#Japan #Yokohama #Yokohama Event #Kimono Dress #Soori Kiriyama

The Kimono Dress Artist Collection: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

The International Kimono Dress Artist Association, led by Director Soori Kiriyama, is set to host the highly anticipated Kimono Dress Artist Collection on March 1, 2026, at the YTJ Hall in Yokohama. This unique event aims to breathe new life into the traditional kimono by transforming it into contemporary dress designs, creating a new cultural value that resonates on a global scale.

As a celebration of creativity, artists from across Japan will showcase their own interpretations of kimono dresses, bringing a fresh perspective to this age-old garment. The event will be accessible both in-person and through online streaming, allowing an audience from around the world to engage with this cultural experience.

Event Theme: "Inheriting and Surpassing Tradition"

The theme, “Inheriting and Surpassing Tradition,” embodies the desire to cherish kimono passed down through families while encouraging free expression that defies conventional boundaries. This collection represents a significant stage for challenging norms and forging new cultural avenues.

Event Details

• - Event Name: Kimono Dress Artist Collection - Inheriting and Surpassing Tradition
• - Date: March 1, 2026
• - Venue: YTJ Hall, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
• - Time: Doors open at 14:00; Performance starts at 14:30, ending around 17:00
• - Format: In-person attendance and online streaming
• - Organizer: International Kimono Dress Artist Association

Ticket Information

Tickets will be available for purchase starting December 1, 2025, at 9:00 AM through LivePocket.

• - On-Site Attendance:

- General Admission: ¥4,980
- Children (Elementary School and Younger): ¥2,980

• - Online Attendance: ¥2,980 (Includes archive access)

The event includes a range of exciting programs designed to engage and inspire attendees:

Main Programs

1. Student Runway Show: Students and alumni from the Kimono Dress Artist training course will showcase their newly acquired skills in a collaborative performance, highlighting the dual roles of models and dressers as equals on stage.
2. Kimono Dress x Hula Dance: This segment merges the graceful movements of Hawaiian hula with the elegant draping of kimono dresses, creating a breathtaking cultural collaboration.
3. Creative Stage - Global Attire Representation in Kimono: Dresses inspired by traditional costumes from around the world will be presented without cutting the kimono fabric, showcasing innovative designs that connect Japan's craftsmanship with global cultures.
4. Reenactment of Kimono Dress x Hyakunin Isshu at Carnegie Hall: A stunning program that received acclaim during the 2025 performance at Carnegie Hall, New York, will be featured once again.
5. Kimono Dress x Flamenco: The collaboration with Spanish flamenco brings the elegance of kimono together with the passionate rhythms of flamenco dance, exploring new aesthetic boundaries.

Key Highlights

• - A Platform for All: Beyond traditional roles, this event emphasizes the significance of both models and dressers on stage, promoting a collaborative creative process.
• - Hybrid Format for Accessibility: The combination of physical and online attendance eliminates geographical barriers, allowing unlimited participation for audiences at home and abroad.
• - Documentary-Style Archive: Behind-the-scenes documentation will capture the creative processes and personal journeys of participants, providing insights into their motivations and experiences.

Director Kiriyama hopes that this collection will serve as a springboard for participants, allowing them to transition from observers to innovators. The evolution from learning to a revered platform highlights the journey participants have made since their experience at the prestigious Carnegie Hall.

About Kimono Dress Artists

The innovative technique of creating dress-like silhouettes from kimono fabric without cutting is what defines the kimono dress artist. This method respects traditional craftsmanship while adapting to contemporary lifestyles, making it relevant for various occasions like weddings and cultural events.

Educational Opportunities

Participants can attain certification through a comprehensive three-month training program, ensuring that the tradition of kimono dressing continues to thrive in modern society.

The Kimono Dress Artist Collection promises to be an unforgettable experience, celebrating the evolution of traditional arts in a modern context. Whether attending live or online, everyone is invited to witness a vibrant cultural renaissance that bridges the past and the future.

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Soori Kiriyama, Director, International Kimono Dress Artist Association