Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2026 A/W Thursday 3/19 Report

Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO (Rakuten FWT) 2026 A/W organized by the Japan Fashion Week Organization (JFWO) entered its fourth day today.

 – 前日3/18（水）に発表されたブランド  –

Brands presented the previous day, Wednesday, March 18th – “TANAKA” (from 7:00 PM)
Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, VIP Wedding Hall

While dividing time between working in New York and Tokyo, brand TANAKA created this season’s collection under the theme “Blue Print,” conveying a message to never forget to envision the future. The opening look featured a print of a blueprint, a defining symbol of the collection. Blueprinting is a technique in which a negative is placed on a special chemical solution and exposed to ultraviolet light to develop the image. By using fabric instead of paper it was as if the designer imprinted a fleeting memory onto the clothing. Every look this season incorporated the brand’s characteristic denim or leather, materials defined by a durabiliy that turns them into an extension of the wearer’s body as they age. This phenomenon is an embodiment of the brand’s core concept of creating clothing that weaves together the past 100 years and the next 100 years. “Good things never go out of style or get consumed,” stated Creative Director Kuboshita.

Items featured exquisite finishes, including leather jackets with natural creases that looked as though they’ve been worn for years, or foil-stamped denim with a rusted-out look. These details could make anyone think the items must have been truly cherished by the wearer, reflecting TANAKA’s commitment to treating materials with care. Denim was originally developed as workwear, and leather has long been used to protect the body. While these are everyday items, TANAKA elevated them to something extraordinary by adding a unique twist to their patterns and embellishments. Helping to deepen this expression are collaborative items with the hat brand “Entwafine.” New additions included a peek-a-boo cap and a ponytail hook adorned with a satin ribbon.

The collection truly showed why the phrase “drawing a blueprint,” is synonymous with the concept of “envisioning the future.” To further convey the excellence of Japanese denim to the world, the brand is reportedly planning a presentation at Paris Men’s Fashion Week next year. Let’s support this challenge by wearing the blueprints TANAKA has envisioned.

TOKYO FASHION AWARD 2026
“yushokobayashi” (from 8:30 PM)
Shibuya Hikarie, Hikarie Hall, Hall A

yushokobayashi presented their collection for the first time at RakutenFWT. A brand that has been known to present outside the typical structure, whether in installations and runway shows, or in the form of non-verbal theatrical performances. This season’s collection conveyed the theme of “void,” with inspiration coming from the Greek myth of Orpheus, which the designer’s university professor often spoke of. In the myth, it is said that Orpheus descended deep into the underworld to retrieve his beloved wife, whom he had lost.

A circular platform resembling an altar was set up on stage, surrounded by a profusion of fluffy flowers. A young girl lay sprawled on the altar as another girl took her hand, attempting to lead her back to the living world. However, to bring her back, they had to adhere to a simple rule: “Never look back.” However, as other models appeared behind them on the runway, the girls simply couldn’t resist the temptation to look behind… Designer Kobayashi noted that the simple phrase “You must not look back” resonated with her brand’s current state. Having continued to present work independently, she has steadily gained a passionate following. One of the brand’s defining characteristics is the intensity and meticulous craftsmanship behind even mass-produced items, all of which are made entirely by hand. Yet beneath that ephemeral cuteness lies an immense amount of effort and perseverance. Through the familiar yusho aesthetic, the brand conveyed a strong resolve: it is not yet time to look back.

Designer Yushoko Kobayashi created several new showpieces because she wanted to showcase something new in addition to the items she had presented at her Paris showroom in February. The dresses, made from a paper-like material that uses interfacing to join pieces of fabric together, seemed to resemble the paper dolls we once played with as children. The carefully made structure of the dresses evoked the crumpled paper from hours of play, along with the ribbons and flowers we once drew on ourselves. There’s no doubt yushokobayashi possesses a charm that pierces the heart, but look too closely and that same charm could send a slight chill down your spine.

Designer Kobayashi remarked regarding the large ribbon headpiece, “I wanted to create a ‘dead ribbon’—something cute yet fragile. I call it the ‘Death Ribbon’ (laughs).” The iconic accessory was a collaboration with the hat brand KIJIMATAKAYUKI.

Even after winning a major award like the TOKYO FASHION AWARD, the brand has remained true to its unique identity without compromising its established worldview. The pressure must have been immense, but contrary to the story’s ending, those last 10 minutes gave us a sense of reassurance that “it’s okay as long as you keep looking forward.”

Brands presented today, Thursday, March 19th –

TOKYO FASHION AWARD 2026
“YOHEI OHNO” (from 1:30 PM)
Shibuya Hikarie, Hikarie Hall, Hall A

YOHEI OHNO presented a runway show after winning the TOKYO FASHION AWARD for the second time. The collection, themed “Ideal Palace,” was inspired by the stone palace created by Ferdinand Cheval. Ferdinand was a great and eccentric man who was one day captivated by the shape of a stone he stumbled upon and determined to spend 33 years single-handedly completing a stone palace known as “Cheval’s Ideal Palace.” His story may resonate with that of a designer who becomes captivated by a single piece of fabric, garment, or even a fabrication process, and decides to forge their own path. Whether captivated by stone or fabric, dedicating such a long period of time requires a level of mental fortitude that is far from ordinary. The sculptural silhouettes characteristic of YOHEI OHNO remain intact, but somehow this particular collection feels somewhat lighter than before. The four-leaf clover-shaped skirt, with its flared hem, is a reinterpretation of the iconic silhouette of his beloved designer, Charles James.

It was not just the sculptural strength of the items; even the sway of the fabric hanging from it conveyd a sense of purpose. One dress born from collaborations with other companies looked as if a sporty raglan-sleeve T-shirt had been flipped upside down and sewn together. Traces of various creators’ works were visible throughout the collection: the “open-eye” cap created in collaboration with Auto Mode Hirata, the platform shoes produced with the shoe brand THREE TREASURES, the knit bag made with Last Frame, and a particular accessory object—distorted glasses reportedly crafted by an assistant.

Where exactly is the “Ideal Palace” that Designer Ohno envisions? Over the past decade or so, as countless fashion brands have come and gone, YOHEI OHNO has steadily advanced the brand’s journey. Things were not always executed with finesse, but Ohno has maintained unwavering determination. In his words, “I thought it would be nice to have various people involved in a single collection,” he stated with a slight sense of relief. The collection was like a glimpse of the brand’s new beginning.

“Seivson” (from 2:30 PM)
Shibuya Hikarie, Hikarie Hall, Hall B

Taiwan-based women’s brand Seivson expressed the joy of savoring brief moments spent in Tokyo under the theme “In motion In balance.” “We’ve translated the individual ‘freedom’ of women leading diverse lives into clothing,” said designer Tzu Chin Shen.

Building on the brand’s signature skin-baring sensual aesthetic—notable in iconic torn knits, pants that mix leather, lace, suit fabric, and long-haired fur boots with a “gal” vibe—this collection added a punk mood to the mix brimming with a spirit of freedom.

The bags, which appear throughout the collection and resemble a combination of polygonal pieces, are the result of a collaboration with another brand. Details of the collaboration are scheduled to be announced soon.

“TAE ASHIDA” (from 16:00)
Grand Hyatt Tokyo

This season the brand chose the theme of “LOVE.” Amid chaotic global circumstances and a turning point in values, we have given form to “love,” the fundamental force that sustains our spirits and propels us forward. Emi Evans, vocalist of the music duo “freesscape,” composed an original song specifically for the show, resonating loving energy throughout the venue. Wide-leg pants and dresses, crafted from generous amounts of sheer, lightweight fabric, billowed gracefully with every step, seeming to catch the breeze.

The sequined dress, with its dewy, lustrous sheen, commanded attention even from a distance. The chiffon dresses and blouses featuring bold floral prints were pieces that seemed to embody the brand’s elegance and nobility.

The show was attended by numerous celebrities with ties to the brand, including Ahn Mika, Norika Fujiwara, and Uno Kanda. The venue was adorned with flowers sent by various organizations, making it one of the most glamorous venues of Tokyo Fashion Week.

“VIVIANO” (from 7:00 PM) Yodobashi Church～）淀橋教会

A runway so narrow that models could barely pass each other without pulling their shoulders back, and bright red lighting illuminated the church venue. VIVIANO’s collection for this season, which opened with an unusually austere atmosphere, took “Portrait of Her, Unnamed” as its theme, portraying women who continue to exist, believing in possibility even amidst uncertainty.

Bright red blush swept from the cheekbones to the temples, dark cherry lips with sharply defined contours, gold-brown eyeshadow heavily applied around the eyes, and tousled hair styled for maximum volume. The models’ hair and makeup exuded a strong emotion, almost like anger.

Acting on that impulsive feeling, it was as if the model put on a tight skirt to discipline her mind, or a pink satin top that stirred her spirits, or possibly a floral chiffon blouse that gently enveloped her body. The passionate red flowers, upon closer inspection, featured a graphic design that looked as if blood were seeping from their petals.

Even though these girls may not yet know who they are, being given a name gives them definition and leads them astray unintentionally. Perhaps it’s a cry from within, “Don’t crush my potential.”

RUNxANDAM SHOWROOM opens from today

RUN, a hybrid platform specializing in the production of runway shows, showrooms, and after-show events, and the multi-brand showroom established by the ANDAM Fashion Awards in 2024, will make their debut in Tokyo.

Participating brands include Adieu, Alainpaul (2025 ANDAM Fashion Award Special Prize), Anicet, Burc Akyol (2025 ANDAM Fashion Award Pierre Bergé Prize), Saul Nash, Tang Tsung Chien, and Trente Sept Paris. To facilitate smooth business negotiations, The Raws Agency is handling buyer relations.

Since 1989, ANDAM (an association for the promotion of French fashion and art) has been a leading force in the French fashion industry, supporting emerging designers and promoting innovation, creativity, and the international development of their talent.

ANDAM founder Nathalie Dufour is also visiting Japan for this event. A party was held on the first day, where she mingled with Japanese industry professionals in attendance. Alainpaul, one of the participating brands, will hold a runway show on Saturday, March 21st, starting at 12:00 PM.

Dates: Thursday, March 19th – Saturday, March 21st
Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Venue: Shibuya Hikarie 8F 8/COURT
Organizer: WSN DEVELOPPEMENT
Admission: Invite only

25 Years of YKK FASTENING AWARDS:
Exhibition of Past Winners

The YKK Fastening Award was established with the hope that talented young creators would showcase “Japanese original” style to the world and make their mark on the global stage. As one of Japan’s largest fashion design contests for students, it has now celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Just inside the entrance, we showcase the winning entries from the 25th edition (2025). The venue also features past winning works by Fumito Ganryu of FUMITO GANRYU and Moe Ishida of HOUGA, offering visitors a rare opportunity to view this valuable archive up close.

Come and discover new possibilities in fashion born from the creativity and craftsmanship of young designers, combined with their collaboration with YKK products.

Dates: Thursday, March 19th – Saturday, March 21st
Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Opens at 1:00 PM on the first day; closes at 7:00 PM on the last day
Venue: Shibuya Hikarie 8F 8/CUBE
Organizer: YKK Corporation
Admission: Free

TRANOÏ TOKYO Opening Party x Japan Fashion Week Organization 20th Anniversary

On the evening of the first day of TRANOÏ TOKYO A/W 26-27, we hosted a joint party at THE MUSIC BAR -CAVE SHIBUYA- to further strengthen the partnership between JFWO and TRANOÏ TOKYO. The event was a huge success, with exhibitors and media representatives gathering to fill the venue to capacity throughout the evening.

Influencers invited by “Pickyou” posting about the show