Fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto was born on October 3, 1943, in Tokyo. He currently runs the "Yohji Yamamoto" brand. After graduating from Keio University's Faculty of Law in 1966, he enrolled at Bunka Fashion College. He graduated in 1969 and won both the Soen Award and the Endo Award. He subsequently studied abroad in Paris with his prize money and was deeply inspired by fashion. In 1972, he founded Y's Co., Ltd. He made his debut at the Tokyo Collection in 1977 and the Paris Collection in 1981. His asymmetrical, black-based avant-garde look, along with that of Comme des Garçons, was called the "Shock of Black" and revolutionized the fashion industry. He subsequently began presenting collections that completely reinterpreted iconic pieces from the heyday of haute couture, such as Dior's New Look and the Chanel jacket. For a time, he even presented ready-to-wear during the haute couture period. He is known for his use of black gabardine.

He has received high praise both at home and abroad, and was awarded the Purple Ribbon Medal in 2004 and the Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France in 2011. He has also appeared in Wim Wenders' documentary film "Video Notes on Fashion," designed costumes for Takeshi Kitano's films "Brother" and "Dolls," and has worked as a dancer and costume designer for Pina Bausch.

He is also active in music, releasing CDs and composing his own show music. In 2011, he published his autobiography, "MY DEAR BOMB," through Iwanami Shoten.

His daughter, Satomi, is also a fashion designer and runs the brand "LIMI feu."