BOOKOFF Announces 'Reclothes Cup 2026': One of Japan's Largest Upcycled Fashion Design Contests

BOOKOFF Corporation (hereinafter "BOOKOFF"), a subsidiary of BOOKOFF Group Holdings (Headquarters: Sagamihara, Kanagawa; President: Yasutaka Horiuchi) that operates the "BOOKOFF" reuse shops, will begin accepting entries for the "Reclothes Cup 2026" on its website starting Wednesday, April 1st. The contest invites participants to take pre-owned clothing provided free of charge from BOOKOFF stores and redesign them into new creations.

■ 'Reclothes Cup 2026' Website: https://reclothes-cup.jp/

What is the 'Reclothes Cup'?

The 'Reclothes Cup' has been held since 2021 as an upcycling design contest that creates new value using pre-owned clothing sold at BOOKOFF stores. By leveraging unconventional ideas and sensibilities to enhance the value of used clothing, the contest aims to promote sustainable actions that encourage the circulation of goods while delivering excitement and inspiration to wearers and viewers alike.

Last year's 'Reclothes Cup 2025' saw a record-breaking 612 entries, establishing it as one of Japan's largest upcycling design contests. The competition consists of a "Design Category" for students (high school level and above) and a "Sales Category" open to everyone from students to the general public*.

The Grand Prix winner of the "Design Category" will have their work featured in the magazine 'So-en' (published by Bunka Publishing Bureau) and receive a cash prize of 300,000 yen. The Grand Prix winner of the "Sales Category" will receive a cash prize of 100,000 yen and is scheduled to exhibit at the "NEW ENERGY TOKYO" creation festival in February 2026.

*Individuals who have operated their own brand for more than 3 years are ineligible to participate.

Why is BOOKOFF hosting the 'Reclothes Cup'?

BOOKOFF's core business is extending the lifespan of goods by circulating a wide range of items, including books, clothing, and sporting goods. Across the entire group, we receive over 400 million items from customers annually.

However, sales volume remains under 300 million items, meaning some goods, including clothing, reach the end of their lifecycle without being sold. By utilizing these items to create new value through creative upcycling, we aim to contribute to solving the issue of "fashion loss" while inspiring those who wear and see the creations.

Through this contest, we provide students who will lead the future of the fashion industry with a platform to present their work, helping them experience the joy of creation and the satisfaction of having their work evaluated, thereby fostering their creative motivation.

The 'Reclothes Cup' is an initiative that aims to contribute to a sustainable society while fostering up-and-coming fashion designers.