Asia Craft Link (ACL) is an NGO based in Niigata City that supports the self-reliance of people in Myanmar. Its message is "support that lasts a lifetime: technical skills." Rather than relying on donations alone, it develops products together with local people by combining local materials with Japanese design, and considers its work successful when people grow.
The core of its work is the "One Village One Product" movement in Myanmar. Besides developing products such as woodwork, bamboo, textiles, organic cotton, lotus fabric and organically grown black tea, ACL also carries out tree planting under its "Myanmar forest-building" project. The products reach Japanese consumers through a fair trade shop, an online shop and custom-engraved original goods.
Its history shows that the NGO Myanmar Craft Support Association was founded in 2006 and, after becoming an NPO in 2012, has carried out a range of projects, including those supported by the Japanese government's Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects, JICA and the Green Fund. The official website reports a board meeting and general assembly and an exhibition appearance in September 2026, and a tree-planting report in July.
Key points
- Products are made jointly with people in Myanmar, using local materials and Japanese design
- The One Village One Product movement covers seven fields, including woodwork, bamboo, textiles and tea
- Production through to sales is linked by fair trade, aiming for support that can continue
Why this organization's work stands out
The idea of "not support through donations, but an equal partnership where we also sweat and grow together" runs through all of its activities. Because making things builds careful workmanship and quality-control skills, the capacity remains locally after support ends, which makes it a useful reference.
It also operates as a social business, where buying products helps sustain the activities. This offers a way to connect with people in Myanmar through everyday shopping.
Editor's comment
It was heartening to learn that handcrafted items such as shoehorns and cutlery connect to international cooperation. It feels like a form of support we can join close to home.
Product details and more about the activities are on the official website. Please take a look.