#Japan #Tokyo #Yamato #Musashino Art University #KIMONO PROJECT

Showcasing The KIMONO Project: A Cultural Fusion

The upcoming KIMONO Project exhibition, produced in collaboration with Yamato Co., Ltd. and Musashino Art University, will unveil creative solutions and prototypes that explore the intersection of traditional kimono culture and contemporary design. Taking place from December 19 to December 27, 2025, at the Ichigaya Campus of Musashino Art University, this event invites visitors to witness the evolution of kimono as a living culture within today's society.

A Vision for the Future

Yamato Co., Ltd., a kimono specialist rooted in Shibuya, Tokyo, is on a mission to continually update kimono and Japanese culture. The company aims to pass on the values of these textiles to future generations while embracing contemporary lifestyles. Meanwhile, Musashino Art University encourages creative expression among its students through industry collaborations, seeking out solutions to social challenges through art and design.

The KIMONO Project is an exploration of how kimono can be reconstructed in a circular economy. Students worked in groups of five to bring fresh perspectives through their creative processes, focusing on aspects such as:

• - Reinterpretation of traditional materials and techniques
• - Designs that align with modern life
• - Redesigning the experiences of wearing and utilizing kimono
• - Visualizing the narratives embedded in the kimono tradition

These endeavors aim to extend the possibilities of kimono culture, presenting new value to society.

The Exhibition Experience

The exhibition will feature various prototypes and research results generated by the students. Visitors will have the chance to re-evaluate kimono from multi-dimensional viewpoints: fashion, products, and experiences. Some highlights include:

• - Proposals for “Future Kimonos” from a next-generation perspective
• - Design research combining traditional materials with modern technologies
• - Multimedia presentations showcasing kimono as an experience
• - New questions and insights focused on cultural heritage and sustainability

Event Details

In addition to the main exhibition, there will be related events on December 27, including a public presentation from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, where students will share their research and creative outputs. Following this, attendees can participate in a kimono coordination experience, where stylists will match kimonos with the visitors' outfits (no reservation needed).

Cultural Impact

This project aims not to confine kimono as a fixed cultural relic but to reimagine it as a culture that thrives today, driven by the creative insights and design thinking of the next generation. By allowing students to actively reinterpret kimono culture, the project seeks to present a new model that balances sustainability with cultural heritage, contributing to the preservation and innovation of Japanese traditions.

About Yamato Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1917, Yamato operates under the philosophy of "Co-creation — together with customers, communities, and society." The company envisions creating an exciting world through kimonos, showcasing four brands: Kimono Yamato, KIMONO ARCH, Y. & SONS, and THE YARD, nationwide. With a commitment to nurturing connections with traditional artisans across Japan and ensuring fair pricing, Yamato believes in the limitless potential of kimono. They are dedicated to fostering positive spirits through continuous challenges and innovation in the field.

Follow Yamato on Instagram: @yamato_kimonodreammakers

This unique exhibition stands as a testament to the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity, showcasing the vibrant future of kimono culture.