10 Rising Japanese Clothing Brands To Add To Your Wardrobe

The pioneers of Japanese high fashion, such as Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto, have undeniably paved the way for labels like Sacai, Undercover, and Tomo Koizumi to flourish today. Now, a new wave of young talents is making their mark, not with the shock factor of their predecessors, but by quietly refining modern wardrobe pieces and infusing artisanal Japanese craftsmanship and materials. Scroll down to meet some of these Japanese clothing brands.

1. Telma

Founded in: 2022

Why it’s one brand to watch: After graduating from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp and receiving awards such as the Christine Mathys Award and the Louis Award for his graduation collection, designer Terumasa Nakajima gained further experience by training under veteran designers like Dries Van Noten and Issey Miyake before launching his own womenswear brand, Telma. Drawing inspiration from his Japanese heritage and craftsmanship, the brand focuses on textiles and prints sourced from various prefectures across Japan. The latest S/S 2024 collection, titled “After The Rain”, features tulips as its main textile motif, ranging in scale from small to large on a variety of lightweight fabrics used for coordinated sets and summer dresses. Stripes also play a significant role in the collection, appearing on shapeless dresses, wrap skirts, and trousers.

Shop Telma here and follow their Instagram here

2. Frangrant

Founded in: 2022

Why it’s one brand to watch: With the aim of designing clothes “from as many perspectives as possible,” Frangant’s debut collection titled “Foundation” quickly established the brand’s vision: to embody “the uncategorized self.” This ethos is evident in its signature androgynous silhouettes and sensual elements, as showcased in its latest collection, “Metamorphosis,” which delves into the concept of evolution. In its press notes, the brand declares, “We evolve while changing our appearance and shape, always seeking the best of the moment. We evolve sentimentally and vigorously through the changing seasons, anticipating the future and awaiting the right time.” Expect pieces such as tops with butterfly sleeves, reversible dresses, feather skirts, cargo pants, and velvet bodysuits.

Shop Frangant here and follow their Instagram here

3. NKnit

Founded in: 2021

Why it’s one brand to watch: Founded by freelance designer and fashion director Toshiaki Oki, Nknit is a unisex brand specialising in bold knitwear designs. The brand delves into various knitting techniques, such as macrame and patchworking, while incorporating vibrant colours and experimenting with fashion-forward silhouettes. Its latest S/S 2024 collection explores layering with summer pieces like macrame items, knit vests, oversized crew-neck shirts, crop tops, high-neck tops, and silk scarves. In terms of bottoms, the brand focuses on lightweight knitwear to combat warm weather, offering pieces like cable knit shorts and vegan leather mini skirts.

Shop NKnithere and follow their Instagram here

4. Tanakadaisuke

Founded in: 2021

Why it’s one brand to watch: Founded by designer Daisuke Tanaka, who launched the brand immediately after graduating from fashion school in Osaka, Tanakadaisuke infuses embroidery with a touch of fantasy and romanticism, incorporating elements such as body embellishments, florals, and intricate beaded patterns. With collections showcased twice at Rakuten Fashion Week, the brand’s motto is “May you meet the unseen self in you with clothes that look like magic.” This season, Tanakadaisuke collaborates with Japanese stylist Takeru Sakai on a capsule collection that blends fantasy with sartorial edginess. Imagine crystal bijou body chains, rhombus crystal chain tops, and pink heart bijou collars, along with embroidered hoodies, sweatpants, and lapel jackets. Among the highlights is the Sakura Mist dress, which transitions from a soft cherry blossom pink to dynamic tulle ruffles at the hem.

Shop Tanakadaisuke here and follow their Instagramhere

5. Kanako Sakai

Founded in: 2021

Why it’s one brand to watch: After gaining experience in various design teams across New York City and Tokyo, Kanako Sakai established her namesake brand, which blends clean-cut, contemporary tailoring with traditional Japanese techniques. The brand aims to share Japan’s culture and artisanship with a global audience by exploring various craft trades in her home country, such as indigo dyeing in Tokushima, creating selvedge denim in Okayama, and Suminagashi (a paper marbling technique) in Kyoto. For the brand’s first-ever fashion show at Tokyo Fashion Week for the Spring/Summer 2024 season, Sakai explored a cooler-toned colour palette, incorporating splashes of pinks, blues, reds, and blacks onto minimal silhouettes, expressed through glitter fabrics, fringed hems, cloud-like textures, and hexagon patterns.

Shop Kanako Sakai here and follow their Instagram here

6. Open Sesame Club

Founded in: 2021

Why it’s one brand to watch: Drawing inspiration from the “funky grandma” aesthetic, Open Sesame Club presents playful items that capture the essence of everyday special moments. The Spring/Summer 2024 collection features timeless staples, providing the foundation for a vibrant seasonal wardrobe. Mix and match an array of items, from translucent knit polos and floral cardigans to spiky camisoles, skirts, and halter neck tops.

Shop Open Sesame Clubhere and follow their Instagramhere

7. Fetico

Founded in: 2020

Why it’s one brand to watch: With prestigious accolades like the JFW Next Brand Award 2023 and the Tokyo Fashion Award 2023 under its belt, Fetico’s designs are the brainchild of Emi Funayama, a graduate of Esmod Japan in 2010. Infused with a cool 1990s-inflected charm, the brand’s creations have a certain je ne sais quoi. This vibe is unmistakable in the latest collection, “Do Not Disturb,” which takes cues from the iconic Faye Wong, known for her offbeat style. Expect plenty of see-through loungewear, floral pieces, and skin-tight sets in black and white.

Shop Fetico here and follow their Instagram here

8. Noriko Enomoto

Founded in: 2020

Why it’s one brand to watch: After dedicating 11 years to classical ballet, Yuuna Ichikawa enrolled in fashion studies at the Osaka Bunka Fashion College. Her inspiration stemmed from her experiences wearing on-stage costumes and observing her mother, who works as a freelance wedding dress pattern-maker. This led her to establish her eponymous label, driven by the idea of “creating a shock that would stir the lives of women who are strong and stand up for society”. Her designs gracefully mirror the fluidity and grace of dance movements. Consider their latest release, “Prologue III” – a chic and relaxed ensemble of bodysuits, drape tops, corsets, overlap leggings, and balloon tuck pants, donning muted tones of blue, black, and white, promising versatility and wearability.

Shop Nori Enomoto here and follow their Instagram here

9. Yuuna Ichikawa 

Founded in: 2020

Why it’s one brand to watch: Having practiced classical ballet for 11 years, Yuuna Ichikawa began studying fashion at the Osaka Bunka Fashion College after being inspired by her experiences wearing on-stage costumes, as well as by her mother who works as a freelance wedding dress pattern-maker. The designer would go on to establish her eponymous label — born from an idea of “Creating a shock that would stir the lives of women who are strong and stand up for society”, with her designs highly influenced by the flexibility and movements of dance.

Shop Yuuna Ichikawahere and follow their Instagram here

10. CFCL

Founded in: 2020

Why it’s one brand to watch: Designed by Yusuke Takahashi, formerly of Issey Miyake Men, CFCL, which stands for “Clothing For Contemporary Life,” specialises in modern knitwear crafted using 3D technology and environmentally-friendly polyester yarns. In 2022, CFCL became the first fashion brand in Japan to achieve official certification as a B-Corporation, highlighting its commitment to social and environmental responsibility. The S/S’24 collection draws inspiration from nature, showcasing a colour palette of pink, beige, green, white, and black. Picture thin-layered turtlenecks designed to be worn under black ensembles, tube dresses, sweaters, A-line dresses, and metallic sequins embellishing grey and black dresses.

Shop CFCL here and follow their Instagram here

This article was originally published on Female.