We spoke to Mikio Sakabe, who hosted the "un-gender@TOKYO Kaihoku by MIKIOSAKABE" event at Isetan Shinjuku, focusing on genderless fashion, about his thoughts on the topic.

In an era when beauty standards are diversifying—men dressing in feminine clothing and women dressing more masculine—the event's theme was "fashion that expresses human charm." He proposed a free, gender-neutral perspective and beauty that transcends gender differences.

"Japan has long been a country that is open about sex. Even today, there are cultures that transcend gender, such as Takarazuka Revue and Kabuki. Japan definitely has something that transcends gender, different from what Westerners refer to as 'gay culture.'" This idea led to the theme of "genderless."

Japanese street fashion is known for its "anything goes" style, mixing high-end brands and fast fashion, but Sakabe sees a commonality between this and genderless fashion. "I think class-neutral street fashion is a result of the uniquely Japanese idea that people and plants alike possess souls. I believe this idea is closer to the emotional thinking of women than the logical thinking of men."

This is likely an argument informed by his background in fashion, having studied fashion in Antwerp, Belgium. He goes on to predict, "I believe fashion is connected to the major trends of the world and people, and will shape the people of the next generation. I also believe that Asia will become the center of economy and thought in the future."

Finally, on the role of fashion, he concluded with his own view of fashion, saying, "Fashion is best understood by those who have experienced it in that time and place. I believe the most important human sense is the ability to sense that momentary sensation."