Surci was established on November 11, 2011. This November 11th marks our 11th anniversary.
While the 11th anniversary tends to be overshadowed by the 10th and doesn’t get much celebration, Surci will hold the “1 + 1 + 1 Festival” from November 11th to December 12th. During this event, 11 types of bags will be available for 11,111 yen. Additionally, we will be giving away a book written by our representative, Sekiya.
Since taking that first step 11 years ago, we’ve moved forward step by step, sometimes pausing to reflect. Over these 11 years, it feels like we’ve steadily built up each “1” one by one. We’ve been able to continue Surcy for 11 years thanks to all of you, and we want to express our gratitude through the “1 + 1 + 1 Festival.”
A book summarizing Surcy’s 10-year journey since its founding has been published.
Surcy’s Journey
●2010: The Origin of Our Activities
While traveling in Cebu, I saw handmade bags sold at souvenir shops for surprisingly low prices. Wondering how much the makers were actually paid sparked the idea that would evolve into a business concept: creating employment opportunities through hand-knitted bags using natural materials and paying fair wages.
In Calcal City, Cebu Island, we rented an elementary school and began training local women in knitting.
●2011: Established Surcy Co., Ltd.
After nearly two years of traveling to the Philippines, teaching everything from how to hold a crochet hook to reading patterns, designing bags, and providing technical guidance, and once quality and bag supply stabilized in November 2011, Surcy Co., Ltd. was established with the motto: “Opening up the future for Filipino women with a single crochet hook!”
●2013: Launched pop-up stores in department stores
Raffia bags are now available at major department stores nationwide. They will be sold annually at department stores and select shops during raffia season, from April through early August.
●In 2014, the local company name was established as “Sulci Handicrafts Trading,” and a house was rented in Karakal as a workshop.
●2015: Began training in prison
Women incarcerated at Karakaru City Prison receive knitting training and produce bags within the facility. Wages are sent home to support their children. Upon release, Surcy provides employment opportunities. Follow-up support aims to reduce recidivism rates.
●2019: Launched a crowdfunding campaign for a land acquisition and in-house workshop construction project in Cebu
We achieved our goal, significantly exceeding the primary target of 2 million yen.
We overcame the immediate challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and a direct hit from a major typhoon, completing the project in 2020.
●2022: With COVID-19 subsiding, we began constructing a warehouse on the workshop grounds and a terrace in front of the entrance.
