Japan's First: International Professional University of Fashion holds symposium with France's IFM to Redefine Fashion's "Savoir-faire (Practical Knowledge)"
The International Professional University of Fashion (PIIF) co-hosted an international symposium with the Institut Français de la Mode (IFM) on March 14, 2026. The symposium discussed the future of "savoir-faire" (practical knowledge) in fashion and the inheritance and creation arising from Franco-Japanese dialogue, marking a groundbreaking initiative as the first Japanese university to co-host with IFM.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 13:39 (17h 39m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 02:15 (492h 36m after Collected)
The International Professional University of Fashion (PIIF), which fosters talent to lead the future of fashion business, held an international symposium titled "The Future of Savoir-faire (Practical Knowledge): Inheritance and Creation Born from Franco-Japanese Dialogue" on March 14, 2026, at its Tokyo campus (Cocoon Tower main building), co-hosted with the Institut Français de la Mode (IFM), one of the world's leading fashion educational institutions.
## Japan's First Joint Symposium with IFM, a World-Class Educational Institution
This symposium is PIIF's first international symposium, and at the same time, it is a groundbreaking initiative as the first university in Japan to co-host with IFM. IFM is fully backed by the French government and the fashion industry, and is known as a global authority in fashion education, for example, by holding a graduate collection show at the opening of Paris Fashion Week.
## What is Savoir-faire (Practical Knowledge)?
The term originated from the French words "savoir" (to know) and "faire" (to make), and is generally expressed as "master craftsmanship." What is important is the nuance of "long history" inherent in the word "master." It is a word with a deep meaning, such as "craftsmanship, unique aesthetic sense, and discernment cultivated over many years of history."
## Shared Values between Japan and France: Dr. Seiichi Kondo, President of International Professional University of Fashion (Former Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs)
At the outset, President Seiichi Kondo (former Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs) emphasized the significance for both Japan and France, which achieve the highest levels of science and technology and culture and arts, to refine "savoir-faire," a symbol of humanity. He stated that this wisdom, which demonstrates human essence while mastering technology, would be the "answer to the future."
## Savoir-faire as a "Strategic Asset" (Associate Professor Dai Hirano, International Professional University of Fashion)
## Japan's First Joint Symposium with IFM, a World-Class Educational Institution
This symposium is PIIF's first international symposium, and at the same time, it is a groundbreaking initiative as the first university in Japan to co-host with IFM. IFM is fully backed by the French government and the fashion industry, and is known as a global authority in fashion education, for example, by holding a graduate collection show at the opening of Paris Fashion Week.
## What is Savoir-faire (Practical Knowledge)?
The term originated from the French words "savoir" (to know) and "faire" (to make), and is generally expressed as "master craftsmanship." What is important is the nuance of "long history" inherent in the word "master." It is a word with a deep meaning, such as "craftsmanship, unique aesthetic sense, and discernment cultivated over many years of history."
## Shared Values between Japan and France: Dr. Seiichi Kondo, President of International Professional University of Fashion (Former Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs)
At the outset, President Seiichi Kondo (former Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs) emphasized the significance for both Japan and France, which achieve the highest levels of science and technology and culture and arts, to refine "savoir-faire," a symbol of humanity. He stated that this wisdom, which demonstrates human essence while mastering technology, would be the "answer to the future."
## Savoir-faire as a "Strategic Asset" (Associate Professor Dai Hirano, International Professional University of Fashion)