Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2026 A/W Season Comes to a Close
Japan Fashion Week Organization 20th Anniversary Second Half
Under the annual theme “Be the seam that connects the world,” this week was filled with a respect for history and hope for further developments in the future
Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO (Rakuten FWT) 2026 A/W, organized by the Japan Fashion Week Organization, (JFWO) was held from Monday, March 16th to Saturday, March 21s with events primarily taking place at the official venue, Shibuya Hikarie. The festivities began a day before the main events with a triumphant return celebration event of the FASHION PRIZE OF TOKYO 2026 held on Sunday, March 15th.
A total of 33 collections were presented during the event (including 30 official designer shows, and 3 partner shows; of these which first time participants in the Fashion Show included 1 designer from by R, 5 official designer shows, 2 partner shows, and 5 TFA shows). The 2026 A/W season, marking the second half of the Japan Fashion Week Organization’s 20th anniversary, was a week filled with respect for history and hope for further future developments, under the annual theme “Be the seam that connects the world.”
Presentations for this Season’s Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2026 A/W
Official Designer Shows (In order of presentation)
1, YOKE （FPT）
2, KAKAN (TFA）
3, pays des fées
4, YUEQI QI ※CHN
5, ENFÖLD
6, ANTHEM A (TFA）
7, ANCELLM
8, kiminori morishita (TFA）
9, HOUGA
10, agnès b. (by R) ※FRN
11, yoshiokubo
12, ZUCCa
13, support surface
14, någonstans
15, TANAKA
16, yushokobayashi (TFA）
17, YOHEI OHNO (TFA）
18, Seivson
19, TAE ASHIDA
20, VIVIANO
21, FDMTL
22, COTE MER
23, kotohayokozawa(TFA）
24, MIZEN
25, MATSUFUJI (TFA）
26, RYUNOSUKEOKAZAKI
27, ALAINPAUL ※ FRN
28, MIKIO SAKABE
29, EITARO
30, mukcyen (NBA / TFA）
Partner Shows (In order of presentation)
1, TAIWAN SELECT ※TWN
2, Global Fashion Collective ※ CAN
3, China Fashion Week Recommendation Show ※ CHN
Total of 33 presentations
Highlights of the 2026 A/W Collection Shows
The “by R” project aimed to support the Japanese Fashion Scene
hosted a runway show featuring iconic French fashion brand “agnès b.”
This season, title sponsor Rakuten Group, Inc. continued its by R project aimed to invigorate Japan’s fashion scene and spread its appeal globally. For this installment, the iconic French fashion brand agnès b. held a runway show in Tokyo for the first in in nearly a decade.
The venue was the residence of the French Ambassador, a symbol of friendship between Japan and France. Although the residence is not typically 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 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.
The “by R” exclusive collection is now available on the online fashion retailer “Rakuten Fashion.” Check the link below to view the full lineup of 35 by R exclusive items, including pieces featuring photographs taken by designer Agnès Troublé.
agnès b. by R Exclusive Collection Page:
https://brandavenue.rakuten.co.jp/ba/shop-agnesb/?free_word=agnesb_limited_byr_&l-id=brn_fashionweekarticle_2026aw002_agnesb
■Support Program: Presentations by Award-Winning Brands
・FASHION PRIZE OF TOKYO 2026 Winners’ Homecoming Event
On the eve of the 2026 A/W season, YOKE, the winner of the FASHION PRIZE OF TOKYO 2026, held a runway show as a celebratory event. Contrary to the men’s show presented at Paris Fashion Week in January, this event featured exclusively women’s wear. As the show began, the footage switched to side-view shots of the men’s show in Paris. As the female models walked the runway, it seemed as though their shadows were being projected in real time, a characteristic YOKE-style visual effect that deepened the atmosphere of the venue. This season drew inspiration from the creations of sculptor Jean Arp. According to the theme “BEYOND FORM,” a minimalist yet subtly illusory silhouette was created using high-quality textiles, evoking the sculptor’s surrealist works.
・TOKYO FASHION AWARD 2025 Award-Winners Return (in order of presentation)
The eight winning brands of the 12th TOKYO FASHION AWARD presented their collections at the official venue. Each brand showcased its latest collection through their own unique style, generating significant buzz. On the next page, you’ll find a detailed report on mukcyen, which presented its collection as the final show of the event’s last day.
・JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD 2026 Grand Prix-winning brand “mukcyen”
mukcyen, winner of both the JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD 2026 and the TOKYO FASHION AWARD 2026, held its second runway show as a brand. mukcyen closed out the 2026 A/W season as one of the most anticipated emerging brands. Marking a complete shift in mood from its previous collection, this season was distinct as the first to draw inspiration from a real-life figure, focusing on the tumultuous life of Marie Antoinette as its subject. Under the theme “在 (zai); formed,” inspired by Franz Kafka’s existentialist masterpiece “The Metamorphosis,” the collection explored the social roles and titles bestowed upon us, as well as the essence that transcends them.
The first look was an all-white ensemble featuring beautiful pure white lace that shined on stage. It evoked the opulent garments of the Rococo era and the time the lonely yet authoritative Marie Antoinette spent as queen. Her young innocence was something that should have been protected, but was instead gradually tarnished, shaped, and shattered by society.
The texture and form of 18th-century clothing were reimagined through mukcyen’s signature body-conscious silhouettes and versatile pieces. From vest-style tops reminiscent of aristocratic everyday wear to pants that reinterpret old-fashioned drawers with a modern sense of volume, the collection’s balance ensured it would look stylish even when worn by young people in the 21st century, a testament to the brand’s expertise.
Despite the heavy materials of aristocratic attire and the various restrictive details, the collection still felt effortlessly chic, thanks to Designer Yuka Kimura’s down-to-earth approach to the female form.
The brand’s signature Skin Fit series, epitomized by the final all-black look, beautifully accentuated the body’s contours without restricting movement, still maintaining practicality for daily life. The collection also featured beauty-focused functional wear made from a proprietary fabric infused with vitamin E. “Deep down, I’ve never quite been satisfied with the roles society assigns to me,” said designer Kimura. The collection powerfully yet quietly conveyed the sense of dissonance that many women have likely felt for centuries, leaving attendees with a sense of fulfillment as if they had witnessed a performance.
■Official Designer Shows
・ The up-and-coming brand ALAINPAUL held its first show in Tokyo
ALAINPAUL, a brand launched in 2023 through a collaboration between RUN x ANDAM FASHION AWARDS PARIS and JFWO, presented a reimagined version of its latest collection, “REPERTOIRE,” which had just been unveiled at Paris Fashion Week in March.
・Brands that held official runway shows (in order of presentation)
・Anticipated brands host shows at their own venues with unique staging (in order of presentation)
TEN10
■Brands Making Their Debut at the Official Designer Shows
Here are the first-time participating brands, excluding the five TFA brands, one brand from by R mentioned earlier, as well as the partnership shows. The shows were held at the official venue and other dedicated locations, all attracting significant attention.
■Partnership Shows (in order of presentation)
Three Partnership Shows were held this season, a series of shows featuring professional designers and brands from various countries and regions, as well as related events.
“TAIWAN SELECT” Shibuya Hikarie, Hikarie Hall, Hall B
TAIWAN SELECT held a joint fashion show featuring Taiwanese brands organized by the Taiwan Textile Federation
(a spinning and weaving association). The federation held their show for their first time at RFWT as part of the partnership shows. This time, three designers were selected to present their new collections.
“Global Fashion Collective” Shibuya Hikarie, Hikarie Hall, Hall B
International runway platform for showcasing global talent, “Global Fashion Collective,” returned to host a runway show as part of the partnership program this season.
©️Courtesy of brand
“China Fashion Week Recommendation Show” Shibuya Hikarie, Hikarie Hall, Hall B
WHiTENOOK, a brand led by Chinese designer Sū Xīn, 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.
Domestic and International Business Communications
In an effort to attract more international buyers and press, support initiatives continue to be implemented this season.
■International Journalists and Buyers Visit Japan
Since the A/W 2025 season, Rakuten FWT has been actively inviting international buyers and press to Japan.
This season, we launched additional support initiatives, inviting individuals to attend various shows and showrooms.
Jesse Hudnutt, Buyer and Consultant for Rooney Montreal and Voo Store Berlin
In addition to those mentioned above, the following individuals also visited Japan this season:
Jeon Jimin / Photographer
Sunny Luk / Associate Merchandising Director at I.T Apparels Limited
Andreas Murkudis / Store Owner, Buyer of Andreas Murkudis
Dongin Noah Seo / Beaker / Men’s buyer | Beaker Team
Jessica Lam / LANE CRAWFORD | Buying Manager
Manuel Marelli / 10Corso Como Milano Head of buying
Changyong Lee / 10Corso Como Soul Men’s wear chief buyer
■TRANOÏ TOKYO A/W 26-27
Now in its fourth edition, TRANOÏ TOKYO moved to the Bellesalle Shibuya Garden venue this year, featuring approximately 150 brands and designers from around the world. The event brought together a diverse lineup, including collections from Asian brands renown for their traditional craftsmanship reimagined with a contemporary sensibility, as well as long-established European and American brands and innovative Japanese brands.
■ RUN x ANDAM Showroom Opens
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, made their debut in Tokyo, with a reception held on the first day.
Participating brands included 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.
■Berlin Fashion Showcase and BERLIN Showroom Opens
As part of the Berlin Fashion X International Delegation’s visit to Tokyo (March 15th – 20th), a cocktail reception was held at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany. Media representatives and buyers attended the event and interacted with designers from 11 carefully selected Berlin-based brands.
In addition, on March 18th and 19th, a Berlin Showroom was held, featuring a curated joint exhibition of selected fashion that reflects contemporary Germany, aimed at buyers, media, and industry professionals.
Participating brands: Balletshofer, Clara Colette Miramon, Kasia Kucharska, Malaikaraiss, Milk of Lime, Natalie Grassi, Natascha von Hirschhausen, Richert Beil, Sia Arnika, Société Angelique, Unvain, William Fan
2026 A/W Season: Enhanced Communication Efforts
■Continuing to Use Design Sketches for Annual Key Visuals
For the 2026 S/S season of Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO, the event unveiled a key visual that payed tribute to the 20-year history of Tokyo Fashion Week. While embodying Fashion Week’s mission to spread Japanese fashion to the world, it also expressed a hope for its future growth. This powerful visual was also featured for this 2026 A/W season.
The design was inspired by design sketches, the origin of fashion and the first manifestation of a designer’s purest form of creativity. By layering sketches of various styles to create a single, sweeping wave, it expressed both the 20-year history of Tokyo Fashion Week and the anticipation for the future that lies ahead.
A piece of clothing
Is more than fabric and yarns.
It holds the work of countless hands,
The challenges of society,
And the unstoppable tide of a new era.
These forces collide and intersect
To shape what we wear.
MORE THAN FASHION.
Behind the fashion we see
Lies generations of history, ideas, and emotion.
From Tokyo where chaos and order converge,
What will rise next?
No one knows,
Not even the future.
Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 26 AW
A Special Video Commemorating Japan Fashion Week Organization’s 20th Anniversary
As we enter the second half of our 20th anniversary year, we have created a special themed video that looks toward the future, weaving in imagery that evokes Japanese craftsmanship while reflecting our hopes for the continued evolution of Japanese creativity. The video was produced by INFAS.com, which has been covering and reporting on Fashion Weeks around the world, including Japan. We will be sharing it on our official social media channels, so please be sure to check it out.
■JFWO 20th Anniversary Special Video Screened on the Display at “Q’s eye” in Front of Shibuya Station
From the opening day, Monday, March 16th, through the closing day, Saturday, March 21st, the JFWO 20th Anniversary Special Video featured on the previous page was screened on the large video display at Q’s eye in front of Shibuya Station. By screening the video in a high-traffic area, we promoted the history of Tokyo Fashion Week and the 2026 A/W season throughout the city of Tokyo.
■Posts and Snapshots Shared by Visitors
・Influencers invited by “Pickyou” posted about the show
Continuing from last season, we partnered with the C2C marketplace “Pickyou” to capture and share the real-life experience of Rakuten FWT from a Gen Z perspective. Pickyou invited a selection of fashion influencers to attend several shows and post their experiences and styling on their respective accounts.
・Reels and candid shots from the official Rakuten FWT team
This season, we once again conducted photo shoots with the official Rakuten FWT photography team. In addition to the video crew, we were joined by photographer Jimin Jeon (@jiminphoto),who traveled to Japan from overseas to capture various still photos. Photos were posted daily to the official Rakuten FWT accounts.
■Special Interview with ALAINPAUL(Alain Paul / Luis Philippe）, Nathalie Dufour, and TELMA (Terumasa Nakajima)
A special discussion took place immediately after Alain Paul’s show, featuring ANDAM founder and managing director Nathalie Dufoura, as well as TELMA designer Terumasa Nakajima. Each guest featured a prominent track record; Alain Paul is a recipient of the ANDAM Special Award in 2025 and held shows in the official Paris Fashion Week schedule, Nakajima is notable as a winner of the JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD 2025, and Nathalie Dufour has been a bridge for introducing young talent to the world. Each designer shared their perspectives on their image of Japanese creation and what is necessary for global expansion.
The interview will be published later on the Rakuten FWT official website.
■A Video Documenting the Atmosphere of the Shows Featuring JFW Special Ambassador Hio Miyazawa was Broadcast
To mark the 20th anniversary of JFWO, our Special Ambassador, Hio Miyazawa, shared a special message prior to the event. He also attended the yoshiokubo and ZUCCa shows held on Wednesday, March 18th. We took the chance to film and stream the occasion live.
■Live Streaming and Release on YouTube
For the 2026 A/W season, we continued to announce the full lineup of participating brands on our official website and live-streamed the physical presentations for selected brands.
Related Events
■ BALLET TheNewClassic “Living Costumes”
BALLET TheNewClassic launched in 2020 by photographer Yumiko Inoue and ballet dancer Shohei Horiuchi, is currently hosting an event at 8/CUBE 3 on the 8th floor of Shibuya Hikarie, offering a glimpse into a unique world. Clothing by KAKAN and mister it., who will be designing the costumes for the BALLET TheNewClassic 2026 event in July, are now on display.
On the opening day, an installation featuring three dancers took place. Wearing costumes used in past performances, they danced freely as “moving mannequins.” The costumes for this performance were designed by Chika Kisada.
■“Fashion Tsushin” 40th Anniversary Archive Theater
Commemorating its 40th anniversary, Fashion Tsushin held an exhibition at the official venue, Shibuya Hikarie 8/COURT, showcasing rare materials such as carefully selected videos from its archives and handwritten scripts. A different program was screened each day of the three-day event, and a campaign was held at the venue where attendees could enter a raffle to win original Fashion Tsushin merchandise by filling out a questionnaire.
■Collection Exhibition by the Two Brands That Won the JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD Special Award
As part of the JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD (NBA), a brand support program launched by JFWO in 2022, an exhibition of the latest collections by ANNA CHOI and Jun.y (Jun Yamamoto) were held at the official venue, Shibuya Hikarie 8F 8/CUBE 1.2. These brands were selected for the Special Award in recognition of their promising future development.
Events Open to the Public
・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, a joint party was hosted at THE MUSIC BAR -CAVE SHIBUYA- to further strengthen the partnership between JFWO and TRANOÏ TOKYO.
The event was a huge success, with the venue consistently packed to capacity as exhibitors, media representatives, and fashion enthusiasts who had registered to attend gathered together.
・Official Media “WWDJAPAN” hosts a public invitation event
In collaboration with WWDJAPAN, the official media partner of Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO, we once again held a lottery this season to invite members of the public who expressed a desire to attend a Fashion Show in person.
With the cooperation of participating brands, we were able to invite a large number of guests from the general public. The venue was made even more vibrant by the presence of various fashion enthusiasts.
・Visitor photos featured in collaboration with official media outlet “FASHIONSNAP”
During Fashion Week, we snapped photos of the stylish attendees gathering at the show venues and posted them on the official FASHIONSNAP Instagram account and the “Street Style” section of our website. These posts were cross-posted with the official Rakuten FWT Instagram account (@rakutenfwt).
In addition, we featured snapshots of some of the attendees who gave their permission to be posted on Rakuten FWT and Rakuten Fashion (portal site, Instagram Stories, and by R Instagram Stories).
Pop-Up Event Held to Further Boost Brands’ Momentum After the Shows
・ReStyle × Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO Pop-Up Event & Talk Event
mukcyen, winner of both the TOKYO FASHION AWARD and the JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD, is holding a pop-up store at Isetan, Shinjuku’s Re:Style. On Sunday, March 22nd, designer Yuka Kimura made an appearance, and the store began taking pre-orders for the A/W collection unveiled at the runway show on Saturday, March 21st.
On Friday, March 20th, a spin-off recording of the podcast “RE;MODE_ROOM20,” commemorating the 20th anniversary of JFWO, took place.
The moderators included comedian Masao Yoshii and Kohei Hashimoto, buyers at Isetan Shinjuku’s Re:Style. A host of guests taking off globally were featured, including Ryota Murakami of pillings, Emi Funayama of FETICO, Daisuke Tanaka of tanakadaisuke, and Yohei Ohno of YOHEI OHNO.
The conversations began with icebreakers like “Do you shop at your own brand?” and “Do you have any memorable clothes you bought at Isetan?” The designers then spoke about the details behind their 26SS collections and their recent show as well as their hopes for future projects. Regarding the topic of future plans, the desingers shared exciting details that fans won’t want to miss !
The talk will be streamed at a later date on RE:MODE_ROOM20. To listen to previous talks, search for “RE:MODE_ROOM” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Artistspoken.
Dates: Wednesday, March 18th – Tuesday, March 24th
Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Venue: Shinjuku Isetan Main Building, 3rd Floor, Center Park / The Stage #3
Organizer: Isetan Mitsukoshi Ltd.
・Barneys New York Ginza Main Store “VIVIANO” Pop-Up Event
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, VIVIANO is currently hosting its first-ever pop-up event at the Barneys New York Ginza flagship store, running through Monday, April 6th. Located in the “UNION SQUARE” pop-up space on the first floor—a new addition following the Ginza flagship’s renovation in September 2025—the event features an extensive lineup of new items for the S/S 2026 season, available for both men and women.
Dates: Friday, March 20th – Monday, April 6th
Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Venue: Barneys New York Ginza Main Store
Organizer: Barneys New York
・TOKYO FASHION AWARD × HANKYU MEN’S TOKYO 2026 S/S
From Wednesday, March 25th, to Tuesday, March 31st, TOKYO FASHION AWARD and Hankyu Men’s Tokyo will team up for the first time to host a pop-up event featuring all four winning brands from the 2026 Men’s Division (ANTHEM A, kiminori morishita, kotohayokozawa, and MATSUFUJI).
Incubation Activities
・25 Years of YKK FASTENING AWARDS: an 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, a showcase of the winning entries from the 25th edition (2025) was on display. The venue also featured 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.
Visitors discovered new possibilities in fashion, born of the creativity and craftsmanship of young designers, combined with collaboration with YKK products.
・Final Judging Session for the “roop Award 2025-2026”
On Sunday, March 22nd, following the conclusion of the event, the final round of judging for the “roop Award 2025-2026”—an upcycling contest organized by the fashion subscription service “Another Address” that uses clothing destined for disposal as raw material—was held in the form of a fashion show. Designers from both student and amateur categories who had advanced through the second round of judging presented their works, and the winners in each category were announced. The Grand Prix in the professional category was awarded to MAISON CASANOVA. Their collection, themed “NO GUNS JUST ROSES” and imbued with a prayer for peace, was highly praised. The brand was awarded a prize of 1 million yen. The judging panel included industry specialists such as fashion journalist Chizuru Muko and actress and model Ai Takahashi, who had also attended several shows at Rakuten FWT.
Activities by Other Partner Companies
Panasonic’s Touch & Try Clothing Steamer event
A special booth showcasing the latest model of the Panasonic Garment Steamer was set up in the Hall A foyer. The product was demonstrated to visitors, highlighting the unique features of the Panasonic Garment Steamer, such as allowing easy removal of wrinkles from clothes while on hangers. At the booth, a giveaway was held where visitors could enter a raffle by posting on social media. Clothes from TOKYO FASHION AWARD 2026 winning brands were also on display.
・Chauffeur car
BMW Japan kindly provided chauffeur-driven cars again for this season. These vehicles, carrying international VIPs, shuttled between the various Fashion Week venues.
Chauffeur car provided by: BMW Japan
・Provisions to attendees by sponsors and partners
At the runway event held at the official venue Shibuya Hikarie’s Hikarie Hall, various drinks were distributed to attendees including Sapporo Beer’s SORACHI1984, Red Bull energy drinks, the lightly carbonated beverage “kiyasume,” Rakuten Original Natural Mineral Water, and green tea provided by Meta, the official media partner. These drinks were handed out in the foyer after the show, and attendees enjoyed chatting while sipping their drinks.
The 2026 A/W season marked the second half of JFWO’s 20th-anniversary year. Under the annual theme “Be the seam that connects the world,” a variety of initiatives were implemented that embodied both respect for history and hope for future development.
The upcoming Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2027 S/S will be held from Monday, August 31st, 2026, to Saturday, September 5th, 2026.
We hope you’ll continue to follow along for future Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO updates.
* With certain exceptions, all photos copyright ©JFWO.
