#Japan #Tokyo #ICHIKURA #Tokyo Mode Gakuen #Universal Kimono Award

Collaboration of Style and Tradition: Tokyo Mode Gakuen and Ichikura

In a remarkable partnership, Ichikura Co., Ltd., based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has teamed up with Tokyo Mode Gakuen, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, to bring forth a fresh and exciting line of kimono designs. This collaboration kicked off a student design contest aimed at redefining traditional kimono fashion, resulting in the decision to commercialize seven innovative designs.

The project commenced in spring 2023, receiving an impressive total of 221 design submissions from aspiring students. After a meticulous selection process, seven designs stood out, showcasing the students' unparalleled creativity and integration of contemporary trends with traditional aesthetics. Each selected design reflects a unique interpretation of kimono culture, opening new doors for its future.

The Chosen Designers and Their Inspirations

The selected designs come from six talented students, each with a distinct vision:

MINORI

Design Philosophy: MINORI's creation embodies the essence of a strong and dignified woman, with a heartfelt message of wearing something special for a cherished person. This design blends strength with elegance, paying homage to the wearer's spirit.

RINRIN

Design Philosophy: RINRIN brilliantly incorporates roses as a motif, adding an air of elegance and vibrancy to traditional attire. With two designs selected, RINRIN emphasizes Japan's rich culture and the potential for innovative expression rooted in it.

ISAMU

Design Philosophy: ISAMU's design juxtaposes traditional Japanese patterns with delicate lace, striving to capture a new, transformative beauty. The honor of being chosen is a testament to ISAMU's unique approach in merging the old with the new.

N.M.

Design Philosophy: N.M. reimagines the traditional kimono, introducing a playful blend of modern elements like corsets and ribbons, resulting in a charming fusion of Western and Japanese styles.

HOSEI

Design Philosophy: HOSEI's design reflects the beauty of cherry blossoms, capturing the beauty of spring and the layered intricacies of flower petals, a representation of the seasonal beauty inherent in Japanese culture.

URUSHI

Design Philosophy: URUSHI expresses gratitude for this opportunity, crafting a vibrant celebration of traditional kimono by layering floral motifs, making it a festive attire for special occasions.

These seven designs will be showcased at the Universal Kimono Award (UKA) 2025 to be held on November 26, 2025, at Makuhari Messe, emphasizing both creativity and culture in an international arena.

About Tokyo Mode Gakuen

Tokyo Mode Gakuen is a premier vocational school nurturing talent across diverse fields including fashion, design, business, and beauty. With a curriculum that connects students directly to industry opportunities, it has proudly maintained a 100% employment rate for 18 consecutive years. The institution guarantees career placement, national licensing for beauty professionals, and income assurance, ensuring students have robust support as they transition into the workforce. For more information, visit Tokyo Mode Gakuen’s website.

About Ichikura Co., Ltd.

Founded in February 1991 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Ichikura specializes in both traditional clothing and wedding services. The company operates a vast network of approximately 110 stores and an e-commerce site, offering services including kimono sales, rentals, and pre-ceremony photography. Their wedding business, renowned for quality and personalized service, includes multiple venues in Japan and abroad.

This collaboration between Tokyo Mode Gakuen and Ichikura not only highlights the power of innovation in traditional fashion but also provides a platform for young designers to shine. The future of kimono culture looks bright with such passionate and creative minds shaping its path.