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Tokyo's Next Fashion Designer and Sustainable Fashion Design Award 2026

As Tokyo aspires to position itself alongside global fashion capitals like Paris, Milan, New York, and London, the city is committed to promoting the fashion and apparel industry. With an aim to cultivate future talents capable of making their mark internationally, Tokyo has initiated two significant contests: Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo 2026 and Sustainable Fashion Design Award 2026. The former encompasses a free category and an inclusive design division, while the latter focuses on innovative creations using traditional kimono fabrics, with both intended to showcase talents on a global stage.

These contests began in 2022, having already gathered notable designers such as Yohji Yamamoto as jury members. Last year, the competitions attracted over 1,000 submissions, marking them as some of Japan's most awaited fashion competitions. Furthermore, a popular vote conducted through official social media will allow the public to participate in the selection process.

A Comprehensive Approach: Nurturing Future Designers

Unlike traditional contests, the Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo 2026 and the Sustainable Fashion Design Award 2026 are not merely about selecting winners; they emphasize nurturing talent. Those who pass the first round of iterations will receive professional advice and workshops to aid in producing their looks for the second round. After progressing further, candidates will benefit from experiences in merchandising and promoting their creations, ensuring a more holistic growth approach for aspiring designers.

Moreover, winners will have unique opportunities to engage in the Fashion Designers Accelerator Tokyo program, gaining insights into the fashion business for an entire year. Additionally, they will showcase their works at the Tokyo Fashion Showcase during Paris Fashion Week, representing Tokyo on one of the most prestigious international platforms.

Top-Tier Jury and Open Call for Talents

Continuing from previous years, the judging panel for the Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo 2026 will include prominent figures from both the global and local fashion scenes. Heading the jury is Katsuhiko Hibino, the president of Tokyo University of the Arts, with Yuuko Hara, a noted fashion director, serving as vice chair. Distinguished designers like Kunihiko Morinaga from ANREALAGE and Yusuke Takahashi from CFCL, alongside various representatives from sustainability and fashion sectors, comprise the judging pool. The contest extends an invitation not only to fashion students but also to creatives from digital, animation, and film industries, reflecting an inclusive vision that transcends typical fashion competition boundaries.

For the inclusive design category, leading figures will enrich the jury panel, including Yurika Oda, a representative of the NPO WEELOG, and Kana Kanamori from the Drifters International. They will offer expertise on inclusivity and provide workshops that involve collaboration with individuals with disabilities.

Workshops and Mentorships

Candidates who advance past the preliminary screenings will participate in specialized workshops led by renowned advisors. These workshops aim to deepen understanding of kimono fabrics and expand design capabilities, providing insights necessary for advancing to the second round of evaluations.

Benefits of Participation

Both awards offer substantial benefits to participants:

• - Prize Money: Tokyo Governor’s Awards will be presented in each category: Grand Prize of ¥1,000,000 for the top designer and ¥500,000 for outstanding performers.
• - Public Display: Winners will have their works showcased at various commercial facilities throughout the city.
• - Support for Startups: Guidance in launching brands will be provided, alongside promotional backing for presentations at Paris Fashion Week.

Competition Details

• - Eligibility: Open to students living or studying in Tokyo, with group applications allowed.
• - Submission Deadline: July 18, 2025, with submissions effective with postmarks on that date.

The selection process involves a series of round evaluations, including design assessments, workshops, and business experiences leading up to a final presentation in a show format.

For more detailed guidelines and stipulations, applicants can refer to the official website of the Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo 2026 and the Sustainable Fashion Design Award 2026.

As the world watches, Tokyo is poised to not only highlight emerging designers but also to contribute significantly to the global fashion landscape, intertwining tradition with modern innovation.