Tokyo Emerges as a Fashion Hub with Finalists for NFDT and SFDA 2025

On March 29, 2025, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government hosted the grand finale of two prestigious fashion competitions: the Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo 2025 (NFDT) and the Sustainable Fashion Design Award 2025 (SFDA). This exciting event showcased the creativity and talent of emerging designers, all aiming to make their mark on the global fashion stage. With a format that combined a fashion show and live judging, the event highlighted the innovative spirit of Tokyo’s fashion scene.

The NFDT particularly aims to discover and nurture young talents who either reside in or are studying in Tokyo. The competition serves as a catalyst for these designers to grow and potentially become internationally recognized names in fashion. In contrast, the SFDA focuses on introducing groundbreaking designs that reinterpret traditional Japanese materials—such as kimono fabrics—into contemporary fashion that resonates with a global audience.

The panels for both competitions featured some of the most respected names in the fashion industry. For NFDT, notable figures included Kunihiko Morinaga, a designer renowned for his work with ANREALAGE and regular participation in Paris Fashion Week, alongside Yusuke Takahashi, Creative Director of CFCL, and several other influential industry leaders. The SFDA judging panel boasted high-profile professionals such as Norbert Leuret, President of LVMH Japan, and Hideaki Shikama, known for his label