[Event Report] "Bar MEGURI," a participatory event to discuss the future of the earth over drinks, was held!

This LOVST MEDIA article reports on "Bar MEGURI," an event hosted by LOVST TOKYO on Saturday, September 17th. We hope that both attendees and those who couldn't make it will enjoy seeing what happened on the day.

An event to enjoy in a bar-like setting with drinks in hand

The "Bar MEGURI" event was planned with the desire to create a casual setting where people living a sustainable and vegan lifestyle, working towards a better future, could freely discuss their daily "concerns" over drinks.

The event was held at "um Cafe" in Roppongi. Thanks to the cooperation of vegan model Miyu, a member of our operating team, we were able to hold the event at this venue.

On the day of the event, the lights were dimmed, and the event began in a stylish bar-like atmosphere. Attendees were offered apple-themed cocktails and soft drinks as a welcome.

What kind of brand is LOVST TOKYO?

At the beginning of the event, our representative, Karasawa, shared what kind of brand "LOVST TOKYO" is, the background to its creation, and the values we cherish.

When discussing "Why apple leather?", it was explained that we arrived at "apple leather" as a "choice that is considerate of both animals and the environment," as it can reduce the use of petroleum-based resins by 20% to 30%. Many participants nodded in understanding when it was explained that, as the vegan fashion market expands, "apple leather" exists as a better alternative, not just "not using animal materials."

Next, we talked about wanting to "cherish positive guilt" to help those who share the same purpose as the brand accumulate "successful experiences." To delve into this unfamiliar term "positive guilt," participants first shared their daily "concerns" with each other.

Dilemmas related to consumption: "When do you feel conflicted?"

Discussions immediately began, with participants divided into random groups of 4-5. The following topics were presented to each group:

Theme: "Guilt and dilemmas related to consumption"

・When do you feel "guilt" when living a sustainable life?
→What was theきっかけ that made you feel that way?

・How do you deal with that guilt?
→ How do you approach it daily?
→Do you feel frustration when you're not understood?

・Which guilt discussed within your team do you relate to the most?
→ Why do you want to prioritize that particular guilt?
→How do you plan to address that guilt moving forward?

The organizing team was concerned about how lively the discussion would be, but active conversations began immediately, suggesting that many participants deal with "guilt related to consumption" in their daily lives.

As the discussion heated up, there were times when the discussion had to be extended due to a lack of time. In the latter half, participants organized the points raised within their groups using whiteboards to share them with other groups.

Sharing opinions from each group

At the end of the group work, representatives from each group shared the content of their discussions with other groups. Common opinions heard across all groups included feeling "guilt when producing plastic waste" or "food waste," but to avoid burnout, participants emphasized "not overdoing it" and "doing what they can while enjoying it."

On the other hand, participants also found new insights from comments such as "I repair and wear my clothes" and "I live a vegan lifestyle," with some expressing, "This is the first time I've encountered such an idea, but I want to gradually put it into practice myself!"

It seems that the discussions provided both empathy and new discoveries for the participants.

What exactly is "positive guilt"?

Through the discussions, everyone seemed to have confronted and deepened their understanding of their own "guilt." At this point, our representative, Karasawa, reiterated LOVST TOKYO's concept of "positive guilt."

LOVST TOKYO defines the daily "concerns" that each individual holds as "not negative emotions, but rather a positive guilt for society, which you hold as you strive to make choices that are kind to both the earth and animals."

And from the desire to cherish this "positive guilt," we established the shop's operating policy: "Five Principles of Positive Guilt."

Once again, we expressed our resolve to operate the shop in a way that is sensitive to the "positive guilt" that each individual feels.

Commemorative photo after group work

Participants who happened to be in the same group at this event took commemorative photos with their respective groups after the discussion.

Many participants came alone, but by the end, they were completely comfortable with each other, bringing smiles to the faces of the operating team.

Drinks and food while mingling

After the group work, there was time for relaxed conversation over vegan food. Participants enjoyed original cocktails and other drinks while mingling freely.

Furthermore, new products were specially unveiled at this event before anywhere else. Comments like "Cute!" were heard for the new wallet and tote bag designs, which were unlike anything seen before.

There was also a lottery at the venue where participants could win new products, including the "Apple Samael Wallet." Cheers erupted when winners were announced.

Creating a place to share "concerns"

Time flew by, and the two-hour event came to an end. Participants were given "vegan apple jam" as a souvenir, and it was touching to see them leave, seemingly reluctant to part.

After the event, many participants approached the organizing team, saying, "It was so refreshing and fun to talk to so many new people!"

It was a truly heartwarming moment to see that our initial goal of "creating a place where people living a sustainable and vegan lifestyle, working towards a better future, could freely discuss their daily 'concerns' over drinks" had been achieved.

We will continue to hold events!

The event, conducted in a unique workshop format, was a wonderful success thanks to all the participants.

We will continue to plan events that our users can enjoy, so please look forward to them. If you have any suggestions like "I'd like to see an event like this!", please feel free to let us know.

Once again, to everyone who participated, thank you very much!