About JFW in TOKYO

｜Background｜Story｜Vision｜Program｜Press｜
｜About the Japan Fashion Week Organization｜

Background

The fashion business in Japan is blessed with high quality manufacturing and a domestic market with sharp tastes and strong buying capacity. However, Tokyo Collection, whose purpose is to broadcast its fashion creativity to the world, had a long and inconvenient run until a few years ago. As a result, it had been difficult for Tokyo to attract the attention of domestic and foreign media and buyers, and be a place for business.
Therefore, COUNCIL OF FASHION DESIGNERS, TOKYO. (CFD), the organizer of Tokyo Collection, reviewed the operations of Tokyo Collection in 2005, which marked the 20th anniversary of the organization. The idea of strengthening Tokyo’s position as a fashion hub by combining the schedule and venue of events gained momentum.
Designers, manufacturers, and the apparel and retail industry cooperated to establish Fashion Strategy Forum (currently Japan Fashion Week Organization) in June, 2005, which would organize textile exhibitions and other fashion events at the same time of Tokyo Collection to make “Japan Fashion Week in TOKYO (JFW in TOKYO)”.

Story

Firstly, the purpose of JFW in TOKYO is to strengthen the fundamentals of Tokyo Collection, establish a stronger voice, develop business opportunities, and become the gateway to success for up-and-coming designers. Secondly, JFW in TOKYO will strengthen ties between the “creativity” of designers, “craftsmanship” of manufacturers, and “trading” of the apparel and retail industry. Third, JFW in TOKYO works to heighten the appeal of the city of Tokyo. The private sector worked hand-in-hand with the government to organize the 1st JFW in 2005, from the end of October to the beginning of November.
The 7th JFW was held in September, 2008 in the Roppongi area, with Tokyo Midtown at its center. In addition to Tokyo Collection Week, where fashion brands presented new lines, B to B events such as JFW Designers' Exhibition, and the 2008 NEW DESIGNER FASHION GRAND PRIX Final Selection, a multitude of special events such as contests and fashion shows were held for the general public to cultivate interest in fashion. With the generous cooperation of Tokyo Midtown, the whole of Tokyo Midtown was dressed in JFW colors – video footage of collection shows were broadcast on high vision displays throughout the venue and event banners were hung throughout the town. There was a 5% increase in attendees from foreign press, signaling a definite rise in interest and attention from all over the world.
The next JFW marks the 8th event since the private sector and government came together in the fall of 2005. JFW will once again be held in the Roppongi area, with the new landmark of Tokyo, Tokyo Midtown at its center.

Achievements
<The 1st>
Date : Mon, October 31 - Wed, November 9, 2005
Main venue : JFW Tent at Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery
• Shortened the duration of event.
• Set up main venue (JFW Tent at Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery) and concentrated venues.

<The 2nd>
Date : Fri, March 17 - Fri, March 24, 2006
Main venue : JFW Tent at Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery
• Held the opening event at Prime Minister’s Office.
• Shortened the duration of event.

<The 3rd>
Date : Mon, September 4 - Fri, September 8, 2006
Main venue : Tokyo International Forum in Yurakucho
• Held the JFW in TOKYO ahead of fashion weeks in New York, London, Paris and Milan.
• Invited foreign journalists.

<The 4th>
Date : Mon, March 12 - Tue, March 20, 2007
Main venue : JFW Tent in Nihombashi
• Local communities around the main venue organized fashion events for the consumer public.
• Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Her Imperial Highness Takamadonomiya attended the reception.

<The 5th>
Date : Wed, August 29 - Wed, September 5, 2007
Main venue : Tokyo Midtown
• Held the exhibition, titled “NEW CREATORS MET TOGETHER IN EUROPE” as to support young designers.
• Held the show for the consumer public at adjacent commercial facilities of the main venue.

<The 6th>
Date : Mon, March 10 – Sun, March 16, 2008
Main venue : Tokyo Midtown
• Strengthened collaboration with local communities by holding various special events for the consumer public.
• Increased overseas visitors as a result of stronger presence in world’s fashion industry.

<The 7th>
Date : Mon, September 1 – Sun, September 7, 2008
Main venue : Tokyo Midtown
• Definite increase in foreign press attendance.
• Diversification of special events such as a talk show on ecology and fashion and a joint fashion show by young foreign designers.

Vision

JFW in TOKYO aims to strengthen Tokyo’s functions as a hub for fashion business from the following perspectives:

Program

JFW in TOKYO hosts the below events:

• Tokyo Collection Week
• JFW Designers' Exhibition
• SHINMAI Creator's Project
• Textile Exhibition
• the finals of the NEW DESIGNER FASHION GRAND PRIX
• Special events for the consumer public
• Other related events

Press

<Overseas Press>
With the support of JAPAN EXTERNAL TRADE ORGANIZATION (JETRO), JFW actively works to attract foreign buyers and journalists.
- Place announcement ads in fashion industry magazines including WWD (USA)
- Invite influential fashion journalists and intellectuals during the event
- Hold JFW debriefing sessions and networking events abroad

<Domestic Press>
JFW also actively works to attract Japanese buyers and journalists.
- Send invitations to the press
- Announce events to buyers and journalists through official website
- Place announcement ads in newspapers (general and industry newspapers)

About Japan Fashion Week Organization

On April 1st, 2008, “Fashion Strategy Forum” changed its name to “Japan Fashion Week Organization”.
Click here for more information.
View the members of the JFW Organization.

Japan Fashion Week Organization
3F, Terasaki 1st. Bldg., 1-10-5 Nihombashi-Muromachi, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo
Tel : +81-3-3242–8551 Fax : +81-3–3242–8552