This story originally appeared on i-D Japan.
Ahead of the rest of the fashion world, Japan’s SS24 collections were showcased in Tokyo last week under the late summer sun. The season’s theme? According to Rakuten, the retailer who has sponsored Tokyo Fashion Week for several years now: “OPEN, FASHION WEEK”. They’re back in business, basically, and welcoming international guests with open arms, eager for fashion fans across the world to familiarise themselves with rising Japanese designers. 50 brands showed their collections in total – 35 physical presentations, 15 digital – with a real focus on supporting local talent.
Courtesy of our friends over at i-D Japan, photographer Tanase captured people from the front row, the catwalk and indeed from behind the scenes of the event and got their take on Tokyo Fashion Week, current trends and their own individual style.
Shinnosuke Tokuyama, 20, model
Which show are you most excited for at Tokyo Fashion Week?
KAMIYA.
Tell us about your look today.
Cargo top and bottoms, leather shoes and bag – all black everything.
What does fashion mean to you?
It enriches my daily life.
What current trends are you interested in?
The use of plus size models on the runway.
Mademoiselle Yulia, DJ & kimono stylist
Which show are you most excited for at Tokyo Fashion Week?
Kanako Sakai.
What does fashion mean to you?
Self-expression, a tool for communication.
Where do you look for style inspiration?
All cultures, works of art and other things I’ve seen.
Sega, 18, model
Which show are you most excited for at Tokyo Fashion Week?
KAMIYA.
Tell us about your look today.
Air Forces with tabi socks!
What does fashion mean to you?
Something that requires courage maybe? It’s difficult to say, ha.
Who do you look to for style inspiration?
Alton Mason.
Mio Kamishima 41, PR & international sales
Which show are you most excited for at Tokyo Fashion Week?
FETICO.
Tell us about your look today.
I fell in love at first sight with this blouse and skirt at FETICO’s AW23 show.
What does fashion mean to you?
Identity, not being influenced by trends. Arming yourself in order to supplement your energy.
What current trends are you interested in?
I’m interested in cyberpunk. I’m looking for a cyberpunk brand that even adult women can wear.
Where do you look for style inspiration?
I’m inspired by the people I meet and the places I visit.
Rion Sugawara, 25, fashion
Which show are you most excited for at Tokyo Fashion Week?
Kanako Sakai and KAMIYA.
Tell us about your look today.
Skirts and scarves.
What does fashion mean to you?
Life.
Ito, 23, model
Which show are you most excited for at Tokyo Fashion Week?
I came to see the space.
What does fashion mean to you?
It’s a representation of me at that time.
Where do you look for style inspiration?
Objects/people/space/sounds all mixed in with who I am at that time.
Ayumu, 29, store manager of MR.CROWN
Tell us about your look today.
The overall look is American casual, plus a little bit of tech mixed in with GORE-TEX and stuff.
What does fashion mean to you?
It’s something that I can wear and express my background and hobbies visually.
Where do you look for style inspiration?
The old men I see downtown, the various billboards I see on the street, and all the things that give me a sense of culture.
Taketo, model
Tell us about your look today.
The wide flared trousers follow the silhouette of the shirt. The design of the trousers is minimalist, so it really showcases whatever you pair them with.
What does fashion mean to you?
Life.
What current trends are you interested in?
Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton. Also tech brands and wide trousers.
Where do you look for style inspiration?
Emotions, music, everyday life.
Credits
Photography Tanase