The now annual event, Tokyo Kimono Show, will be opening its doors again on the weekend of April 17-19. This is an important event on the kimono calendar and perhaps one of the most exciting events of the spring season.
Following its great success of opening the first Tokyo Kimono Show in Taiwan from December 19-21, 2025, when over 5,000 guests visited, a great number of people can be expected to attend in Tokyo.
Passing Kimono to the Next Generation
This theme for 2026 is "New, Return to Japan: A kimono that has been passed down and that has made someone happy will inspire someone in the next generation."
This happens to be a theme that is close to my heart, and the emphasis on reuse will be welcome to all of us who like to consider ecology as well as dressing fashionably. The event is large and takes place in several locations across the Nihonbashi area and the nearest stations are Kodenma or Ningyocho. One ticket allows entry into all of the locations for three days.
Kimono Style Exhibition
One of the highlights of the weekend is always the Kimono Style Exhibition. Held at Sunrise Building, this is a floor of mannequins that are dressed by many different people, to make a very interesting and colourful display. There are usually some historical displays as well as kimono from new and established designers and makers, and sometimes from university students as well.
This year, many of the kimono on display have been passed down through generations, with many dating back to the Taisho period and later.
It will be interesting to see the changes in styles over the years, and also learn about the memories they carry. JUST IN XX, a Taiwanese designer, will contribute his hybrid version of a kimono with Taiwanese dress at the show. For refreshment, a tea ceremony will be available in the corner of the exhibition room.
Stage Events and Talks
At the Blooming Nakanishi building, talk shows and performances will be held on stage over the three days. There will be fashion shows from different brands, as well as a men's fashion show and awards given to top ranking tailors. An expert Japanese hair stylist will demonstrate traditional Japanese hair styles and there will be a show of dresses made using kimono.
I will be talking about my latest book, The Kimono Closet published by Kamomeno hondana, on the stage on April 17 (Friday) at 1 PM. It is for anyone who is interested in what women keep in their kimono chests at home. Seats at the shows can be reserved online at no cost.
Hands-on Workshops
If you want to be more active, there will be workshops for making various craft items, accessories or even fragrant oils. These will be held at Marujo Annex. Making fabric bags and accessories with mizuhiki paper threads are always popular. The workshops each have a charge and must be prebooked online before the event.
Meeting the Makers
For many people, the real purpose of coming is to see the kimono booths and stalls set up for the weekend. It is one of the rare opportunities for kimono users to actually meet with the artisans and craftspeople who make kimono, obi, and other accessories that are necessary for kimono wearers.
It is also unusual to find such a huge variety of shops in one place. Whether you are looking for a traditionally dyed expensive kimono, or a handbag or footwear to go with a punk one, there are so many choices available at this event.
Three Main Shopping Areas
The shopping area is always really crowded, and this year it will be divided into three main locations. There will also be more than 20 satellite sites that are shops or kimono related businesses. Some of these also have stage events or serve tea, so there is plenty going on to explore.
This year, there will be a total of 126 shops in the main 3 sites. Of these, 67 are on floors 4 and 5 in the Green Building. The others are in Blooming Nakanishi and Tagen Building.
Traditional Crafts from Across Japan
There are so many shops it is hard to give highlights, but businesses come from all over Japan. You can find kimono from Yamagata to Okinawan islands here, and everything in between. Many makers come from Kyoto, the largest production center, and many of the items are high-quality goods made by traditional craftsmen.
There will be hand-weaving from Tokizo, expensive Nishijin obi weaving, and individually dyed yuzen kimono. Kobayashi Workshop will show his amazing Tango blue kimono, dyed with the inspiration of the beautiful sea near his home.
Modern Designs
But not everything here is traditional or expensive. There are brands selling cotton, linen, denim and polyester kimono that are in a lower price range and often have stripes, checks or modern imagery on them.
Lace kimono, and kimono in western fabrics are also increasingly popular. Rumi Rock will present her funky range which always draws attention, and Berry workshop will have some cute designs. You will find several dyers that make interesting tie-dye such as Fuji shibori from Kyoto and Kasoyo from Tokyo.
Obi also come in all shapes and sizes. Nishijin is famous for its obi, but Hakata brands come from Kyushu. There are now many interesting types of easier obi such as Wabitas's organza obi, Onyou's leather obi with buckles or half width obi with animal heads on the end.
Famous footwear brands sell zori and geta, and even boots made from obi fabric. Tabi are also available in a wide variety of colours and designs. Bags and sun umbrellas made from kimono fabrics will also be on offer.
Textiles from Japan and Beyond
If you are interested in textiles, this event is fascinating. The amount of variety in the kinds of weaving and dyeing you can see is stunning.
Kimono is perhaps also more international than one might assume. Uzbekistan ikat obi and Susani embroidery obi are sold at Uzbek Craft and there is also embroidery from Palestine, at Palestine Obi Embroidery Project, while Kogin embroidery is a fascinating type of embroidery from Japan.
There is something for all kinds of fashion and textile lovers here. It is a great opportunity to look and talk and learn about kimono directly from the sellers and enjoy the coordinated outfits selected for display.
You can get a ticket in advance and a PDF guidebook.
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Author: Sheila Cliffe
Read other columns on kimono by the author.
