It’s no secret that Bunka Fashion College Tokyo is one of the most revered fashion institutions in the world. Boasting an impressive alumni—Kenzō Takada, Yohji Yamamoto, Junya Watanabe, Jun Takahashi and Tsumori Chisato, to name a few—the university has delivered some of the most influential players in the fashion industry since it was founded in 1919.
“All students and staff members of Bunka Fashion College share an immense love for fashion,” says college president Sachiko Aihara. “Our greatest achievement is that thousands of our graduates are working globally across different sectors. Despite the challenging period we’re all facing, we’ve continued to operate at a high-standard and have effectively evolved along with the times.”
After months of lockdown, schools across Japan have reopened their doors, allowing a physical return to class with social-distancing measures in place. Here, 10 students of Bunka Fashion College share their experiences of doing coursework remotely, virtual tutorials, what it feels like to return to college, and what they wore to commemorate their first day back.
1. Honoka Shinamura, 20, BA fashion design, year two
Describe your look.
The dress is Keisuke Kanda, the kimono haori [a thigh-length kimono] is my grandmother’s, and I wrapped the obi string that my mother gave me into a hairband.
What do you love about Bunka Fashion College?
The facilities are well-equipped and the teachers treat us like family. It’s also great to be recognised for your outfits.
What were some challenges of doing coursework remotely?
It was difficult to sketch and pattern-cut in a small room, and you couldn’t get immediate feedback, which slowed things down.
What song sums up your 2020?
Perfume’s Dream Fighter.
2. Minami Urushibata, 22, BA fashion director, year three
Describe your look.
I’m wearing my favorite Molly Goddard pale-blue dress, Miu Miu‘s ballerina slippers, and a Vermeerist BEAMS’ velvet bag.
What do you love about Bunka Fashion College?
It’s a place where you can really enjoy all aspects of fashion.
How does it feel to physically be back at university?
The ability to communicate directly with friends and teachers is absolutely delightful, and I try to spend more time with them now.
What song sums up your 2020?
Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’.
3. Ryo Ishikawa, 22, BA fashion design, year one
Describe your look.
The styling theme today is all about survival, which is what this year has been about.
What do you love about Bunka Fashion College?
Teachers here give you the practical skills to problem solve, as well as the freedom to creatively express ourselves.
What were some challenges of doing coursework remotely?
Problem-solving became tricky and time-consuming—a lot less effective than in person.
What album sums up your 2020?
MF Doom’s Operation: Doomsday.
4. Sakura Nakajima, 20, BA fashion director, year three
Describe your look.
I’m wearing my favourite vintage dress. I love the lustre of velvet with its deep colours and patterns.
What do you love about Bunka Fashion College?
That everything is connected with fashion and the people around me are inspiring.
What were some challenges of doing coursework remotely?
It was difficult to concentrate at home—it didn’t feel natural to not take classes in person.
What movie sums up your 2020?
Any science-fiction movie, really. This year felt like we’ve been living in one.
5. Seidai Fujii, 20, BA retail planning, year two
Describe your look.
I’m coordinating a lot of black in my outfit, but please note the elegant leather jacket. A red 1980s vintage knit-cardigan is the accent piece, and my shoes are Converse Chuck Taylor.
What do you love about Bunka Fashion College?
Everyone is such an individual, you can establish your own style here with confidence.
How does it feel to physically be back at university?
I was able to spend more time in the fashion industry when the school was shut, so when I returned to class I felt that the experience I gained was extremely valuable.
What song sums up your 2020?
SZA’s Hit Different.
6. Sena N’Singi, 22, BA textile design, year three
Describe your look.
Everything I’m wearing is thrifted.
What do you love about Bunka Fashion College?
It’s filled with opportunities to collaborate and the teachers are constantly encouraging you to push creativity further. Also, as an international student, I get to learn traditional Japanese textile techniques in real life.
How does it feel to physically be back at university?
It’s taken a lot of adjusting to the changes such as the new library regulations and having to match your mask with your outfit everyday.
What movie sums up your 2020?
Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise.
7. Miku Kuroda, 18, BA fashion design, year one
Describe your look.
I like black, so I’m wearing all black. Category is: witch.
What do you love about Bunka Fashion College?
It’s a place that recognises and nurtures individuality, and has a tremendous history.
How does it feel to physically be back at university?
A lot of fun. The environment is motivating and it’s great to have access to facilities again. Being able to ask teachers questions in person is so much more effective than online.
What song sums up your 2020?
Hyde’s Believing in Myself.
8. Kenta Yoshida, 21, BA menswear design, year three
Describe your look.
I’m wearing a three-button suit in Saxony wool that I made in second year.
What do you love about Bunka Fashion College?
There’s such a range of characters, and the library has so many great books.
How does it feel to physically be back at university?
Seeing friends has been inspiring and energising.
What were some challenges of doing coursework remotely?
Practical skills lessons were often not conveyed well on screen.
9. Mashiro Morioka, 19, BA fashion modelling, year two
Describe your look.
My dress is from Perverze, tights are Chanel, fluffy jacket from Tsumori Chisato, and cowboy boots.
What do you love about Bunka Fashion College?
The people here are cool and interesting. It’s been great meeting and getting to know them.
How does it feel to physically be back at university?
It’s not 100 per cent normal, but it’s quite calm. I’m happy to be back, but I still miss the exciting vibes from crowds of students.
What song sums up your 2020?
Sakamoto Shinnosuke’s Stay Home.
11. Haruka Miura, 22, BA fashion global business, year four
Describe your look.
I’m wearing straight-leg, light-blue Levi’s with black Dr Martens six-eye boots, but the black Prada puffer jacket is the main attraction, of course.
What do you love about Bunka Fashion College?
The inspiring people you meet from all kinds of backgrounds. It’s also interesting to learn what their tastes are like through fashion and music.
How does it feel to physically be back at university?
I rarely met people during the self-isolation period, so I was happy to see my teacher and classmates for the first time in a while. It’s much easier to engage in class in person.
What song sums up your 2020?
Chloe X Halle’s Do it.
