#Japan #Tokyo #Conde Nast #VOGUE JAPAN #Kazumi Hayashi

Kazumi Hayashi Takes the Helm as Head of Editorial Content for VOGUE JAPAN

In a significant development for the fashion media landscape in Japan, Conde Nast has announced the appointment of Kazumi Hayashi as the Head of Editorial Content for VOGUE JAPAN, effective January 29, 2026. This strategic move marks a new era in the magazine's editorial leadership, as Hayashi will oversee the editorial policies and content across all platforms of VOGUE JAPAN.

This announcement follows the upcoming appointment of Soichiro Fujiwara as Managing Director of Conde Nast Japan in March 2026, indicating a pivotal shift in the company's organizational framework in the Japanese market. Anna Wintour, the Chief Content Officer of Conde Nast and Global Editorial Director of VOGUE, expressed her confidence in Hayashi’s capabilities, stating, "Kazumi is a bold and intuitive editor with an eye for aesthetics honed in the fields of culture and art. She deeply understands how fashion intersects with identity, creativity, and the broader world. With her keen insights and powerful editorial perspective, I am certain she is the right leader to guide VOGUE JAPAN into its next chapter."

Leslie Sun, the APAC Editorial Director of VOGUE and the Head of Editorial Content for VOGUE Taiwan, acknowledged Hayashi's unique talents, saying, "Kazumi possesses a rare ability to translate creative ideas into a clear editorial vision while remaining highly focused and collaborative. I am very much looking forward to working with her to further elevate VOGUE JAPAN."

Kazumi Hayashi: A Profile

Born in Tokyo, Kazumi Hayashi has built an international career spanning both Tokyo and New York, bringing a global perspective to her work as an editor and creative leader. Currently serving as a creative consultant, she collaborates with brands and cultural platforms situated at the intersection of fashion and contemporary culture.

In 2016, Hayashi launched i-D Japan, where she served as editorial director, overseeing the magazine's print, web, and social media components. By 2020, she expanded her vision throughout Asia, creating the digital platform i-D Asia, which focuses on contemporary Asian culture.

Previously, Hayashi led one of Japan's prominent independent fashion and culture magazines, Libertin DUNE, and co-founded The Last Gallery, a platform dedicated to contemporary art. Her unique editorial perspective, rooted in Japanese culture yet encompassing a global viewpoint, has allowed her to bridge street culture and luxury fashion in various projects.

In her statement regarding her new role, Hayashi stated, "It is a tremendous honor to join the esteemed media brand VOGUE, and I look forward to guiding VOGUE JAPAN into the next era while cherishing Japan's unique sensibilities. As the media landscape continues to evolve, I am excited to embark on new challenges alongside VOGUE, connecting readers through all platforms from a perspective that bridges Japan and the world."

With Hayashi at the helm, the future of VOGUE JAPAN looks promising, as she is poised to enhance its cultural narrative and engage with an ever-evolving audience. This new leadership not only signifies a fresh editorial direction but also reflects Conde Nast's commitment to fostering talent that resonates with contemporary cultural dynamics.

As the fashion world watches closely, VOGUE JAPAN under Kazumi Hayashi’s leadership is set to redefine its approach, staying ahead of trends while nurturing a dialogue that resonates with its readers both locally and globally.