A New Era of “Kawaii” Culture Descends on Tokyo
Get ready for a spectacular convergence of Japan’s vibrant idol scene and cutting-edge fashion! The highly anticipated CREATEs presents IDOL RUNWAY COLLECTION 2026 Supported by TGC (IRC 2026) is set to ignite the stage at Yoyogi National Gymnasium First Gymnasium on March 15, 2026. Building on the success of previous years, this event, held in collaboration with Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC), promises to be an even more powerful celebration of “New Era Girls’ Entertainment.”
Leading the charge for this grand spectacle is YOAKE entertainment, a joint venture comprising industry giants ASOBISYSTEM, TWIN PLANET, W TOKYO, and Y&N Brothers. Their collective expertise aims to expand the unique world where idols and fashion intertwine, not just within Japan but across global horizons.
At the heart of IRC 2026 is the theme of “co-creation and connection.” The organizers are striving to create a platform where diverse ideas converge, sparking new values and ways to enjoy the event. This ethos is embodied in the newly launched official IRC APP, a revolutionary fan engagement service designed to bridge the gap between online support and real-world event experiences.
Star-Studded Lineup: First Wave of Artists Revealed
The initial announcement of performers for CREATEs presents IRC 2026 sends ripples of excitement through the fan community, featuring some of Japan’s most beloved idol groups ready to grace the live stage:
-
Nogizaka46: Formed in 2011, this iconic group has consistently topped Oricon charts and boasts over 30 million total sales. With a history of large-scale concerts both domestically and internationally, including a solo show in Hong Kong in 2024, they are truly representative of Japanese idol culture. (Note: Performing members may change without prior notice.)
-
FRUITS ZIPPER: Debuting in April 2022 from ASOBISYSTEM’s “KAWAII LAB.” project, this seven-member group embodies the concept of “From Harajuku to the World.” Their 2nd single, “Watashi no Ichiban Kawaii Tokoro,” has garnered approximately 3 billion views on TikTok and over 64 million MV plays. They are set to perform at Tokyo Dome in February 2026.
-
CANDY TUNE: Also from “KAWAII LAB.”, this seven-member group debuted in March 2023. Their name reflects the idea of diverse members coming together to create a pop “tune.” They are scheduled to make their first appearance on the 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2025.
-
CUTIE STREET: Debuting in August 2024, this eight-member group from “KAWAII LAB.” operates under the concept of “KAWAII MAKER.” Their debut song, “Kawaii Dake Ja Dame Desu Ka?”, has achieved over 200 million streaming plays and 7 billion TikTok views, earning them significant recognition.
-
Takane no Nadeshiko: Formed in August 2022 and produced by HoneyWorks, this group aims to be a proud idol group admired like a “high-class flower” and embodying the pure beauty and cuteness of Japanese women. They will release their 1st ALBUM in December 2025 and embark on a live tour in February 2026, concluding at Tokyo International Forum Hall A in May.
Revolutionizing Fan Engagement with “IRC APP”
The new official IRC APP, powered by Sony Group’s “Soneium” blockchain, is set to transform “oshi-katsu” (fan activities). Fans can accumulate “IRC Scores” through daily support activities, which in turn raises their membership rank within the app. Higher ranks unlock a suite of benefits, including increased voting tickets for contests, early access to ticket sales, participation in ticket upgrade lotteries, special early venue entry, and access to exclusive cloakroom services. This innovative approach offers a tangible connection between online dedication and real-world rewards, enhancing the overall event experience.
Tickets for IRC 2026 are available through various presales, starting with the IRC APP member exclusive lottery from November 28, 2025, at 11:00 JST. Membership registration on the IRC APP is required to participate in this exclusive presale. For detailed information on the app and its benefits, visit the official IRC APP website: https://x.gd/gNT2L
Interactive Campaigns and Special Auditions
To further engage fans, IRC 2026 is launching several interactive initiatives:
-
#IRCChallenge on X: A hashtag campaign on X (formerly Twitter) offers fans the chance to win a share of 1 million JPY in Amazon gift cards. Each week features a new theme, inviting participants to share episodes and memories related to their favorite idols. Follow the official X account (@idolrunwaycolle) for details.
-
Opening Act Audition: Fans have the unique opportunity to help shape the event through a special voting project within the IRC APP. The “Opening Act Audition” allows fans to nominate and vote for artists they wish to see perform as the opening act on event day. Nominations are open from November 28, 2025, to December 13, 2025, with voting scheduled for mid-January 2026.
Participate in the audition here: https://forms.gle/tDHDVBP81tpfEZ2D8
CREATEs Partnership and Official Merchandise
Haircare appliance manufacturer CREATEs, a leading name in hair trends and the No. 1 brand in the hair salon market for curling irons, will serve as the platinum partner for IRC for the second consecutive year. CREATEs will provide styling tools backstage and produce “idol hair” on the CREATEs stage, fully supporting the “Kawaii” of the idols.
Exclusive official merchandise will also be available for a limited time via pre-order, allowing fans to commemorate this special event. Check the dedicated sales site for details: https://goodsmake.jp/collections/irc-store
Event and Ticket Information
Event Name: CREATEs presents IDOL RUNWAY COLLECTION 2026 Supported by TGC (IRC 2026)
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Time: Doors Open 11:00 JST / Show Starts 12:00 JST / Ends 16:00 JST (tentative)
Venue: Yoyogi National Gymnasium First Gymnasium (2-1-1 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0041)
Artists: Nogizaka46, FRUITS ZIPPER, CANDY TUNE, CUTIE STREET, Takane no Nadeshiko, and more.
Official Website: https://idolrunwaycollection.jp/
Ticket Information:
-
IRC APP Member Presale (Lottery): 8,000 JPY (tax included)
-
Application Period: November 28, 2025, 11:00 JST – December 14, 2025, 23:59 JST
-
Apply via IRC APP: https://x.gd/gNT2L
-
-
ticket board Presale (Lottery): 8,000 JPY (tax included)
- Application Period: December 21, 2025, 12:00 JST – January 5, 2026, 23:59 JST
-
General Sale (First-come, first-served): 8,500 JPY (tax included)
- Sales Period: January 17, 2026, 12:00 JST – until sold out
Upgrade Ticket Lottery (Arena Reserved Seats): 5,000 JPY (tax included)
-
Available for those who have purchased general reserved seat tickets.
-
Application via IRC APP: https://x.gd/gNT2L
-
Periods vary by IRC APP membership rank (Gold/Silver, Bronze, Regular or below).
Stay updated with the latest information on the official website and SNS channels:
-
Official Website: https://idolrunwaycollection.jp/
-
Instagram: @idolrunwaycolle
-
TikTok: @idolrunwaycolle
The Future of Kawaii Culture, Globally
IDOL RUNWAY COLLECTION is more than just an event; it’s a platform dedicated to the evolution of Japanese idol culture. Recognizing the growing appeal of idols’ fashion sense and the increasing support from female fans, IRC aims to create an inviting and enjoyable experience for women while also amplifying the diverse charm of Japanese idols both domestically and internationally. This event, now in its third iteration, seeks to expand the reach and opportunities for idols, acting as a vibrant ambassador for “Kawaii” culture worldwide. The integration of technology and fan participation, particularly through the IRC APP, suggests a future where fan communities are not just spectators but active co-creators, propelling Japanese entertainment into a new global economic sphere. This dynamic blend of music, fashion, and innovative fan engagement is set to leave an indelible mark on the global cultural landscape, proving that the heart of “Kawaii” beats stronger than ever.
