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The 26th YKK Fastening Award: A New Chapter in Student Fashion

YKK Corporation, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, along with YKK Snap Fastener Co., Ltd., has announced the commencement of entries for the 26th YKK Fastening Award. This prestigious contest, recognized as one of Japan's largest fashion design competitions aimed at students, has been held annually since 2001, establishing itself as a gateway for aspiring designers in the fashion industry.

The contest invites participants to create designs centered around the theme of “wearable pieces,” utilizing YKK's diverse fastening products such as zippers, buckles, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, and buttons. Entries are categorized into two main segments: apparel and fashion accessories, focusing on the innovative potential of these often-overlooked components.

Key Dates and Participation
This year's entry period runs from April 1 to May 8, 2026, where contestants can submit their design sketches and entry sheets. An online briefing session will be held on April 10 for interested participants. The first and second rounds of judging, conducted by industry-leading professionals, will choose the final selections.

Selected designs will be showcased in a fashion show at the 'YKK FASTENING CREATION for 2027' exhibition in Osaka on October 7-8 and Tokyo on October 29-30. The awarding ceremony, where the grand prize and other categories will be announced, is scheduled for October 29 at the Tokyo venue.

Commitment to Student Designers
Last year marked the silver jubilee of the contest, with a record 7,763 submissions: 6,285 from the apparel category and 1,478 from fashion accessories. The competition saw creative works that presented new and exciting uses of fasteners. In 2022, Kanade Konno from Bunka Fashion College won the grand prize in the apparel category, while Ryotaro Torii, also from Bunka, bagged the honor in the fashion accessories segment.

To further acknowledge innovative contributions, YKK has established various awards. The grand prize winners from both categories will receive ¥1 million in prize money, a trophy, and free YKK fastening products worth ¥50,000 during their time at school. They will additionally receive a JUKI sewing machine, provided in collaboration with JUKI Corporation.

This year, YKK continues to support the 'Circular Design Special Award', which honors the best submission considering sustainable design principles.

Distinguished Judges
The judging panel includes notable figures such as designer Hidemasa Sakaguchi, artist Noritaka Tatehana, fashion designer and artist Yuima Nakazato, and more. They will provide their expertise to ensure that the best works are recognized.

Important Contest Dates

• - First Round Submission: April 1 - May 8, 2026
• - First Round Results Announcement: May 29, 2026
• - Second Round Submission Deadline: August 7, 2026
• - Final Results Announcement: Early September 2026
• - Fashion Show: October 7-8 (Osaka), October 29-30 (Tokyo)
• - Award Ceremony: October 29, Tokyo

Please note that all announcements will be made on the competition's official website. Changes to the event date and format may occur.

Why the YKK Fastening Award?
The primary objectives of this award are threefold:
1. To contribute to the fashion industry through Japan Originals.
2. To provide production opportunities and connections with industry professionals, thereby supporting students.
3. To strengthen the YKK brand and creatively engage students in exploring the potential of fashion materials under the tagline “Little Parts. Big Difference.”

Find more details about the YKK Fastening Award on their official website: YKK Fastening Award Website.