Tokyo Fashion Competitions Highlight Emerging Designers with Global Aspirations

In an exciting announcement, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has successfully concluded the preliminary phase of the "Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo 2026" (NFDT) and "Sustainable Fashion Design Award 2026" (SFDA) competitions, having received approximately 2,000 entries from diverse fields of students. This initiative aims to discover and foster fashion designers who can shine on an international stage.

Esteemed fashion designer Kunihiko Morinaga of ANREALAGE led the panel of judges alongside other prominent figures in the fashion industry, including buyers and various experts. Their review process included both a presentation review and a public voting segment through social media.

From this rigorous selection process, 36 groups emerged successfully from the second round of assessments, with 24 teams being selected from the presentation round, allowing each category to feature six finalists. Additionally, 12 candidates received special selection awards through a popular vote based on 'likes' from the designer sketches showcased on official social media platforms.

Categories Involved

Both competitions consist of distinct categories aiming to highlight unique aspects of fashion design:

- NFDT categories:

- Free Category (open theme)
- Inclusive Design Category (designed for wearers with disabilities)

- SFDA categories:

- Wearable Category
- Fashion Goods Category (bags, accessories, shoes, etc.)

The selected designers from both competitions will create two new pieces for the final runway review scheduled for March 2026, showcasing their talents and creativity in front of an enthusiastic audience.

Support for Emerging Designers

Notably, to assist the finalists in producing their final looks, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will offer material support of up to 100,000 yen (approximately $700) per candidate. This financial aid aims to alleviate some of the challenges emerging designers face while working on their collections.

The competitions not only highlight promising talents but also emphasize the importance of maintaining and innovating Japan's traditional kimono culture sustainably. The SFDA encourages entrants to explore new ways of incorporating kimono textiles into modern fashion, contributing to the preservation of this vital cultural heritage.

Raising Tokyo's Fashion Profile

Through these competitions, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government strives to position Tokyo alongside global fashion capitals such as Paris, Milan, New York, and London. This aligns with their broader strategy of enhancing the city's fashion and apparel industry, encouraging innovative designs that resonate with contemporary audiences.

Both initiatives welcome entries not just from fashion students but also from young creators involved in arts, digital, and media production, fostering a comprehensive and inclusive approach to design.

Unique Features of the Competition

The core of these competitions lies in their commitment to nurturing talent capable of succeeding on the world stage. The preliminary round included workshops led by successful industry professionals and opportunities for finalists to gain hands-on experience in merchandising and product promotion. This emphasis on real-world business experience gives participants valuable skills for their future careers.

Moreover, winners will benefit from branding support and the chance to showcase their works during Paris Fashion Week, harping back to the competition's drive to equip young talent for global opportunities.

Noteworthy Jury Members

The juries for both competitions comprise a diverse group of industry leaders, making it one of the most prestigious fashion contests in Japan. Notably, Katsuhiko Hibino, the President of Tokyo University of the Arts, serves as the chairman for the NFDT, with artist Tomoe Shinohara in the role of vice-chair for the SFDA.

As these competitions progress toward the final reviews in March 2026, anticipation continues to build for the emergence of the next wave of innovative fashion design talent from Tokyo, a city determined to maintain its influence in the global fashion arena.