Tokyo Mode Gakuen Students Unleash a Style Revolution for 成人式
Seven ground-breaking furisode designs, blending tradition with modern flair, are now available for rental, promising a “one-of-a-kind” celebration.
Tokyo Mode Gakuen, a vocational school renowned for cultivating professionals in fashion and design, has joined forces with Ichikura Co., Ltd. in a unique academic-industrial partnership. This collaboration, dubbed the “Furisode Design Contest,” has led to the commercialization of seven exceptional kimono designs by students. These innovative furisode are now available for rental at selected Ichikura stores from January, just in time to adorn new adults celebrating their 成人式 (Seijin-shiki), Japan’s coming-of-age ceremony.
The project, initiated in April 2025 as part of the “Project to Connect Japanese Culture and Kimono to the Future,” aimed to infuse new life into traditional Japanese attire. Students from the Fashion Design and Fashion Technology departments submitted a staggering 221 entries. The selected designs resonate with the concept of Ichikura’s new brand, “one&only Grace,” which champions the idea of being “unique and not wanting to be like anyone else.”
成人式, often held in January, is a pivotal moment for 20-year-olds in Japan, marking their entry into adulthood. It’s a day when young women traditionally don elaborate furisode, long-sleeved kimonos. This collaboration seeks to challenge the conventional image of “furisode = classical” by introducing fresh, contemporary styles.
The commercialized designs are a testament to the students’ bold vision, seamlessly merging their youthful sensibilities with current trends. Imagine a furisode that embodies a “strong and dignified female image,” or one that presents a “Wayo-Secchu” (Japanese-Western fusion) style, adorned with unexpected elements like corsets and ribbons. These pieces break free from traditional constraints, offering a truly “one-of-a-kind” charm that speaks to the modern generation’s desire for self-expression.
“It’s thrilling to see how these young designers are redefining what a furisode can be,” one observer noted, “They’re making a statement that individuality and heritage can beautifully coexist.”
These captivating designs made their debut at the “Universal Kimono Award 2025” held at Makuhari Messe in November 2025. Now, they are ready to grace the special day of new adults, offering a vibrant new choice for those who wish to celebrate their once-in-a-lifetime 成人式 in a truly personal way.
The innovative furisode will also be showcased at upcoming events. A fashion show featuring the commercialized designs will take place on January 17 (Saturday) during Tokyo Mode Gakuen’s open campus event. Additionally, they are slated for exhibition at the “Mirai Sozo-ten” (Future Creation Exhibition), Tokyo Mode Gakuen’s graduation exhibition, held on January 21 (Wednesday) at Yoyogi National Gymnasium.
This collaboration marks a significant step, and both Tokyo Mode Gakuen and Ichikura Co., Ltd. are planning new joint projects for the next fiscal year. Their continued partnership aims to further support the development of next-generation creators and strengthen the preservation and evolution of Japanese traditional culture.
For more information on Ichikura, visit https://www.ichikura.jp/.
For more information on Tokyo Mode Gakuen, visit https://www.mode.ac.jp/tokyo.
This initiative is more than just about new kimonos; it’s a vibrant example of how traditional Japanese aesthetics can be reimagined through a contemporary lens. For Kawaii culture enthusiasts abroad, this fusion of heritage and modern design offers an exciting glimpse into the evolving landscape of Japanese fashion. It illustrates how the spirit of “kawaii”—often associated with cuteness—can also encompass unique, bold, and individualistic expressions, pushing the boundaries of what is considered traditionally beautiful. Such collaborations likely inspire a global appreciation for the dynamic interplay between Japan’s rich cultural past and its innovative future.
