Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2026 A/W Wednesday 3/18 Report
Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO (Rakuten FWT) 2026 A/W organized by the Japan Fashion Week Organization (JFWO) entered its third day today.
– Brands presented on the previous day, Tuesday, March 17th –
agnès b. (by R) (from 7:00 PM) French Embassy
As part of Rakuten Group, Inc.’s “by R” project aimed at revitalizing Japan’s fashion scene and spreading global appeal, agnès b., a leading French fashion brand, held a runway show in Tokyo for the first time in 10 years. The venue was the residence of the French Ambassador, a symbol of friendship between Japan and France. While the residence is not normally open to the public, its doors were opened especially for invited guests.
For Agnès Troublé, founder of agnès b., Japan holds a special place in her heart. Just like France, Japan is a place where tradition and modernity coexist, and where the spirit of dedication to craftsmanship and a refined aesthetic is deeply rooted. Attendees were presented with a vinyl record produced special for the occasion. It featured a remix of “Sexy Boy,” an iconic track by the French band AIR, with whom the brand has a longstanding relationship. The press release distributed at the venue included an excerpt from an interview with Agnès: “Just as a film director doesn’t talk much about their own work, I don’t like to discuss the show in detail either.” These words are typical of Agnès, who retains a playful and girlish charm.
The first look was presented by Aoi Yamada, a dancer with close ties to the brand. Her figure dancing freely down the runway exuded the elegance of falling cherry blossom petals. The flower also made an appearance in the runway through exclusive by R items featuring photographs of cherry blossoms taken by Agnès herself. Although the cherry blossoms in Tokyo won’t fully bloom for a few more days, as if to celebrate this special night, the venue was already bursting with blossoms.
The online fashion retailer “Rakuten Fashion” is currently offering exclusive by R items. The line up includes a total of 35 by R styles as well as pieces featuring the photographs taken by designer Agnès Troublé herself. Please visit the page below to take a look.
agnès b. by R exclusive items page:
https://brandavenue.rakuten.co.jp/ba/shop-agnesb/?free_word=agnesb_limited_byr_&l-id=brn_fashionweekarticle_2026aw002_agnesb
– Brands presented today, Wednesday, March 18th –
*Partnership Show
“China Fashion Week Recommendation Show” (from 12:00 PM)
Shibuya Hikarie, Hikarie Hall, Hall B
WHiTENOOK, a brand helmed by Chinese designer Su Xin, held its first runway show in Tokyo as part of the China Fashion Week Recommendation Show, following a recommendation from the China International Fashion Week Organizing Committee.
Now in its third season since the brand’s launch, this collection took “Gradual” as its theme, translating the concepts of continuous change and growth from within into clothing. By layering colors and silhouettes, the collection expressed themes of transformation, a dialogue between time and materials.
After the show and before the press conference, designer Naoki Takizawa appeared as a guest. Commenting on the newly presented runway collection, he said, “I liked how clear the concept was. The denim, in particular, was designed to avoid looking too casual, so I think many people will want to wear it.”
“yoshiokubo” (from 1:00 PM)
Shibuya Hikarie, Hikarie Hall, Hall A
yoshiokubo has a knack for turning even the simplest runway into something unexpected. Under the theme “BEYOND RUNNING-,” the brand unveiled a collection featuring clothing designed for the everyday “long trail” a trail that is yours alone, unlike anyone else’s.
Designer Kubo mentioned that he’s been running more often lately due to work commitments. He says he pushed the boundaries to the limit in his quest to balance functional running wear with fashion. While he has previously incorporated the human body’s movement and structure into his designs through complex seam patterns, this time he focused specifically on the act of running.
The show opened with an ensemble featuring a Gobelin tapestry depicting the scene at the starting line as runners set off all at once, an image also featured in the press release. The face paint covering the eyes was styled to resemble the sunglasses worn by runners, while a jacquard long skirt, which at first glance seemed ill-suited for running, was inspired by traditional ethnic attire. The finale was anything but simple. The models ran down the runway and departed with flair. The attention to detail was so thorough that models even received coaching on running form, with some professional runners cast among them. Guests were once again amazed this season by yoshiokubo’s signature refusal to settle for the ordinary.
“ZUCCa” (from 2:30 PM)
CABANE de ZUCCA Minami-Aoyama Store
Now in its second season since Kengo Baba took over as designer, the rebranded ZUCCa held its first runway show as part of the official Rakuten FWT schedule.The venue was CABANE de ZUCCa AOYAMA, which underwent a renovation last November. Large windows let in natural light, offering views of the surrounding greenery. The interior featured concrete and wood, creating a space similar in feeling to an open lot, where the indoors and outdoors blend seamlessly. A drum set was set up at the venue, and the show opened with a live jazz performance featuring a trumpet and double bass.
The show featured looks centered around items from the newly launched line, “ZUCCa metier,” which places a strong emphasis on fabric quality, with materials crafted in collaboration with Japanese manufacturers, even down to the yarn. The show began with minimalist looks centered on the brand’s signature blue, gradually building as tops and outerwear were layered, leading into the finale. Regarding this approach, designer Baba explains, “Winter in Japan has become shorter recently. We focused on items that can be worn from late summer through fall, so that people can enjoy styling with the same pieces.” This season, the brand has placed a strong emphasis on knitwear pieces that can be worn across seasons. The collection featured a parade of textiles where the beauty of the materials is immediately apparent. From fabrics that combine warmth and sheerness perfect for fall and winter, to mysterious fabrics that appear blue or red depending on the angle. With high-quality garments designed to fit seamlessly into the wearer’s daily life, the collection captured the hearts of attendees.
“Support Surface” (from 4:00 PM)
TODA HALL & CONFERENCE TOKYO
Support Surface is a regular at Rakuten FWT. With its high-quality textiles and flowing silhouettes, the brand continues to stand out as the most elegant and distinctive presence among the numerous brands at Tokyo Fashion Week. Rather than building collections around grand concepts, the brand focuses on a single keyword; this season’s keyword being “presence.” The collection expressed the beauty of silence accentuated by movement through unique silhouettes achieved in three-dimensional draping and textiles crafted with a focus on quality. Occasional glimpses of silver chain accessories and slender, linear buttons added a subtle yet edgy accent. When asked about the darker color palette compared to previous seasons, designer Surikabe explained, “We chose colors that weren’t seen in the previous season. Even with similar shapes, we want customers to think, ‘I want this because it’s different from last year.’” The word “customer” appeared repeatedly throughout the press conference, revealing the very reason why the brand has been loved for so long.
“någonstans” (from 5:30 PM)
Tokyo International Forum
This season, designer Mizuki Ueda incorporated her love for tavel and drew inspiration from Iceland’s ice fields and majestic natural landscapes, places she has long dreamed of visiting. Under the theme “Ice Field,” she has curated a collection featuring någonstans’s signature earth tones, rendered in a more subdued palette than usual.
The collection featured a lineup of fashion-forward pieces that made you feel as though you’ve stepped into a frozen wonderland. Looks ranged from angular skirts evoking icebergs to fluffy jackets reminiscent of wild polar bears to dresses with a plump, seal-like silhouette.
Looks featuring protective gear and tights inspired by ice skating and figure skating were also hallmarks of the collection. Could the jacket, shimmering in seven colors, embody the dreamlike aurora borealis? The milky-colored puffer jacket, crafted from a sheer, ice-like fabric, was a piece that could certainly make a striking accent even in everyday urban life.
While maintaining a priority on functional elements such as warmth and ease of movement, the sensational designs presented had attendees’ imaginations racing ahead to the depths of winter.
Return of the BERLIN SHOWROOM
The “Berlin Showroom,” a joint exhibition featuring a curated selection of fashion that reflects contemporary Germany, is currently underway for buyers, media, and industry professionals.
Held as part of the Berlin Fashion X International delegation’s visit to Tokyo (March 15th – 20th), this exhibition aims to build a platform for creative exchange and cross-cultural dialogue, with the goal of enhancing the presence of emerging and established designers based in Berlin and Germany within the Japanese market.
This edition features 11 brands: Balletshofer, Clara Colette Miramon, Kasia Kucharska, Malaikaraiss, Milk of Lime, Natalie Grassi, Natascha von Hirschhausen, Richert Beil, Sia Arnika, Société Angelique, Unvain, and William Fan.
Please stop by to discover these new brands.
Dates: Wednesday, March 18th and Thursday, March 19th
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Venue: 4-9-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Organizers: German Fashion Association / Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
Supported by: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the State of Berlin
Admission: Invite only
TRANOÏ TOKYO A/W 26-27 kicks off today
Now in its fourth edition, TRANOÏ TOKYO has moved to the Bellesalle Shibuya Garden venue, featuring approximately 150 brands and designers from around the world.
We are proud to present a diverse lineup, including collections from Asian brands renowned for their traditional craftsmanship reimagined with contemporary sensibility, as well as established European and American brands and innovative Japanese brands, all under one roof.
The venue will also feature an exhibition by “0fr.”, a Paris-based bookstore that has gained popularity in the city. As part of a project commemorating its 30th anniversary, the store will display and sell books and original merchandise. Additionally, a PV DENIM (Denim Première Vision) promotional booth will be on site. This serves as an introductory exhibition for “Denim Première Vision Tokyo,” which is scheduled to debut in Tokyo this September. We invite you to enjoy the unique lineup that only TRANOÏ TOKYO can offer.
Dates: Wednesday, March 18th and Thursday, March 19th
Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Venue: Bellesalle Shibuya Garden
Organizer: TRANOÏ (Première Vision Japan Co., Ltd.)
Admission: Advance registration is required via the link below
https://www.tranoi.com/e/tokyo/ja/registration/registration
https://www.tranoi.com/e/tokyo/ja/registration/registration
BMW Japan is providing a chauffeur-driven car
Returning again this season, BMW Japan has kindly provided chauffeur-driven cars. These vehicles, carrying VIPs from overseas, will be circulating among the Fashion Week venues.
























