Next Fashion Designers of Tokyo: A New Wave of Talent Takes Flight

As fashion evolves, new talent emerges from the bustling streets of Tokyo, capturing the essence of a city that aspires to stand shoulder to shoulder with fashion capitals like Paris, Milan, New York, and London. The Tokyo metropolitan government is hosting two significant fashion competitions – the Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo 2026 (NFDT) and the Sustainable Fashion Design Award 2026 (SFDA) – to nurture young designers and elevate the local fashion scene.

A Glimpse into the Process

The spotlight is on the upcoming documentary series, titled “TOKYO Next Designers: Young Talents Soaring to the World,” which is set to launch on November 28. The series offers a deep dive into the lives of aspiring designers as they navigate the challenges of the fashion industry. From the initial sketches to the final runway presentation, it chronicles the journey of these budding creatives as they engage in the NFDT and SFDA.

Three members of the popular girl group Nogizaka46 – Sakura Endo, Mao Iogaki, and Miku Ichinose – serve as narrators, offering insights and encouragement as they visit the design studios where students passionately bring their ideas to life.

Highlights of the Show

1. Real Creative Journeys: The documentary captures the authentic and often tumultuous creation process, showcasing every detail from material selection to sewing techniques. Viewers will witness firsthand how the students tackle obstacles and find inspiration within the realm of fashion design.

2. Insights from Nogizaka46: The involvement of Nogizaka46 takes the series to another level. Their perspective as successful models and entertainers shines a light on the students' dreams and aspirations, providing a unique connection between budding designers and established professionals in the industry.

3. The Final Fashion Show: The culmination of the competitions is a breathtaking final show, where carefully curated pieces from the finalists are presented to the public. This showcase not only highlights the young designers' hard work but also sets the stage for their potential rise to international fame.

Competition Details

Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo (NFDT)

Eligible participants must be students residing or studying in Tokyo. The competition supports various departments, from inclusive designs to free-form entries. Prizes include:

- Governor's Award Grand Prize: ¥1,000,000 for one winner in each department.
- Governor’s Award: ¥500,000 for two finalists per department.
- Special Selection Award: Offered based on public voting.

The designs will be displayed in commercial facilities across Tokyo, and participants will receive guidance for establishing their own brands, even preparing for presentations at Paris Fashion Week.

Sustainable Fashion Design Award (SFDA)

Aimed at amateur designers within Tokyo, the SFDA focuses on sustainable and innovative designs. The competition has similar awards and display opportunities, promoting eco-friendly practices in fashion.

The competition’s applications closed in July, with the subsequent selection processes including design critiques, workshops, and culminating in a final presentation in March 2026.

Toward a Fashion Hub

Tokyo’s ambition to become a leading fashion hub is embodied in these competitions, with the city actively promoting the fashion and apparel industry. By implementing programs aimed at identifying and cultivating promising designers, Tokyo positions itself at the forefront of global fashion innovation.

Through the combination of talent, passion, and a structured support system, the upcoming generation of designers is poised to leave a significant mark on the fashion landscape.

For more information on the NFDT and SFDA, including details on applications, prizes, and schedules, visit the official websites: