- On 25 August 2025, UNITAR and SPINGLE Co., Ltd. presented Paper Crane Recycled Sneakers to 13 youth participants of the “UNITAR SDGs and Digital Futures: Changemaking Through AI/Digital Storytelling” training programme.
- The UNITAR programme teaches young people how to use AI and digital storytelling to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
- SPINGLE Co., Ltd.’s special-edition sneakers use thread made from paper cranes donated to the Peace Memorial Park. They demonstrate to the participants how a product’s design can tell a story.
- UNITAR and SPINGLE Co., Ltd. hope to further collaborate in the future to spread peace awareness across generations.
©UNITAR
25 August 2025, Hiroshima – On 25 August 2025, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and SPINGLE Co., Ltd. presented “Paper Crane Recycled Sneakers” to the youth participants of the “UNITAR SDGs and Digital Futures: Changemaking Through AI/Digital Storytelling” training programme, collaborating to share messages of peace to the world.
The UNITAR digital storytelling programme teaches young people, aged 16 to 28, skills to use artificial intelligence and storytelling to promote the Sustainable Development Goals. After the initial online phase, 13 young participants – five from four Asian countries and eight from Hiroshima Prefecture – joined a four-day Hiroshima study tour.
On the first day of the tour, 25 August, President of SPINGLE Co., Ltd. presented each participant with a pair of Paper Crane Recycled Sneakers. The sneakers are crafted using thread made from paper cranes donated to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. SPINGLE Co., Ltd. created the special-edition sneakers to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. They embody prayers for peace and a commitment to promoting the use of recycled materials.
For the youth participants of the UNITAR training, the company’s work demonstrated how a product’s design can highlight the story behind the material, encouraging them to explore the power of storytelling from multiple perspectives.
We want to communicate the cultural significance of the paper cranes in Hiroshima and the profound importance of peace through our products. It is with great honour to present these shoes – carrying the hopes of many who wish for peace – to the young participants from around the world, the leaders of the next generation.” – Takahisa Uchida, President, SPINGLE Co., Ltd.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, and I am very pleased to announce the collaboration with SPINGLE Co., Ltd., a company that conveys messages of peace from Hiroshima through their Paper Crane Recycled Sneakers.” –Chisa Mikami, Head, UNITAR Hiroshima Office
©SPINGLE Co., Ltd.
The digital storytelling programme started from June 2025 and is run by UNITAR in collaboration with the UNITAR Association, with the support of the Hiroshima Prefectural Government and the City of Hiroshima. For the final phase, the participants will take part in a large, hybrid international event in October 2025. There, they will showcase their digital stories developed through the programme.
The UNITAR Hiroshima Office and SPINGLE Co., Ltd. will continue to promote peace awareness across generations and borders, while seeking further opportunities for collaboration.
About SPINGLE Co., Ltd.
SPINGLE Co., Ltd. is a sneaker manufacturer headquartered and operating its plant in Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture. The company produces its signature leather sneakers, “SPINGLE”, using the vulcanization method. Upholding the craftsmanship honed by its skilled artisans, SPINGLE Co., Ltd. is committed to delivering comfortable, unique and timeless products that transcend fleeting fashion trends. www.spingle.jp
About UNITAR
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations. In 2024, UNITAR trained approximately 550,000 learners around the world to support their actions for a better future. UNITAR has a global presence, with offices in Geneva, Hiroshima, New York and Bonn and networks around the world. Find out more at unitar.org