This year’s theme is Edo! Expanding cultural exchange between Japan and Cambodia through the Kimono Remake Contest
As part of KAWAII-CON 2024, which will be held from December 7 to 8, 2024, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, JCI LAB CO., LTD is pleased to announce the Kimono Remake Contest, where young Cambodian designers will creatively transform traditional Japanese kimonos.
The contest aims to highlight the fusion of Japan’s rich cultural heritage and Cambodia’s vibrant creativity. Through this unique event, traditional Japanese kimonos will be reimagined into contemporary designs that reflect both Japanese and Cambodian cultures, celebrating sustainable fashion and cross-cultural collaboration.
Our goal is to strengthen the friendship between Japan and Cambodia, bringing together both nations’ cultural assets and fostering new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
For more information:
Addressing the Kimono Disposal Issue
Japan faces a significant challenge in dealing with the disposal of traditional kimonos. Despite their cultural and historical value, many kimonos are left unused in closets or discarded due to changing lifestyles and trends. According to a 2022 report by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, approximately 798,000 tons of clothing are supplied in the domestic market each year, with 64.5% being discarded. Among these discarded garments, kimonos, which are expensive and culturally significant, represent a major loss. In 2023 alone, nearly ¥1 trillion worth of kimonos were discarded in Japan (TBS News, 2023).
KAWAII-CON 2024 aims to address this issue by giving these kimonos a new life through the Kimono Remake Contest. Cambodian designers will creatively remake these traditional garments into new designs, blending Japanese heritage with Cambodian craftsmanship. This contest promotes sustainability, aligning with SDG Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by making effective use of limited resources and encouraging the reuse of cultural assets.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural KAWAII-CON at AEON Mall Sen Sok City, which attracted 7,000 attendees, KAWAII-CON 2024 is expected to be even bigger and more exciting. This year, anime, fashion, and cultural exchange will take center stage, with the Kimono Remake Contest as one of the most anticipated events. The contest embodies a commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation, promoting new ways to appreciate and repurpose traditional garments.
Young Cambodian designers will showcase their creative interpretations of traditional Japanese kimonos, transforming them into modern pieces that highlight the ingenuity of both cultures. These remade kimonos will be featured in a special fashion show during KAWAII-CON 2024, giving audiences a glimpse into the future of cross-cultural fashion and design.
