Tokyo Aims to Become a Global Fashion Hub with Exciting Exhibitions

Tokyo's Fashion Ambition

Tokyo is setting its sights on becoming a fashion hub that stands shoulder to shoulder with global cities like Paris, Milan, New York, and London. The city is keen to promote its fashion and apparel industry, nurturing a new generation of designers who can thrive on an international stage. This effort includes competitions aimed at students residing or enrolled in schools within the city.

Among these competitions are the Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo 2026, which encompasses two categories: the open category and inclusive design category, and the Sustainable Fashion Design Award 2026 focused on showcasing innovative works using traditional Japanese kimono fabrics in both the apparel and fashion goods categories. This series of contests, initiated in 2022, has already gained attention, with renowned Japanese designers, including the illustrious Yohji Yamamoto, acting as judges. Last year saw a significant number of entries, establishing it as one of Japan's most recognized fashion contests.

Exhibition of Award-Winning Works

As part of this initiative, there will be nationwide exhibitions showcasing the award-winning designs from last year's competitions, providing a platform for emerging talent to display their work in their hometowns:

- Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

Exhibition Dates: August 9 (Saturday) - August 15 (Friday)
Venue: Nagoya PARCO East Building B1F

- Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture

Exhibition Dates: August 9 (Saturday) - August 15 (Friday)
Venue: Orune Takamatsu, 4th Floor

- Niigata, Niigata Prefecture

Exhibition Dates: August 18 (Monday) - August 24 (Sunday)
Venue: CoCoLo South Building 1F Sea Point NIIIGATA × MOYORE

Featured Winners from the 2024 Competitions

Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo 2025:

Inclusive Design Category Special Selection Award

Winner: Minami Kato
Home Town: Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
Work: flexibib
Description: A fashionable bib designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental challenges, made from an enamel material created with a 3D printer that prevents messes.

Sustainable Fashion Design Award 2025:

Apparel Category / Governor of Tokyo Award
Winner: Moe Yamada
Home Town: Mitsuke City, Niigata Prefecture
Work: Hana Temari
Description: A design utilizing traditional chirimen (crepe) craft patterns, reimagined for easy wearability by young people and accessible for those with disabilities.

Fashion Goods Category / Special Selection Award
Winner: Sara Horita
Home Town: Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture
Work: Hana Sou
Description: This design combines flowers with bags to brighten everyday life, creatively incorporating fabric scraps that would have been discarded.