMUNITY #LOCAL #FOOD #STORE

Nov.05 2021

Whole Foods is one of the most popular organic and natural supermarkets in the United States. We have previously introduced GOTHAM GREENS on the rooftop of the supermarket, and now I would like to introduce the beauty corner.

The first thing I noticed when I went there was the "LOCAL" tag under the price tag.

As an organic and natural company, Whole Foods has set its own standards for organic products. 
While it is a well-known fact that all beauty products sold at Whole Foods have passed these standards, what does the "LOCAL" tag signify? 
In this article, I would like to focus on these local products. To begin with, Whole Foods encourages local production for local consumption, and food products and sundries are tagged with this LOCAL label. Whole Foods also supports local brands and companies, making a significant contribution to the local community.

Here are a few local products that were sold at the Whole Foods in Brooklyn, where I visited. 
First is Bodhi Organics. The introduction says, "Bodhi Organics is created by an eczema sufferer and chemist who developed products that support education in developing countries."

The producer can share the problem by explaining the background of the product, and the consumer can feel that they are contributing to society by using the product. Next is LUX Naturals.

In the introduction, it says, "Our soap, bath, body, and candles are all handmade in small batches with the finest quality ingredients. We are thankful to be doing what we love and making products we truly believe in. Hope you enjoy our creations!"
 You can feel the attention to detail of the ingredients and the personality of the producer, which makes you want to try it. They also sell a soap that is not a local product but is exclusive to Whole Foods: Good Soap Alaffia Bulk Soap.

They use fair trade unrefined shea butter and virgin coconut oil.
 While Whole Foods is located all over the United States, the products with LOCAL tags vary from store to store. It might be interesting to visit different stores and look for local products. Selecting local products can be a natural and obvious obligation as long as we feel connected to the area.

Be a Superhero - Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. -

#COMUNITY #LOCAL #ART #KIDS

Nov. 06 2021

It looks like an ordinary store. But open the secret door behind it and you'll find a classroom.
This is 826NYC.
It is a non-profit organization that supports the creative writing skills of children between the ages of 6 and 18.


​All proceeds from Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co., the store in front of the classroom, will be used to support 826NYC.
The staff is a small group of volunteers.

826NYC also publishes the works created by the students through the class.
This is because they believe that by actually selling their work to customers, students will change their mindset and be able to make better products.

​

 I interviewed Mr. Chris, Store and Operations Manager.
​
Q What is the most rewarding part?
A There are all kinds of kids. Some of them don't like to write, some of them have never written before, and some of them have experience but don't like it.
But I think it's interesting that even those people can express themselves by writing down their thoughts and feelings.
I want you to write whatever you want.


​

Q. What is your goal through this class?
A. I've been running this class for 17 years, and I'm happy to see that the kids who used to come to the class have grown up, and some of them who used to come only once a week or weren't interested at the time have come back as volunteers or staff.
Through this class, I'd like to develop a community of people who want to write.
​
Q. What do you want your children to become in the future?
A. Some of our graduates are writing English scripts and novels, some are lawyers, some are doctors.
They each have different jobs, but the one thing they all have in common is that they share their ideas with the world.