As part of Berlin Fashion X International, Fashion Council Germany's internationalisation project, the first delegation trip to Tokyo, Japan took place from November 9th to 14th .
The initiative pursues the overarching goal of supporting fashion brands in their international network formation and providing them with relevant, trend-setting business contacts.


Nine fashion and accessory brands took part in a rich and varied program featuring workshops, networking sessions, and tours of influential retail spaces. The initiative aimed to equip designers with an in-depth understanding of the Japanese market, introduce them to emerging local trends, and help them forge meaningful ties with industry experts. The nine delegation participants: Anne Bernecker, Carolin Dieler, Esther Perbandt, Gerrit Jacob, LUEDER, MARKE, PANOS GOTSIS and VLADIMIR KARALEEV gained in-depth insights into the Japanese fashion market during the five-day program.

Here are a few highlights of the program:


Day 1

The trip began with a casual welcome dinner bringing together all participants of the delegation trip to connect and prepare for the journey.
The first day of the delegation trip day began with an enlightening session on Japanese Business Culture & Communication, led by Justine Toshi Konagai, who shared valuable insights into cultural nuances and professional exchange. This was followed by a constructive meeting with Director Kaoru Imajo of the Japan Fashion Week Organization, where shared ambitions and the global fashion landscape were explored.

In the evening we welcomed guests from the fashion and creative industry to the opening of the Berlin Showroom in partnership with the agency North Liberty Inc. and Hanna K.OF, “Hanna.”, a Tokyo-based public relations and creative agency. The opening speeches from Christiane Arp, Chairwoman of Fashion Council Germany, and Petra Sigmund, German Ambassador to Japan, set the stage for rich dialogue of international collaboration.


DAY 2

Our second day in Tokyo began at GR8, where Mr. Yoshimasa, specials projects manager, offered a look into the store’s philosophy and shared his perspectives on Tokyo’s dynamic retail landscape.

In the afternoon, our nine brands gathered at the Berlin Showroom, meeting with press and buyers to showcase their collections and spark meaningful exchanges with industry leaders from Japan and abroad.

The evening concluded with a dinner co-hosted by model and content creator Kozue Akimoto, at her family’s restaurant, Chiyonofuji Chanko. The dinner featured a traditional yokozuna course — an authentic sumo-style dining experience — in a warm atmosphere. Guests from the fashion and creative scene came together during a vibrant evening filled with exciting lively and thought-provoking conversation.


DAY 3

Wednesday, the third day of our trip, began at Isetan Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s main department stores. Guided by Shihoko Okuda from the Women’s buying team, we explored the store’s curatorial vision and its commitment to integrating Japanese craftsmanship into a broader global design dialogue.

In the afternoon, we welcomed the WWD Japan editorial team to the Berlin Showroom — including Editor-in-Chief Kaname Murakami, staff writer Aika Kimura (covering London & Milan fashion week), and fashion journalist Jun Yabuno. Our discussion explored the shifting Japanese media landscape, the nuances of fashion coverage, and the art of international storytelling within the industry.


DAY 4

Day 4 in Tokyo unfolded with rich insights into Japan’s fashion, retail, and communication spheres.

The morning began at the Tokyo Textile Scope Trade Fair, where Director Kaoru Imajo and his team from the Japan Fashion Week Organization guided us through early directions for A/W 2026. Participants discovered how Japan’s textile innovation remains deeply rooted in craftsmanship and tradition, while continuing to push boundaries in design.

Our journey continued at Takashimaya Nihombashi, where Men’s Buyer Shuhei Iwasa shared the store’s philosophy on retail, curation, and the evolving menswear market in Japan.

In the afternoon, we visited John Lawrence Sullivan to meet founder and designer Arashi Yanagawa, joined by Hanna K.OF, a PR & creative consultant. Their reflections on brand identity, craftsmanship, and Tokyo’s creative culture sparked an inspiring exchange with the designers oft he delegation.

The day concluded with a workshop at Sakas PR, offering valuable perspectives on PR strategies, communication practices, and the dynamics shaping Japan’s media landscape.


DAY 5

On our final day, the program centered on brand and store visits curated by our partner North Liberty. We began at ESTINATION, whose name—rooted in the concept of a “Nation of the East”—reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, refined aesthetics, and the vibrant energy of Tokyo. From there, we moved on to RESTIR, gaining valuable insights into their vision of luxury retail and thoughtful brand selection, before continuing to DOVER STREET MARKET GINZA, one of Tokyo’s most influential concept stores.

In the afternoon, we visited BED j.w. FORD for an inspiring exchange with the designer on craftsmanship and creative direction. The day concluded at eyewear label Blanc, where founder and designer Toshiyuki Watanabe shared his philosophy on design and production.