On Friday, August 29th, just before the start of the main events, a ceremony was held to commemorate both the opening of Rakuten FWT 2026 S/S and the 20th anniversary of Japan Fashion Week. The event celebrated designers who have participated to date as well as everyone involved in the Fashion Week. The ceremony began with a greeting from the Chairperson, followed by remarks from the Secretary General, and a special appearance by Special Ambassador Hio Miyazawa! Hiroko Koshino, who has attended the most Fashion Weeks over the past 20 years, then gave a congratulatory speech and proposed a toast. The event served as a reflection of the past 20 years, with a dress code set to keywords that represent Tokyo: “kawaii” / “tailored” / “denim” / “dress” / “military & work.” Attendees were present exhibiting all of their unique styles.
A movie was screened that looked back on the past 20 years of JFW and expressed hope for further development in the future, using historical footage that can be considered an asset to the Japanese fashion scene, contributed by Fashion Tsushin, a unique publication that continues to report and disseminate dynamic footage of the global fashion scene.

From left: JFW Executive Director Hiroshi Komoda, fashion designer Hiroko Koshino, JFW 20th Ambassador Hio Miyazawa, JFW Chairperson Tsuyoshi Shimoji ©JFWO

On the day, wonderful words of congratulations were made for the 20th anniversary from many people, including (from left in the photos) designers Tae Ashida, Keita Maruyama, and Chisato Tsumori, as well as executive committee member Chizuru Muko, who wrote the 20th press release, and Hirofumi Kurino, senior advisor at United Arrows.

The judges gathered together to present the Grand Prix winner of the JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD 2026, a brand support program launched by JFWO in 2022, to mukcyen designer Yuka Kimura, and to Jun.y designer Jun Yamamoto, who was selected for the special award. mukcyen will hold its first runway show today, September 1st, at the start of the event.

The JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD 2026 Grand Prix award ceremony, from left (titles omitted) JFWO Executive Director Hiroshi Komoda; fashion journalist Mami Osugi; Fashion Core Midwest Co., Ltd. CEO Takenori Osawa; Condé Nast Japan “VOGUE JAPAN” Head of Editorial Content Tiffany Godoy; “mukcyen” designer Yuka Kimura; fashion designer Naoki Takizawa; INFAS Publications Inc. WWDJAPAN Editor-in-Chief Kaname Murakami; yoshiokubo designer Yoshio Kubo ©JFWO

The special award ceremony. From left (titles omitted): Condé Nast Japan “VOGUE JAPAN” Head of Editorial Content Tiffany Godoy; Jun.y designer Jun Yamamoto. ©JFWO

At the venue, a special exhibition was held just for this event, featuring the new collection (pictured right) by Jun.y, which was highly praised by the judges for its creativity and high level of technique, earning it the special award. Visitors were able to see the actual works up close and appreciate the talent of the award-winning brand.

The event was attended by many designers, media representatives, and fashion-conscious KOLs, adding a touch of glamour to the venue.

Guests (titles omitted) Top row, from left: RIV NOBUHIKO designer River Garam Jang and Nobuhiko Kohama; VIVIAN O designer Viviano Sue; KAMIYA designer Koji Kamiya; YOKE designer Norio Terada; Senken Shimbun editorial committee member Takuro Ogasawara ; Middle row, from left: Owner and buyer Andreas Murkudis; Metal Magazine fashion editor/Yokogao Magazine fashion editor Natalia Andrea; journalists Eugene Rabkin; Harry Sugiyama; street style photographer/fashion journalist Rei Shito; model Aoi.
Bottom row, from left: dancer Usak; Sora Watanabe; MANON; dancer HIKARU; Nori Enomoto designer Noriko Enomoto; Asaginyo; ZUTII; AYA

The venue offered Dassai Sparkling Sake, 333, Argentine wine, KIYASUME, Red Bull, and original label water.

This anniversary event provided an opportunity to look back on the 20-year history of Japan Fashion Week and to feel the determination to build on the legacy created by numerous designers and to aim for an even more compelling Fashion Week.