Message from the Judges

• Kyoichi Fujita

  designer (judge since the 3rd Fastening Awards)

  

  Compared to when I was a student, I think the work produced by today’s students is of superior quality and shows far more sensitivity. There is simply no comparison. Unfortunately, however, it seems like the world is moving in the opposite direction right now. That’s why I would like all of you, with your excellent quality and sensitivity, to have a blast at these Awards! Your sense of playfulness will help us overcome these challenges! I’m rooting for you all!!

• Hideaki Mihara

  designer (judge for the 7th-13th Fastening Awards)

  

  I would like to offer my sincere congratulations on the 25th anniversary of the YKK Fastening Awards. I still vividly remember the sight of a student who, though they narrowly missed winning an Award, listened to the feedback with tears in their eyes during the individual review session. Their earnest gaze conveyed a deep passion for the Awards and the youthful energy they pour into their creative work, which moved me deeply. It is my heartfelt wish that the passion students have for creating things will continue to shine brightly in the future.

• Hideaki Sakaguchi

  designer/modelist (judge since the 13th Fastening Awards)

  

  Congratulations on the 25th anniversary of the Fastening Awards. The contest’s track record has firmly established the YKK Fastening Awards as a premier student competition, and I strongly feel that it has established and gained recognition for its unique raison d'être, setting it apart from other competitions. I believe this is entirely due to the outreach efforts of the Awards secretariat, the guidance provided by teachers at each school, and, above all, the hard work of all the participating students. I look forward to seeing the Awards continue to evolve with the times and become even more compelling in the future.

• Tamae Hirokawa

  designer (judge since the 14th Fastening Awards)

  

  I would like to offer my sincere congratulations on the 25th anniversary of the YKK Fastening Awards. Each year, the collection of works–which demand the unique functionality and aesthetic appeal only offered by YKK products–becomes more and more refined. Every time I encounter these singular creations, the culmination of the participants’ creativity and ingenuity, I discover new things and feel a sense of excitement. This competition, which has long supported the next generation and continues to provide a platform for taking on new challenges, is a truly wonderful and precious initiative, that is befitting of a leading Japanese company. I sincerely look forward to the continued growth of the YKK Fastening Awards as they open doors to the future with new possibilities.

• Noritaka Tatehana

  artist (judge since the 15th Fastening Awards)

  

  Before I even knew it, I had been involved with the YKK Fastening Awards in a judging capacity for quite some time. Having the opportunity to engage with so many works has been a tremendous source of inspiration for me as a creator, just as it has been for all the participants. This competition, where we bear witness to design ideas brimming with originality and the unique methods participants devise to make use of YKK products, has grown into a platform that encourages bold experimentation, going beyond mere fashion design. I strongly feel that this growth is the result of the cumulative achievements of the many participants who have continued to take on new challenges.

• Kensuke Murate

  Urban Research creative director (judge since the 16th Fastening Awards)

  

  Congratulations on the 25th anniversary of the Fastening Awards. I am truly impressed by how much the quality has improved since I first participated. I believe that as AI continues to advance, the fundamentals will become increasingly standardized. In that context, the experience of finding ways to express individuality will be crucial, so I hope creators will continue to see and experience as many things as possible with their own eyes.

• Kaname Murakami

  Editor-in-Chief of WWDJAPAN (judge since the 23rd YKK Fastening Awards)

  

  I am a relative newcomer among the judges, but the Awards have made me realize that even a single zipper can be a tool for transformation, as well as a material that can look like jewelry thanks to its beauty. I have become excited about the myriad possibilities that zippers hold, and I believe YKK’s products will inspire designers across a wide range of fields, from clothing to accessories and interior design, to propose new ways of using them as both garment accessories and fashion materials. I have also come to realize that YKK is a company committed to bringing such innovative ideas to life in society. I hope that the partnership between young creators and YKK will continue to update the world of fashion.

• Yuima Nakazato

  fashion designer and artist (judge since the 25th YKK Fastening Awards)

  

  The zipper is one of the most essential elements in modern clothing, and for designers, the experience of thoroughly exploring that significance offers an invaluable learning opportunity. With a 25-year history, I believe the YKK Fastening Awards have become a vital platform for the future of the fashion industry.