Japan is Loco for LOHAS

The LOHAS movement is apparently catching like wildfire in Japan.

"TOKYO (AP) -- A U.S. lifestyle concept that combines consumerism with a bit of ecological conscience is proving a hit in shopping-crazy Japan, where workaholic 'salarymen' are looking for quick fixes for stress and thinking green is becoming fashionable.

LOHAS, which stands for Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability, an approach to purchasing and investment that originated in the United States about a decade ago, encompasses a wide range of products pushing social and environmental responsibility -- organic soap, recycled paper, hybrid cars, solar heating and herbal tea.

...The recent Tokyo exhibition included an ergonomic chair, non-allergenic detergent, water bottles and Crocs Inc. sandals. A glass fishbowl by Italian designer Andrea Branzi had a glass birdcage inside so that goldfish swim around parakeets, making for what organizers said was a statement on coexistence.

Also on display were designs for 'furoshiki,' Japan's traditional answer to the reusable bag, a piece of fabric for carrying things by simply wrapping them. One with bright pictures of flowers and birds was designed by Environment Minister Yuriko Koike.

What's appealing about LOHAS is that it proposes everyday changes in personal life, proponents say.

'There's been a lot of talk about slow food and slow life,' said Mari Takamatsu, spokeswoman for Mitsukoshi department store, which has a corner devoted to LOHAS cooking this week. 'LOHAS puts a lifestyle into one word that consumers understand.' "

Gentle Ecological Products Enrapture Japan: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance