Kimono Contest 'Universal Kimono Award 2026' Launches Nationwide Preliminary Events Ahead of Main Event at Makuhari Messe

Ichikura Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Yoshihiko Kawaba) has launched preliminary contests across Japan for the 'Universal Kimono Award (UKA) 2026,' the main event of which will be held at Makuhari Messe on Wednesday, November 25, 2026.

UKA is a kimono fashion contest jointly hosted by brands under the Ichikura Group, themed 'Connecting Japanese Culture and Kimono to the Future.' This year marks its sixth consecutive edition.

Kimono enthusiasts from across the country will compete in various categories—including formal, casual, and traditional crafts—showcasing their unique coordination styles and personal aesthetics.

Only those who advance from the preliminary rounds will proceed to the final stage at Makuhari Messe. Representatives from all regions will gather to present the new charm and potential of kimono, while proposing contemporary trends and modern ways to enjoy wearing kimono.

The preliminary contests now underway will feature intense competition as participants vie for a spot in the grand final.

Who among the many challengers will emerge as regional representatives and advance to the final stage?

The highly anticipated battle, closely watched by kimono lovers nationwide, has officially begun.

UKA Event Page: Universal Kimono Award 2026 Presented by ICHIKURA CO., LTD

Universal Kimono Award 2025

Universal Kimono Award 2025 Universal Kimono Award 2025

■ Competition Categories

〇 Formal Category: Coordinated formal wear using furisode, visiting kimonos, iromuji, montsuki, etc.

〇 Casual Category: Casual daily kimono styling using soft-dyed fabrics or woven tsumugi silk

〇 Mode & Sustainable Category:

　・ Mode: Free fashion-forward coordination

　・ Sustainable: Coordination using vintage kimonos refurbished or upcycled for modern appeal

〇 Traditional Craft Category: Coordination featuring kimonos bearing the 'Densan Mark,' highlighting techniques meant to be preserved for future generations

〇 Pair Category: Unique pair styling—parent-child, siblings, couples, friends—without restrictions on kimono type

〇 Hitoe Category: Styling with hitoe (unlined kimono), increasingly worn across three seasons, using tsumugi, komon, iromuji, etc. (no type restrictions)

〇 Summer Kimono Category: Lightweight, sheer summer fabrics such as ro, sha, and linen that visually evoke coolness (no type restrictions)

〇 Diamond Category: Exclusive category for past winners (2021–2024) of UKA overall or category awards, showcasing award-worthy coordination

Trophy for the Grand Champion

■ Judging Criteria

Coordination, styling, walking, expression, and dignity evaluated comprehensively

■ Eligibility

Applicants must be 18 years or older, understand the contest’s purpose, and be able to participate in local preliminary events with their own kimono coordination

■ Application Period

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 – Until the final day of each regional preliminary event

■ Schedule

Entry registration → Participation in regional or national preliminary → Selection of finalists from preliminary participants → Grand Final

■ Event Schedule

・ May 22 (Fri) / 23 (Sat) / 24 (Sun): The Westin Hotel Osaka ※ Completed

・ July 10 (Fri) / 11 (Sat): Hotel Emisia Sapporo

・ August 7 (Fri) / 8 (Sat) / 9 (Sun): Shinagawa Prince Hotel

・ August 15 (Sat) / 16 (Sun): Hotel Nikko Fukuoka

・ August 21 (Fri) / 22 (Sat): Courtyard by Marriott Nagoya