While it was offstage at Tokyo Collection, the final runway I saw, "Nozomi Ishiguro Haute Couture," ended with "Yoitomake no Uta." As models walked the finale to a live performance by the Yamakawa Fuyuki Band, a khoomii singer, I pondered the song's unnatural inconsistency with fashion culture. Then, a dark-haired Miwa Akihiro's original song, sung at his debut appearance at the Red and White Song Battle, came on TV, marking the end of the year 2012. For the Spring/Summer 2013 season, many Tokyo designers proposed a reaffirmation of the theme of "Japan." Written Afterwards, whose collections have been selected as best by numerous buyers and journalists who contribute to Fashion Headline, as well as Beautiful People, Somarta, Matofu, and Atsushi Nakashima, all presented their design concepts and themes straightforwardly. In addition to these designers, many other brands, including Mint Designs, focused on Japan's unique fashion culture, cutting-edge technology from domestic material manufacturers, advanced printing techniques, and the skills of traditional artisans. This reflects, in no small part, the designers' approach to craftsmanship, reflecting Japan's uncertain international relations, including the Senkaku Islands issue and the TPP. For several years now, buyers at high-end select shops overseas have been focusing on Japan's traditional crafts and folk arts, actively visiting production sites and artisans across the country to engage in discerning buying. Secondary processing, such as denim fabric and distressing, is not the only example of products and techniques that are difficult to find in the Japanese market being appreciated overseas. While designers' "return to Japan" at Tokyo Fashion Week is a trend in the media, it's interesting to note that Beautiful People, which elevates fashion to its true joy, rather than the critical expression of Written Afterwards, was more popular with our editorial staff's young fashion enthusiasts. After all, buying and wearing fashion is more fun than just looking at it.

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