New venue and format signal fresh start for Japan’s textile industry
The inaugural edition of Tokyo Textile Scope (TTS), organised by the Japan Fashion Week Organization (JFWO), concluded on May 16 with a successful three-day run at its new venue the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Hamamatsucho-Kan. The event marked a strategic transformation from earlier iterations such as "Premium Textile Japan" (PTJ) and "JFW Japan Creation" (JFW-JC), now consolidated into a single comprehensive platform. The venue shift from the Tokyo International Forum and the extension of the event duration from two to three days were welcomed changes, reflecting JFWO’s commitment to innovation and evolution.
The new format was introduced in line with JFWO's 20th anniversary a timely milestone to launch a reimagined trade fair. The revamped event drew 83 exhibitors, an increase of about 20 per cent from PTJ’s previous spring edition. Among them were nine first-time participants, including four overseas companies making their Japan trade show debut, reflecting growing international interest. The visitor count also rose by 20 per cent, underscoring the show’s increased appeal. Organisers attributed this success to their philosophy of ‘constantly taking on new challenges’ and embracing change rather than repeating established formats.
Showcasing regional excellence and future innovations
A key highlight of TTS was the new ‘Focus on Textile Regions’ programme, which spotlighted Japan’s heritage in textile production. Based on insights from international luxury brands, the first instalment centred on denim a staple of Japanese textile excellence. Visitors experienced a virtual tour of denim factories through VR goggles, allowing them to immerse themselves in the production process, regardless of their geographical constraints. This novel approach received enthusiastic feedback and demonstrated how technology can bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.
Another new feature was the ‘What’s Next Scope’, a corner dedicated to innovation. It showcased emerging topics like Solament, a patented high-tech material by Sumitomo Metal Mining, and explored the role of Generative AI in fashion's future. The adjacent ‘What’s Next Seminar’ series featured five dynamic sessions, including ‘Scope on Denim: The Present and Future of Japan’s Denim Production Regions’ and a preview of ‘Premiere Vision Spring/Summer 2026 Fashion & Eco-Innovation.’ These sessions aimed to spark dialogue and encourage forward-thinking in the industry.
Sustainability and strategy take centre stage
The ‘What’s Next Textile’ exhibition, now in its fifth edition, featured 45 fabrics from 45 companies, drawing strong interest from buyers. Visitors were invited to vote for their favourite fabrics, which encouraged direct engagement and increased footfall at participating booths. Another continuing highlight was the ‘What’s Next Sustainable’ corner, which featured Mitsukoshi Isetan’s upcycling project ‘Peace de Mirai.’ These efforts reflect a broader industry trend: a shift from mere scale to meaningful storytelling and strategic content delivery.
As JFWO looks ahead, its focus remains on refining presentation techniques and enriching the visitor experience. With aspirations to rival international events like Premiere Vision in France and Milano Unica in Italy, TTS is poised to become a global textile hub. The next editions are scheduled for November 12–14, 2025, and April and October 2026, all at the same venue, signalling continuity and a strong foundation for future growth.
