#Japan #Tokyo #Musashino Art University #Yamato Corporation #KIMONO PROJECT

KIMONO Project: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

From December 19 to December 27, 2025, the Musashino Art University will present the outcome of its collaborative project with Yamato Corporation, called the KIMONO Project ─ Circulating Stories of Kimono. Held at the Ichigaya Campus, this exhibition will highlight various prototypes and research initiated by students aimed at bridging traditional kimono culture with contemporary lifestyles.

Project Overview

The KIMONO Project centers on two key values: the physical sustainability of kimono materials and the inherited stories behind them. Under the guidance of Professor Kohei Shimizu from the Basic Design Department, 20 students were divided into four groups to explore innovative design concepts, material research, and spatial and experiential design. This multi-faceted approach has resulted in prototypes that challenge and reinterpret traditional perceptions of kimono.

Yamato Corporation, founded in 1917, has always aimed to continuously update kimono and Japanese culture. Their mission is to create value that connects kimono to future generations while respecting traditional craftsmanship. Musashino Art University, established in 1929, promotes creativity through art and design education, emphasizing a collaboration that addresses societal issues through innovative design.

Purpose and Objectives

The KIMONO Project aims to explore how kimono can be redefined in the context of a circular economy. Students engaged in various creative undertakings, focusing on:

• - Reinterpreting traditional materials and techniques
• - Designing kimono that fits contemporary lifestyles
• - Redesigning the very experience of wearing and utilizing kimono
• - Making the narrative quality of kimono visible

These initiatives extend the cultural possibilities of kimono, presenting new values to society while fostering a deeper connection to this cultural heritage.

Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition promises to offer visitors various prototypes and research findings, allowing attendees to re-examine kimono from multiple perspectives, including fashion, products, and experience. Key points of interest include:

• - Forward-thinking proposals for “future kimono” from a next-generation perspective
• - Design studies that incorporate traditional materials with modern technology
• - Spatial and audiovisual presentations that emphasize the “kimono as experience”
• - Fresh inquiries and viewpoints focusing on cultural heritage and sustainability

Event Details

• - Exhibition Dates: December 19, 2025 - December 27, 2025 (Open daily)
• - Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (until 5:00 PM on the last day)
• - Location: Musashino Art University Ichigaya Campus, Social Collaboration Center 1/M, 2F, 1-4 Ichigaya Tada-cho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
• - Admission: Free, no prior reservation needed
• - Organizers: Yamato Corporation, Musashino Art University

Related Event

On December 27, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, a public presentation will be held. Students will share their research and production outcomes, followed by a kimono coordination experience where attendees can style themselves with kimono and accessories based on their outfits (no reservation required).

Significance of the Project

The KIMONO Project is not merely about preserving kimono culture; it seeks to redefine and revitalize it as a living culture for contemporary society. It encourages students to interpret kimono through their own perspective while promoting a model that balances cultural inheritance with sustainability in a circular economy, thus contributing to the evolution of Japanese culture.

About Yamato Corporation

Founded in 1917, Yamato Corporation operates under the philosophy of co-creation, emphasizing collaboration with customers, communities, and society. They envision an exciting world where kimono plays a central role, with four brands—KIMONO Yamato, KIMONO ARCH, Y. & SONS, and THE YARD—spread across Japan.

Yamato's commitment includes nurturing artisanship, maintaining ties with traditional craftsmen, and ensuring fair pricing for high-quality products. They continue to believe in the endless possibilities of kimono and are dedicated to inspiring positivity among people through their endeavors.

Instagram: @yamato_kimonodreammakers

About Musashino Art University

Musashino Art University, which evolved from the Imperial School of Art founded in 1929, aims to train artists who possess broad knowledge and a humanistic approach to art. They offer specialized training in a variety of fields including painting, sculpture, design, and media arts, contributing to cultural progress and societal impact through art.

Website: Musashino Art University

For further inquiries, please contact the Ichigaya Campus Administrative Office at [email protected].