Summary
The Japan Fashion Association (JFA), founded in 1990, fosters a broader concept of fashion that transcends clothing to include lifestyle elements such as food, housing, and services. The Association’s mission is to contribute to the development of lifestyle culture and improve the living standards of society by integrating various aspects of lifestyle into a cohesive cultural framework. The JFA promotes the idea that fashion should be seen as a cultural expression that reflects the economy, society, and creativity, working toward a richer, more affluent life for all. Through its initiatives, the JFA aims to elevate Japan’s creative legacy and encourage international collaboration.
History
Established in April 4, 1990, Japan Fashion Council believes that the concept of fashion does not only refer to clothing but also encompasses a comprehensive set of values that form our overall lifestyle culture including such aspects as food, housing and services, and a level of social affluence that is commensurate to their economic strength. Historically, Japan has exhibited an originality unmatched by any other country.
Japanese have in the past expressed the strengths and differences of their society while fostering a spiritual climate that lies at the very heart of their lifestyle culture. They have also developed creative activities that are delicate, gorgeous and well-balanced, placing Japan, artistically, on par with any country in the world. “We believe that it is exactly at such a time that we need to create an affluent lifestyle culture by returning to the well-spring of Japan’s original cultural identity that is indelibly written in our DNA,” is the message on its official website.
Japan Fashion Council has an interesting history. Noboru Goto, then president of the Japan-Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, defined all industries related to lifestyle culture, including clothing, food, and housing, as “fashion-related industries.”・From the beginning, the establishment of a “Japan Fashion Association” had been an issue.
In June 1986, “Tokyo Fashion Association” was established and in ’88 it held a “round-table conference on the establishment of the Japan Fashion Association”. A preparatory committee and an executive committee were established and it was decided that the Japan Fashion Association would aim to become an incorporated foundation after being established as a voluntary organization.
In February 1989, the Japan Fashion Association was established as a voluntary organization with Chairman: Noboru Goto. In April 1989, following the sudden death of chairman Noboru Goto, Rokuro Ishikawa, chairman of the Japan-Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was appointed as the new chairman. For several years, there were organisational tremors as a result of the changes in the upper hierarchy. In November 1989, the Japanese Fashion Association sponsored “World Fashion Fair. And, in March 1992, it was certified as a specified public interest promotion corporation.
There were many other movements. With the dissolution of the Tokyo Fashion Association in March 2004, the Tokyo Fashion Association donated all of its assets to Japan Fashion Association. Following the dissolution of Koromo.com Co., Ltd. in January 2006, a company that disseminates information about the fashion industry, the company’s business was approved by the board of directors as contributing to the business activities of the association, and the business was taken over.
Further, with the dissolution of Japan Fashion Color Association in June 2006, the association’s business and assets were transferred to the Japan Fashion Association and a new organisational structure was established. Another memorable milestone occurred in February 2012 when Japan Fashion Association started as a “general incorporated foundation” with approval from the Cabinet Office.
Vision
The vision of the Japan Fashion Association (JFA) is to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive lifestyle culture that extends beyond the realm of clothing, embracing all facets of life, including food, housing, and services. By merging the principles of creativity, cultural heritage, and economic strength, the JFA aims to enrich society through a holistic approach to fashion that celebrates Japan’s unique originality and global influence. The association envisions a future where the diverse elements of lifestyle culture are interwoven to create a more affluent, sustainable, and interconnected world, fostering international collaboration and honouring Japan’s deep-rooted cultural identity.
Mission
Since its establishment, the Japan Fashion Association has been promoting various activities to realize a living powerhouse full of vitality with the aim of contributing to the improvement and development of living culture beyond the framework of food, clothing and housing.
Services
The Japan Fashion Association was established as an incorporated foundation on April 4, 1990, with the approval of the Minister of International Trade and Industry. In Japan, the association promotes internationalisation, solidifies its own foundations in the international community in terms of economy, society and culture. As part of these efforts, it is also an important issue for Japan to make a broad contribution through the creation of lifestyle culture as a value shared by the world.
The Japan Fashion Association aims to contribute to the improvement and development of lifestyle culture beyond the boundaries of clothing, food and shelter. In this context, one of its services include the establishment of the “Japan Creation Award” which advocates “creating a richer lifestyle and culture.” The association also conducts the “Japan Creation Award” and the “Cinema Dream Club Award”.
Key Team
The Chairman is Akihiro Nikkaku (President, Toray Industries, Inc.) while President is Akira Manabe (Associate Advisor, Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
References
Contact with business owner
Your request has been submitted successfully.
Own or work here?
Claim Now!
Claim Now!