Tokyo Fashion Competition's Inclusive Design Workshop for Future Designers

Inclusive Design Workshop for Aspiring Fashion Designers

On September 24, 2023, Tokyo held a workshop aimed at aspiring fashion designers focusing on inclusive design within the 'Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo 2026' competition. This initiative seeks to identify and cultivate emerging talent from students residing or studying in Tokyo, encouraging the creation of clothing that everyone, including those with disabilities, can enjoy.

Workshop Highlights

The event took place in Shinjuku, where students who passed the preliminary round brought their design sketches to engage in a creative exchange. Expert advisors included Daisuke Uehara, a Paralympic ice hockey silver medalist and representative of the organization 'Disability Strategies,' along with Sakura Kato from the 'mogmog engine' organization. They both shared invaluable insights on inclusive fashion design with participants.

Uehara urged the young designers to consider 'with' and 'by' design concepts, emphasizing that inclusive design addresses challenges faced by all individuals. He also noted that many designs in Japan remain disconnected from the perspectives of people with disabilities. Kato provided examples of how clothing designed with disabled individuals in mind can ultimately benefit everyone, enhancing comfort and usability.

Engaging Discussions on User Needs

The workshop also featured open discussions where participants could directly hear from three individuals with disabilities about their specific needs. For instance, a visually impaired participant mentioned the importance of tactile features in clothing, such as diverse textures, which aid in identifying garments. Meanwhile, a wheelchair user pointed out how cumbersome sleeves could hinder mobility, highlighting a need for stretchy materials around the shoulders.

Students attentively listened to these concerns and demonstrated a commitment to refining their designs based on the feedback received. The insights gained from this workshop are pushed toward eventual final presentations scheduled for 2026, ensuring that students' creations are both innovative and user-friendly.

Profiles of Special Advisors

Daisuke Uehara

Daisuke Uehara is a Paralympic silver medalist in ice hockey and serves as the head of D-SHiPS32. His organization focuses on advising corporations and local governments while advocating inclusive education across Japan. He launched 'Asobimaro,' aimed at creating enjoyable experiences and accessible tourism for everyone.

Sakura Kato

Sakura Kato leads the 'mogmog engine' organization and is a devoted advocate for improving the quality of life for families with children who have disabilities, including her daughter diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy. Kato is dedicated to promoting a society where no one is left in despair due to disabilities. Her initiatives include 'Snack Toromi,' which enhances the quality of dining for families of children with swallowing difficulties and the 'Disability Strategies' project that tackles social perceptions of disabilities through pop culture.

The Future of Fashion in Tokyo

Tokyo aims to establish itself as a fashion hub on par with cities like Paris, Milan, New York, and London. To this end, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has created the 'Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo' (NFDT) and the 'Sustainable Fashion Design Award' (SFDA) to uncover and nurture future global fashion designers. Both competitions welcome a diverse range of applicants, not limited to fashion students, but also including creative individuals from fields like art and digital media.

As one of the most prominent fashion competitions in Japan, the NFDT combines artistic creativity with critical industry mentorship. This year's entries concluded in July, and participants will undergo a series of evaluations culminating in a showcase event in March 2026. The NFDT focuses not just on judging talent but also on cultivating designers who will thrive on the world stage, offering valuable workshops and business experience opportunities.

These initiatives reflect Tokyo's commitment to inclusivity and innovation in fashion, ensuring that a diverse range of voices can contribute to the industry’s future.

For more details, please visit the official NFDT website at NFDT Official Site.