Everyone Loves an Underdog

Tani Japan Charity Project

About "Underdog" ?

a play on words...

Combining the specialty of Tani - UNDERwear, with our love of animals, especially DOGs. In English, the word "underdog" is often referred to the weaker party, the less fortunate in the society.

everyone loves an underdog...

is the charitable arm of Tani Japan started since 2020 Fall and Winter collection. Profit from the sale of this collection will go to fund projects that raise awareness and offer financial help to the underprivileged.

about

projects

Project Partners

Dog Shelter, Tokyo, Japan

Sales proceeds (after deducting production cost) from the Underdog project in Japan will go to fund Tokyo-based Dog Shelter <dogshelter.jp>.

Dog Shelter was founded by Mrs Mina Kataoka in 2006. The small organization is run by volunteers only. Every dog they take in undergoes thorough medical check and home fostering before being matched to their new permanent home. Every prospective dog owner and their home are also vetted by the team.

Dog Shelter has re-homed over 900 dogs in the Kanto and Kansai area. Only 2 dogs have ever been returned to Dog Shelter following their formal adoption, testament to Mrs Kataoka and her team's serious and thorough work.

Let's make a difference, together...

Statistics Provided by Animal Care and Management Administration Office, Japan

Source: https://www.env.go.jp/nature/dobutsu/aigo/2_data/statistics/dog-cat.html

Note:

Animal welfare laws were revised in 2012, imposing stricter regulations on businesses trading animals. The amendment included the ability for animal control offices and dog wardens to refuse animals from pet shops and breeders.
https://www.env.go.jp/nature/dobutsu/aigo/2_data/pamph/h2706c.html

The laws were again amended in June 2019 to enforce the implantation of microchip on sold animals, prohibit the sale of dogs and cats under 8 weeks old, and impose harsher penalties on animal abuse.
https://www.env.go.jp/nature/dobutsu/aigo/2_data/laws/nt_r010619_39_1.pdf

Dogs are popular in Japan: The number of pet dogs in the nation is estimated at over 10 million (2018) with 18.1% of Japanese household being dog owners. In Europe, where there has been a long history of animal rights, most pets are adopted from animal shelters or acquired from reputable breeders. In Japan, most dogs and cats are purchased from pet stores.

Tani Interns Interviewed Mina Kataoka, Founder of Dog Shelter Tokyo

We, Tani Interns, had a chance to interview Kataoka-san, Founder of Dog Shelter Tokyo, during the Tani Japan Spring and Summer Collection presentation. We talked about what people should know before taking on the responsibility of owning a pet, the regulations of microchips and collars, etc...

Kataoka-san's advise made a lasting impression on us and we wish to share with everyone!

Please click the pictures for details ☟

Advise When Owning a Dog	Microchips and Collars	Interns' Comments

collections

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Inspirations of the Design

We develop new products each season, working with different artists.

Every piece is designed with the intent to share our love of animals with our customers, and sewn with care Tani's signature Silktouch material.

We hope with tireless efforts and long term commitment, we too can bring positive change to the “underdogs” in the society.

Artists and Collaboration Lists

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Yui Yamaoka

Yui Yamaoka is a young artist who graduated from Kyoto City University of Arts in 2010. Her illustrations frequently feature different types of animals, meticulously drawn in fine lines, in fantastical environments.

Inspiration of the design:

Every Dog Breed is Lovable!

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Yui Yamaoka

Inspiration of the design:

Every Dog Breed is Lovable!

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Tani X CLOUDY

Cloudy is the partner of SS21's Everyone Loves an Underdog®︎ project. They offer local education, employment, and health care in Ghana and Kenya through their Ghanaian NPO . A portion of the proceeds from the Underdog Collection will be donated to Cloudy's philanthropy .

Inspiration of the design:

The colourful prints designed by Ghanaian artists are inspired by traditional African motifs. The print "mate masie" means "I understand", referring to wisdom and knowledge. It also represents taking into account other people's thoughts and opinion.

Recommended

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SHOP

events

Lecture Series at Sophia University

In Professor Audrey Morrell’s course “Animals and Society” in the Department of English Studies, we offered the following lectures to raise awareness and discussed with the students how we can improve animal welfare in Japan.

November 2020: Michelle Tang, Tani director, gave an overview of the latest in animal welfare and protection laws. Ms Okutani of Dog Shelter Osaka introduced their activities.

July 2021: We shared a part of the DVD “Dogs, Cats, and Human 2 (犬と猫と人間と２)” and led a discussion with the students afterwards. Mrs. Susan Sakuraba shared her experience of adopting her dog, Emma, from the Dog Shelter.

December 2021: Following the positive feedback from the previous session, expanded further review of the DVD and discussion of pet and farm animal welfare, planned and supported by extended Tani Japan team and supporters.