YKK Fastening Award Celebrates 25 Years with Final Selection Results Announced

25th YKK Fastening Award Announces Finalists

The YKK Fastening Award, one of Japan's largest fashion design competitions for students, has announced the finalists of its 25th edition. After receiving an impressive total of 7,763 submissions—including 6,285 in the apparel category and 1,478 in the fashion goods category—the final selection has resulted in 30 outstanding works being chosen. This competition aims to showcase innovative uses of fastening products while endorsing rising talent in the fashion industry.

The selected finalists are set to present their creations during the YKK FASTENING CREATION for 2026 exhibition, which will take place at two distinct locations: Osaka (October 8-9, 2025) at MyDome Osaka, and Tokyo (November 5-6, 2025) at the YKK 60 Building. The creations will be showcased in a fashion show, where young designers will demonstrate their unique styles and creative applications of fastening products.

An exciting 25th Anniversary Celebration event will follow on November 18, 2025, at The Garden Hall in Ebisu, featuring the awarding ceremony for the Grand Prize, Excellence Prize, and Special Prize. This event marks a significant milestone not just for the award but for the participating students and the broader fashion community.

YKK's commitment to nurturing young talents demonstrates the company’s dedication to contributing to the fashion industry. By providing students with opportunities to connect with industry professionals and stimulating brand loyalty, YKK aims to bolster its presence in the fashion sector. Through initiatives like the YKK Fastening Award, the company fosters future business partnerships and enhances its brand value.

Fashion Show and Awards Ceremony Details

Fashion Show Schedule

- Osaka Venue: MyDome Osaka, 3rd floor E・F Hall

- October 8, 2025 (Wed): 11:30- / 13:30- / 15:30-
- October 9, 2025 (Thu): 11:30- / 13:30- / 15:30-
(Each show lasts 30 minutes)

- Tokyo Venue: YKK 60 Building, 1st floor AZ1

- November 5, 2025 (Wed): 11:30- / 13:30- / 15:30-
- November 6, 2025 (Thu): 10:30- / 12:30-
(Each show lasts 30 minutes)

Award Ceremony

- Location: The Garden Hall, Ebisu
- Date: November 18, 2025 (Tue)

The fashion show and awards ceremony will take place within the 25th Anniversary Celebration event.

Both the fashion show and the award ceremony will be operated on a pre-registration basis, so participants are advised to check the official contest website for more details as they become available: YKK Fastening Award Website.

The finalists from the apparel category include talented individuals from various prestigious schools, showcasing their creativity and innovative approaches to fashion design. Similarly, finalists from the fashion goods category have also made remarkable contributions.

In summary, the YKK Fastening Award not only celebrates 25 years of encouraging student creativity but also highlights the brand's ongoing mission to influence the future of fashion. Through partnerships with educational institutions and engagement with young designers, YKK aims to inspire the next generation of fashion leaders.