Tokyo Calling: Delegation trip with the Fashion Council Germany

A guest column by Prof. Natascha von Hirschhausen

Tadaima. From 16 to 20 March 2026, Prof. Natascha von Hirschhausen had the opportunity to be part of a delegation trip to Tokyo.

Together with fellow designers — including labels such as Bokina, Malamalama, Richert Beil, Sia Arnika and William Fan — she was able to gain valuable insights into the Japanese market. More importantly, the trip created space for genuine exchange: new perspectives and connections that she believes will extend far beyond her time in Tokyo. It brought together an eye-opening mix of buyers, media representatives and industry insiders — an experience that felt both energising and inspiring.

A special beginning

The journey began on 16 March with a reception at the residence of the German Ambassador in Tokyo. As part of the "Berlin Fashion Showcase", Prof. Natascha von Hirschhausen was invited to take part in a conversation, surrounded by guests from fashion, culture and business.

It was a powerful moment: bringing Berlin's creative energy into dialogue with Tokyo. The evening highlighted how fashion can act as a bridge between cultures, opening up conversations that go far beyond aesthetics.

Showing in Tokyo

One of the key highlights was the Berlin Showroom in Omotesandō, which took place from 18 to 19 March in collaboration with South Libero.

The setting allowed for direct and personal conversations with buyers from leading retailers, as well as international media representatives, stylists and agencies. It was an important step towards understanding how her work resonates within the Japanese market and how to build relationships in a thoughtful and sustainable way.

Learning from the market

What made this trip particularly valuable was the depth of the accompanying programme. It wasn't only about visibility — it was about understanding.

Through cultural sessions, store visits and workshops, she gained insights into the nuances of Japanese business culture, retail structures and communication strategies. A denim workshop offered a deeper appreciation of Japan's textile heritage, while conversations with local experts and media representatives sharpened her perspective on how to approach this market with respect and clarity.

Looking ahead

This delegation trip was much more than an introduction to a new market. It was a reminder of why she does what she does: to create meaningful connections through design, to learn continuously and to engage with different perspectives.

There is a strong alignment between her values and those she encountered in Japan: a shared appreciation for quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail. This gives her confidence that the relationships built during this trip can grow into something lasting.

She returned to Berlin with a sense of clarity, inspiration and momentum — grateful for the experience and excited about what lies ahead.

Thank you

She joined this journey as part of Berlin Fashion X International, the internationalisation initiative by the Fashion Council Germany (FCG), supported by the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises. The programme is designed to support brands like hers in expanding internationally and building meaningful, long-term relationships across markets.

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