ZOZO NEXT and Keio University SFC Research Institute Begin Joint Research on Textile Design Technology Using Mathematics

ZOZO NEXT Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture; Representative Director & CEO: Kotaro Sawada; hereinafter, ZOZO NEXT) has commenced joint research on textile design technology using mathematics with Associate Professor Tatsuki Hayama (Faculty of Environment and Information Studies) of Keio University SFC Research Institute (Location: Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture; Director: Yuji Ogi) on April 1, 2026 (Wednesday).

ZOZO NEXT has previously engaged in various projects related to Japanese crafts, including joint research on developing new textiles that combine functionality and beauty by integrating traditional crafts with advanced materials and interaction technologies (※1), the "Artisan" project on the web media "fashion tech news" aiming for the "re-evaluation" and "revitalization" of Japanese crafts (※2), and the "Yobiiro" project which seeks to awaken the five senses, emotions, and sensibilities dormant within people (※3).

Among these, one of the focused areas is "textiles." Textiles can create diverse expressions through intricate structural design, combining warp and weft threads alternately.

On the other hand, Associate Professor Tatsuki Hayama specializes in the fusion of mathematics and art (Mathematical Art). He conducts research on visualizing abstract mathematical structures to find aesthetic value, and explores modeling and design based on algorithms derived from mathematical formulas.

This joint research will explore the possibilities of new design methods for textiles through an approach that mathematically captures textile structures.

※1 "Ambient Weaving," a concept created from research and development of innovative textiles pursuing materials, functionality, and beauty: https://zozonext.com/project/ambient-weaving

※2 "Artisan," a project on our web media "fashion tech news" aiming for the "re-evaluation" and "revitalization" of Japanese crafts: https://fashiontechnews.zozo.com/artisan

※3 "Yobiiro," a project to connect modern technology with local crafts and propose them to society as products, thereby awakening the five senses, emotions, and sensibilities dormant within people: https://yobiiro.fashiontechnews.zozo.com/

This joint research aims to create new textile technologies by fusing ZOZO NEXT's knowledge and technology in advanced materials with Associate Professor Tatsuki Hayama's mathematical approach. By combining textile structure design based on mathematical theory with traditional Japanese weaving techniques, we aim to evolve textile design technology, which has traditionally relied on empirical rules, into a theoretical and reproducible method, thereby accelerating the development of new textile products that possess both functionality and aesthetic design.

・Research Title: Research and Development of Textile Design Technology Using Mathematics

・Joint Research Team: ZOZO NEXT Co., Ltd., Keio University SFC Research Institute Associate Professor Tatsuki Hayama (Faculty of Environment and Information Studies)

・Research Start Date: April 1, 2026 (Wednesday)

ZOZO NEXT's mission is "Create the Future of Fashion and the NEXT Big Thing." We aim to create a world where more people can enjoy fashion by imagining user challenges in the fashion domain and solving them with the power of technology. We conduct R&D at "ZOZO Research Institute," a research institution for quantifying and scientifically elucidating fashion, and "MATRIX," which aims to create new businesses for the ZOZO Group across six themes that influence the future of fashion.

ZOZO NEXT Co., Ltd. Official Website: https://zozonext.com/

Born in Nara Prefecture. Completed graduate school at Osaka University. Doctor of Science. Associate Professor at Keio University Faculty of Environment and Information Studies. Specializes in mathematics (especially complex geometry) and the application of mathematics to art and design. Participates in collaborations in architecture and textiles, such as temple renovation projects and research and development of Nishijin-ori (Nishijin weaving).