Yukata Design Contest 2023 Brings Together Youth and Traditional Culture

The 2023 Yukata Design Contest: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

The 2023 Yukata Design Contest has officially opened for public voting on October 23, 2025. This exciting initiative is organized by Yamato Co., a renowned kimono retailer based in Shibuya, Tokyo, in collaboration with local middle schools. The contest aims to preserve and promote Japanese kimono culture while engaging the younger generation in creative design.

Embracing Culture through Creativity

The Yukata Design Contest was conceived to deepen the understanding of kimono culture among students and to foster their creative skills. Students from Harajuku Gaiin Middle School and Yoyogi Middle School participated in lessons that focused on the structure of kimonos, including the dimensions of fabric necessary for creating a yukata (38cm wide and approximately 13m long). As part of their coursework, these talented young designers conceptualized their yukata designs by considering various patterns and colors.

Six selected designs from the schools will be featured in the public voting phase. The winning design, which garners the highest votes, will be manufactured into an actual yukata, making the student’s artwork come to life.

Featured Designs

Here’s a brief overview of the entrants:
1. Cranes of Happiness - This design features two cranes surrounded by the sun, reminiscent of the Japanese flag with clouds depicted in traditional patterns.
2. Aqua Floral Splash - With a gradient transitioning from white to blue, this lively design incorporates vibrant flowers to evoke a sense of coolness in summer festivities.
3. Carp - A refreshing design showcasing the bright colors of carp against a white background, emphasizing a feeling of lightness employing spattering techniques.
4. Whale - This entry symbolizes hopes for ocean adventures after a year of exams, featuring a tri-color layered technique taught by the designer's mother.
5. Night Swimmers of Flowers and Goldfish - Representing goldfish dancing under the moonlight, this design plays with contrasts between dark and soft colors.
6. The Bluebird of Happiness - Inspired by the fairytale of