Tokyo builds its case to become the next key global city for fashion

Tokyo is to host Japan’s largest fashion and art event next month – Tokyo Creative Salon – part of a plan to boost its case to become one of the world’s key fashion hubs.

Supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo Creative Salon will be held from March 15 – 31. It will feature a variety of fashion and art initiatives across Tokyo’s five key districts: Nihonbashi, Marunouchi, Shibuya, Ginza, and Daikanyama.

Each district will present a line-up of exhibitions and activations such as street runways, art installations, dance performances, and talk sessions. Tokyo Creative Salon will be attended by Japanese girl group Nogizaka46 together with Japanese solo artist Kavka Shishido.

Tokyo Creative Salon Nihonbashi will feature the “Off to meet” theme, which advises visitors to turn off their mobile devices to fully experience the event. Some 10,000 Sacoche bags, which block smartphone reception, will be given out as gifts. The Nihonbashi venue will feature Sakura Menu Walk and Nihonbashi Art Gate where artists create works with the “Nihonbashi (that is) unrecognizable by the smartphone” theme.

Tokyo Creative Salon Marunouchi will transform Marunouchi Nakadori into a red runway with full-scale fashion shows. The event also features an exhibition “Fun in the Life” by Hobonichi, allowing people to experience “Fun in the life” through valuable shops and specially prepared products and food.

A Ginza Rooftop Project will be held on the rooftops of several landmarks including Matsuya Ginza, Ginza Mitsukoshi, Wako and Tokyo Plaza Ginza. The district will also present other fashion shows and art installations.

Tokyo Creative Salon Shibuya will run a Shibuya Runway for a one-day-only show where up-and-coming designers present their latest styles.

During the Tokyo Creative Salon at Daikanyama, visitors will get to try on vintage kimonos. The winning works of Fashion Koshien will also be exhibited here.