On the 28th, Isetan Mitsukoshi and fashion magazine Soen announced the launch of "TOKYO DESIGN COMMIT," a crowdfunding platform focused on fashion. With an eye toward the medium- to long-term growth of Japan's fashion business, the platform addresses the industry's challenge of nurturing new fashion designers. The two companies, both pioneers in nurturing the next generation of creators, will combine their accumulated assets with the globally emerging crowdfunding platform. Crowdfunding has become one of the most popular IT trends in recent years. It refers to the use of the internet to widely solicit support and raise the funds needed to realize a project from the "crowd." Last year, over one million projects successfully raised funds through these platforms. While the major crowdfunding service Kickstarter supports projects in a wide range of genres, from technology to games, its adoption in the fashion industry is said to be the lowest. While fashion-focused crowdfunding platforms like Byco and IAmLaMode exist overseas, no truly defining service has yet emerged. LOOKK, a fashion crowdfunding platform that launched in 2009 and attracted attention with investment from a well-known incubator, unfortunately closed its doors this year. While the challenges posed by cutting-edge startups are inspiring, this collaboration between Isetan Mitsukoshi and Soen is unique in that respect. In addition to their shared corporate and business histories, both companies have a history of contributing to the discovery and development of emerging designers. In 1994, Isetan Mitsukoshi launched the "Kaihoku" (Liberation Zone) as a space for incubating emerging fashion designers. Located in Isetan's prime location, where established brands pre-sale, this created a fertile ground for new designers to develop. Soen, with its 77-year history since its founding, has been involved in design incubation programs such as the Soen Award, a stepping stone for emerging designers in Japan. Fashion crowdfunding requires customer acquisition, promotion, store power, and curatorial expertise, and TOKYO DESIGN COMMIT is likely to further support the existing activities of both companies.

The TOKYO DESIGN COMMIT website features projects by designers and creators jointly selected by Isetan Mitsukoshi and Soen. Each project has a target amount and a reward (product, service, or other gift) for backers. Projects currently seeking funding range from 500 yen to as much as 300,000 yen. Multiple rewards are available depending on the pledge amount, allowing you to choose the level of support based on your motivation and desired rewards. After selecting a project, first register as a member. Register officially using the URL in the provisional registration email you received. Then, simply select the pledge amount and pay by credit card. You can also leave a comment for the designer.

Currently, TOKYO DESIGN COMMIT is seeking funding for two new designers: Yuki Hero Pro Wrestling and Archero. Yuki Hero Pro Wrestling, as its name suggests, is a brand created by Yukihiro Teshima, whose designs are themed around pro wrestling and heroes. They design hero costumes with children from Tohoku and have them worn by active pro wrestlers, who also share a strong heroic side.
Archero, known for its beautiful, delicate dresses, is a brand created by two designers who graduated from Bunka Fashion College. The goal is to hold events that go beyond just looking and wearing the clothes and allow people to experience the world of Archero's clothing. Preparations are already underway for the second installment, which will feature a project by Ari Yanagi, a recommended designer selected by Yoshikazu Yamagata of writtenafterwards.
The "birth" of new things in fashion, whether it be designers or new items, has traditionally been reserved for a select few tastemakers. But times are changing. With TOKYO DESIGN COMMIT, combining the history of the masterminds with cutting-edge technology, we hope to see fashion become more widely accessible to everyone.