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 its upcycled design contest, '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 it.

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

What is the 'Reclothes Cup'?

'Reclothes Cup' is an upcycled design contest held since 2021 that utilizes pre-owned clothing sold at BOOKOFF stores to create new added value. Through this contest, we aim to promote sustainable actions that further the circulation of goods by creating works that enhance the value of pre-owned clothing through unconventional, free-thinking ideas and sensibilities, bringing excitement and inspiration to both the wearer and the viewer.

Last year's 'Reclothes Cup 2025' attracted a record-high 612 entries, growing into one of Japan's largest upcycled design contests. The contest consists of a 'Design Category' for students nationwide (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 does BOOKOFF host the 'Reclothes Cup'?

BOOKOFF's core business is to circulate a wide range of items, including books, clothing, and sporting goods, as reuse products to extend their lifespan. Across the entire group, we receive over 400 million items from customers annually.

However, sales remain under 300 million items, meaning some items, including clothing, do not reach the point of sale and reach the end of their utility. By utilizing such clothing and upcycling them into works with new value through free-thinking ideas, we aim to deliver inspiration to wearers and viewers while promoting initiatives that contribute to solving 'fashion loss.'

Through this contest, we provide opportunities for students who will lead the future of the fashion industry to present their work, helping them experience the joy of having their creations evaluated and the fun of creation, thereby fostering further creative motivation.

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