This program is based on the mission of the Japan Fashion Week Organization (JFWO) to create and support designers from Japan for the world, aiming to support an emerging designer with strong global potential. JFWO will support the awarded designer by providing a platform to elevate the work. Through runway shows in Japan, a designer can present their worldview and creations, enhancing branding, driving growth, and expanding global recognition. Selection will prioritize a designer with strong craftsmanship and the ability to clearly communicate their concept and message through runway presentations, as well as those with the potential to develop in both domestic and global markets.

JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD 2027
Application period: April 2, 2026 (Thu) – April 30, 2026 (Thu) 18:00 (Japan time)

The following support will be provided for presenting collections in a physical show format at Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2027 S/S, which will be held from August 31, 2026, and Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2027 A/W, which will be held in March 2027.

➤ Prize money: JPY 3,000,000

(excluding tax / in the case of an independent designer, subject to withholding tax for individuals).

For both S/S, A/W seasons, the amount of \1,500,000 per season to be remitted to the account of your choice, after the end of each term.

Support for show production
➤ For Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2027 S/S in September 2026,  under the general rule, the designer has to use an official venue, and collections are presented in a physical format. Usage fees and participation registration fees will be waived.
➤ Registration fees will be waived for Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2027 A/W.
*Venue usage fees are waived only if using the official venue.
➤ Footage will be captured of the shows at Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2027 S/S and 2027 A/W, as well as shooting and provision of archival stills.
➤ Discount on venue fees when using the official venues for Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2028 S/S onwards. *Applicable up to 4 times in total.

Business matching support
➤ Arranging business meetings with JFWO overseas buyers during Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2027 S/S and 2027 A/W.
➤ If desired, support for exhibition at overseas joint exhibitions affiliated with JFW.
➤ Provision of opportunities to connect with JFWO official media.

■Application method
Please read the “JFW BRAND SUPPORT PROGRAM” Entrance Requirements（PDF）carefully before applying.
Please submit the below 1~3.
1 Request for support application form (Excel data)
2 LOOKBOOK
3 Actual samples of 5 coordinations

*Regarding the support application form
Please fill out the application form (entry sheet) available in the Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO Official WEB Site and submit by email.
Submit to: rakutenfwt27ss@jfw.jp
Japan Fashion Week Organization   Person in charge: Minegishi

entry sheet: https://rakutenfashionweektokyo.com/common/sheet/en/en_JFW-NEXT-BRAND-AWARD_2027_application_(Brandname).xlsx

*2,3Information materials, such as the LOOKBOOK, product sample, press kits, must be posted to the below address. All materials must arrive by June 9th, 18:00 (Japan time).
Giraffa bldg.., 6F, 1-6-10 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0012
Japan Fashion Week Organization
Person in charge: Minegishi

Note: Hand delivering of documents/samples cannot be accepted

■Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 (Thursday), 18:00 (Japan Time)
Notes
※Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted for any reason whatsoever.
※Indirect application by third parties (PR company, production company, etc.) are not accepted. We ask that the brand applies themselves, directly.
For any other questions or concerns regarding applications, please contact Minegishi (yuka@jfw.jp).

【JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD 2027 Jury】

Designer: Naoki Takizawa
Designer of yoshiokubo: Yoshio Kubo
Editor-in-Chief, WWDJAPAN (INFAS Publications, Inc.): Kaname Murakami
Editor and Strategist: Tiffany Godoy
Fashion Journalist : Mami Osugi
President & CEO, MIDWEST Co., Ltd.: Takenori Osawa

【The past award-winning brands and their developments】

2023 JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD WINNING BRAND
■JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD 2023 Grand Prix
FETICO / Designer: Emi Funayama

FETICO was selected as the first Grand Prix winner with an established brand identity and female image, unique use of materials and techniques, and a high level of perfection. The brand continues to attract a high level of attention today. Won the TOKYO FASHION AWARD(*1) in the same year and further enhanced the brand‘s recognition both domestically and internationally. Since then, she has continued to participate in Fashion Week in Tokyo and are making great strides forward.

■Jury’s Special Award
HAENGNAE / Designer: anna choi
natsumi osawa / Designer: Natsumi Osawa

The above two brands were awarded the Jury’s Special Award due to the high standard of the nominated brands. 23S/S and AW collections were exhibited at the official venue, Shibuya Hikarie, during the fashion week. The exhibit created opportunities for communication with the media and expanding recognition, HAENGNAE was selected as the winner of the TOKYO FASHION AWARD (*1) next year.

2024 JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD WINNING BRAND
■JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD 2024 Grand Prix
KANAKO SAKAI / Designer: Kanako Sakai

Kanako Sakai was selected for the Grand Prix in recognition of her unique work, which combines the “Tokyo brand” characteristics of cutting with a Japanese sense of beauty and material production by Japanese craftsmen, as well as her new interpretation of traditional techniques. The juries commented, “Her first show opens up for further future possibilities. “The 24 A/W presentation in this March showed a new side of the brand by facing a theme that she has never touched before, and presented an even more attractive and powerful brand concept and message.　It continues to be a highly regarded brand that attracts a lot of attention.

■Jury’s Special Award
fluss / Designer: Hikaru Kodama

(*1) TOKYO FASHION AWARD＿Organized by the TOKYO CITY GOVERNMENT and JFWO to support young designers,

2025 JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD WINNING BRAND
■JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD 2025 Grand Prix
TELMA / Designer: Terumasa Nakajima

TELMA was selected as the winner because its collection shows strong passion and motivation in its high-quality work. His extensive experience led to high expectations for the expansion of his worldview and development through the medium of fashion shows. As expected, his first show attracted considerable attention both in Japan and overseas, and his 25A/W collection revealed a new side to the brand, propelling him to a new stage in his career. In January 2026, TELMA Co., Ltd. was established as a subsidiary of United Arrows Co., Ltd. Further success is expected in the future.

2026 JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD WINNING BRAND
■JFW NEXT BRAND AWARD 2026 Grand Prix
mukcyen Designer: Yuka Kimura

mukcyen was selected for the grand prix for the reasons that the designer’s vision and story for the future are clear, and the presence of a strong foundation in craftsmanship suggests that this is a brand that can grow and develop in many ways. She was also selected as the winner of the TOKYO FASHION AWARD 2026. She has a strong sense of will and determination to continue creating collections with a unique, singular identity. In fact, mukcyen has held impressive shows during the Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter seasons, attracting considerable attention.

■Jury’s Special Award
Jun.y / Designer: Jun Yamamoto

In 2026, among the nominated brands, Jun.y received a Special Award for its high level of creativity and technical skill. His work was exhibited at the JFWO 20th Anniversary Party in Spring/Summer 2026, and during the Autumn/Winter 2026 season, he also exhibited new works at the official venue, Shibuya Hikarie.