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To make Tokyo a fashion hub on par with Paris, Milan,
New York, and London,
the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is taking steps to promote the fashion and apparel industry.
Japan has wonderful cultural content, such as kimonos,
and we believe that promoting these traditions to the world in a new form through
the power of modern fashion is an important initiative that will not only promote the industry
but will also contribute to the SDGs and sustainability.
This project will help to boost the fashion and apparel industry
by promoting a wide range of fashion from Tokyo that everyone can enjoy.
NEWS
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11.9.2024
Last year's award-winning works are on display (Nagano Prefecture・Matsumoto Parco)
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2.9.2024
Last year's award-winning works are on display (Tokyo・Tokyu Plaza Shibuya)
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19.8.2024
Last year's award-winning works are on display (Hiroshima Prefecture・Hiroshima PARCO new building)
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10.8.2024
Last year's award-winning works are on display (Fukuoka Prefecture・Fukuoka PARCO new building)
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1.8.2024
Last year's award-winning works are on display (Ibaraki Prefecture・AEON MALL Mito-Uchihara)
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23.7.2024
Last year's award-winning works are on display (Miyagi Prefecture・Sendai PARCO)
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11.7.2024
Our contest was featured on SOEN ONLINE.
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8.7.2024
Last year's award-winning works are on display (ESMOD TOKYO)
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4.7.2024
Our contest was featured on WWDJAPAN.
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1.7.2024
Last year's award-winning works are on display (WITH HARAJUKU)
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27.6.2024
Our contest was featured on FASHIONSNAP.
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25.6.2024
Last year's award-winning works are on display (Bunka Fashion College)
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21.6.2024
Join the 2024 contest: applications now open
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22.3.2024
Announcement of the Final Results of the Contest
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29.1.2024
Announcing the contestants who passed the 2nd screening
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25.11.2023
Announcing the contestants who passed the first screening
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10.11.2023
We have introduced the Alumni system for the Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo / Sustainable Fashion Design Award.
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20.10.2023
Notice of the number of entries
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29.9.2023
Notice of Telephone Number Change
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27.9.2023
Last year's award-winning works are on display. (SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto)
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16.9.2023
Last year's award-winning works are on display. (Tokyu Plaza Shibuya)
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15.09.2023
Creation of the Special Selection Award
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14.9.2023
Talk session will be held on September 18 (Mon., holiday) at Tokyu Plaza Shibuya
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8.9.2023
Last year's award-winning works are on display. (MATSUMOTO PARCO)
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1.9.2023
Last year's award-winning works are on display. (Fukui Happiring Mall)
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23.8.2023
Last year's award-winning works are on display. (Kobe Harborland umie)
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17.8.2023
Last year's award-winning works are on display. (Yokohama SOGO)
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10.8.2023
Last year's award-winning works are on display. (LaLaport TOKYO-BAY)
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25.7.2023
Last year's award-winning works are on display. (Kyoto, Horikawa Shinbunka Building)
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17.7.2023
Last year's award-winning works are on display. (WITH HARAJUKU)
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24.6.2023
Last year's award-winning works are on display. (Shibuya PARCO)
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20.6.2023
Last year’s award-winning works will be exhibited (ESMOD JAPON)
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13.6.2023
Last year’s award-winning works will be exhibited (TOKYO MODE GAKUEN)
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8.6.2023
Last year’s award-winning works will be exhibited (Bunka Gakuen)
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28.3.2023
Sustainable Fashion Design Award (Apperel category) winners have been selected.
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28.3.2023
Sustainable Fashion Design Award (Fashion Goods category) winners have been selected.
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28.3.2023
Introduction of the Final Review Fashion Show
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3.2.2023
Sustainable Fashion Design Awards (Apparel category) The preliminary shortlist has been selected.
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3.2.2023
Sustainable Fashion Design Awards (Fashion Goods category) The preliminary shortlist has been selected.
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7.10.2022
Sustainable Fashion Design Awards Application is now open.
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7.10.2022
Project site is now online.
Competitions overview
Application period
Friday, 21 June 2024 Friday, 20 September 2024
Amateur designers residing, working, or studying in Tokyo.
(Groups are also accepted)
- There are no age, sex, or nationality restrictions.
- Anyone can apply if they are amateurs and meet the applicant criteria.
- For group applications, all members of the group must consent to apply.
- Professional kimono, apparel and accessory designers are not eligible.
- You will be asked to produce your work during the judging process, so you must be able to cope with this.
Categories
-
01
Wear Category
Garments designed to make use of
kimono fabrics, etc. -
02
Fashion Items Category
Bags, accessories, stoles/scarves, shoes, etc.,
designed to make use of kimono fabrics, etc.
The Tokyo Governor’s Award
Grand
Prize
One winner
(or group)
per category
Prize
money
1,000,000JPY
Excellence Award
Two winners
(or groups)
per category
Prize
money
500,000JPY
Special Selection Award
One winner
(or group)
per category
Prize
money
500,000JPY
* The winners of the Special Selection Award will be determined by a public vote on SNS
and other platforms among the works that pass the first-round screening.
○ Award winners will receive support for starting a business or launching a brand, as well as assistance in participating in exhibitions in Paris.
○ Applicants will be able to join workshops and other activities to help them succeed as designers on the global stage in the coming years.
Outline
○ One applicant can submit multiple design sketches.
(Designs in the Wear Category can also be submitted for the Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo 2025)
Qualification requirements
Living in Tokyo or commuting to work or school
amateur designer
(Group application is also possible)
- Age, gender and nationality do not matter.
- Any amateur who meets the requirements can apply.
- In the case of group application, please apply after obtaining the consent of all members in the group.
- Professionals who specialize in kimono, clothing, and accessory design are not eligible.
- Since we will ask you to create a work during the judging process, it is a condition that you can respond to this.
Please check the application requirements from here
Application documents
- Application form
- Pledge
- Documents confirming eligibility * Certificate of enrolment, student ID, residence certificate
- Form 1: Entry introduction sheet
- Form 2: Entry design sketch sheet: front
- Form 3: Entry design sketch sheet: back
- Form 4: Fabric sample attachment sheet (Optional)
* Applicants who have submitted the application form online do
not need to submit the following 2 items:
・Application form
・Pledge
Application method
○ One applicant can submit multiple design sketches.
(Designs in the Wear Category can also be submitted for the Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo 2025)
How to Apply Online
-
1Register basic
information via
the Application Form- Application form
- Pledge
-
2Download a set of
submission formsAfter completing the application form, you can download your submission.
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3Send submission
documents by emailSend the documents to info@kimono-wagara.tokyo. If the data size is large, please upload it to a file-sharing service and include the download URL in your email.
Email content
- Documents confirming eligibility * Certificate of enrolment, student ID, residence certificate
- Form 1: Entry introduction sheet
- Form 2: Entry design sketch sheet: front
- Form 3: Entry design sketch sheet: back
- Form 4: Fabric sample attachment sheet (Optional) * If you are submitting the fabric sample attachment sheet, please apply by postal mail.
If you didn't complete the application form online, you must also submit the following:
- Application Form
- Pledge
-
4Application completed
How to Apply via Postal Mail
-
1Download all
required application
forms -
2Send Documents
by Postal MailTo ensure your application doesn't get lost, choose a delivery method with a tracking service (such as Letter Pack).
* Please note that our administration is not responsible for non-delivery or other issues caused by delivery service accidents.Documents to Include
- Application Form
- Pledge
- Documents confirming eligibility * Certificate of enrolment, student ID, residence certificate
- Form 1: Entry introduction sheet
- Form 2: Entry design sketch sheet: front
- Form 3: Entry design sketch sheet: back
- Form 4: Fabric sample attachment sheet (Optional)
Sending Address
101 Azabudai TS Tower, 3-3-15 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Sustainable Fashion Design Award 2025 office
TEL: 03-6825-0422 -
3Application completed
※The Secretariat will contact those who pass the examination.
Judges
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Head Judge
President of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton Japan KK
Norbert Leuret
Born in France, he started his career in Japan in 1983 at the Consulate of the French Embassy in Osaka. Subsequently, in 1997, he became the Representative Director of Kenzo Japan Co Ltd. He later served as Representative Director of Hachette Fujingaho Co Ltd and as Representative Director and CEO of Zara Japan Co Ltd. He has been in his current position since 2016.
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Vice head Judge
Designer / Artist
Tomoe Shinohara
A graduate of the Fashion Design Department at Bunka Gakuen Junior College, she has had a diverse career as a singer, narrator, and actress, appearing in movies, dramas, and commercials. In 2020, she founded the creative studio "STUDEO" with art director Tatsuki Ikezawa. In 2022, she received the New York ADC Awards (Silver and Bronze) and the Tokyo ADC Award for her "Deerskin kimono."
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Judge
MALION vintage Designer
Eriko Ishida
She was born in Chiba Prefecture. Having graduated from the Fashion Design Department of Sugino Gakuen Dressmaker Academy, she has accumulated 8 years of experience as a corporate designer and buyer until she established an Upcycling clothing brand, “MALION vintage,” in 2016. In 2019, she launched her own brand “ERiKOKATORi,” named after her grandfather’s lumber shop.
-
Judge
Lifestylist / Creative Director
Yukari Ota
She began her career as a fashion stylist. Currently, she works as a "Lifestylist," styling fashion, food, and living spaces. Through her creative activities and consulting services for companies and brands, she proposes sustainable and well-being-oriented lifestyles.
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Guest Judge
Mercari, Inc. President
Kashima Antlers FC Co., Ltd. Director, CEO
Public interest incorporated association “Japan Professional Football League” (J League) Adjunct DirectorFumiaki Koizumi
After graduating from Waseda University Faculty of Commerce, he joined Daiwa Securities SMBC, managing IPOs for internet companies such as mixi and DeNA. In December 2013, he joined Mercari, Inc., eventually becoming a Director in March 2014 and Managing Director and COO in 2017. In August 2019, he took on the role of President and Representative Director of Kashima Antlers FC Co., Ltd., and in March 2022, was appointed Director of the Japan Professional Football League (J League).
Judge
FASHIONSNAP Fashion Director
Chiemi Kominato
After graduating from Bunka Fashion College, she worked at a design company before joining RECO ORLANDO, where she was appointed as the Fashion Director of FASHIONSNAP in 2018. She is in charge of the luxury sector and international fashion weeks, mainly in Paris and Milan.
Judge
Children of the discordance Designer
Hideaki Shikama
He was born in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. From 2005, he worked for SHIPS Ltd. at the concept store Acycle until 2010. In 2011, he started the “Children of the discordance” brand. He specializes in products using vintage fabrics with original graphic design and textile design. In 2019, he was selected as one of the “10 Asian Designers to Watch.” His Spring/Summer 2021 men’s collection was presented at Milan Fashion Week.
Judge
Buyer at the Women's Shoes, Jewelry, Watches & Accessories Division, Group 2 MD at Isetan Mitsukoshi Ltd.
Shoko Nakanishi
After joining the company in 2016, she worked for the independently curated select shop "ReStyle" in sales and as an assistant buyer for luxury brands. She then served as the buyer for "ReStyle Plus," and assumed her current position in 2023. While handling luxury brands and independent curation, she leverages her experience in women's fashion to create and promote styles that resonate with customer interests.
*Japanese alphabetical order.
Guest advisor
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Photo by Masayuki Hayashi
Textile designer
Reiko Sudo
Ms Sudo was born in Ishioka, Ibaraki Prefecture. She is the design director of the NUNO Corporation and professor emeritus at Tokyo Zokei University. Since 2008, she has been advising on textile design for Ryohin Keikaku, Yamagata Prefecture Tsuruoka Textile Industry Co-operative and others, and since 2016 has been on the advisory board of Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd. Her work is in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum and others.
Key points for judging
(Kimono fabrics are materials made for kimono.)
Items judged to be outstanding in terms of design, functionality, novelty, and marketability,
including the use of kimono fabrics, etc.
The judging is also based on a combination of factors,
including a willingness to take on challenges,
such as the continuation of traditions and innovation.
* The winners of the Special Selection Award will be determined by a public vote on SNS and other platforms among the works that pass the first-round screening.
Selection process
-
1
Entry
Application period: Friday, 21 June 2024 - Friday, 20 September 2024
* Valid if postmarked by the deadline -
2
Preliminary judging
Design drawings are judged.
Approx. 15 people are selected in each category -
3
Production support, workshop
We will provide the following support to those who have passed the temporary screening.
(i) Reduction of material costs (up to 50,000 yen)
(ii) Advice from Production Advisors
(iii) Workshops by Special Advisors
(Points for utilizing materials and establishing a brand)
(iv) Exchange with young overseas designers -
4
Secondary examination
・Presentations and question and answer sessions on looks created using production assistance and workshops.(Approx. 6 people are selected in each category)
・Design drawings are published to official social media channels, and winners chosen according to ‘Likes’. (approx. three winners in each category) -
5
Business experience
We will provide the following support to those who pass the second screening toward the final screening.
(i) Reduction of material costs (up to 100,000 yen)
(ii) Merchandising experience and promotion experience in collaboration with MD (merchandisers), etc. -
6
Final judging
・The judges will award the Tokyo Governor's Grand Prize to one winner in each category and the Tokyo Governor's Award of Excellence to two winners in each category.
・As well as this, a Special Selection Award will go to one winner in each category based on real-time audience voting.
Please see here for details of the advance flow (after the first screening)
About the Participant Community
(Alumni)
Award winners and interested applicants are invited to join this
community, which extends beyond the contest year.
Through exchange with various designers,
attending workshops, and participating in hands-on projects,
the community offers support to
cultivate designers aspiring to work on a global stage.
About Alumni
This exclusive community for contest participants allows young designers studying in Tokyo to connect, inspire each other, and grow together. It serves as a starting point for designers aspiring to achieve international success.
Eligibility
Award winners of the Sustainable Fashion Design Award or the Next Fashion Designer of Tokyo and all interested contest participants.
If you wish to join, please get in touch with us via the link below:
Fiscal Year 2023 Event Highlights
Announcing the contestants who passed the 2nd screening