Bookoff Corporation is once again championing the future of sustainable fashion with the return of the Reclothes Cup, one of Japan’s largest and most influential upcycled design competitions. Now entering its 2026 edition, the contest invites emerging designers, students, and creative thinkers to transform second-hand garments into visionary new pieces, proving that style and sustainability can thrive hand in hand.
Last year’s competition drew a record-breaking 612 entries, underscoring the growing momentum behind upcycling and the creative potential found in garments that might otherwise be discarded. This year, entries open on April 1, 2026, with Bookoff providing all participating creators with second-hand clothing (priced at ¥1,500 or less) free of charge.
A Platform for Innovation and Circular Fashion
Launched in 2021, the Reclothes Cup was created to spark new possibilities for second-hand clothing sold at BOOKOFF stores. The competition encourages participants to challenge conventions, elevate overlooked materials, and craft pieces that inspire both wearer and viewer. It has since grown into a nationally recognised gateway for next‑generation designers.
Bookoff’s commitment to the contest is rooted in its broader mission: extending the life of everyday items and reducing the volume of unsold goods - a key contributor to fashion waste. With over 400 million items collected annually and fewer than 300 million sold, the company sees upcycling as a vital pathway to reducing “clothing loss” and nurturing a more circular economy.
Two Divisions, Endless Creativity
Design Division
Open to high school students and above, this category invites participants to reimagine BOOKOFF garments into original, wearable works that signal the future of fashion.
* Grand Prix: ¥300,000 + publication in Soen magazine
* Runner-up Grand Prix: ¥100,000
* Bookoff Award (1 winner): ¥50,000
Sales Division
This year’s theme spotlights the timeless rider’s jacket, beloved across genders and seasons. Entrants (from students to the general public) are challenged to design a piece with a strong concept, a clear target audience, and real commercial potential.
* Grand Prix: ¥100,000 + exhibition at NEW ENERGY TOKYO (Feb 2026)
Note: Designers with brands older than three years are not eligible for this division.
Entry Period
April 1 (Wed) - May 31 (Sun), 2026
*Entry form: https://reclothes-cup.jp/entry-form/
Schedule
Sunday, May 31, 2026: Deadline for submission of entries and design drawings
Wednesday, July 1, 2026: Announcement of the results of the first round of screening
Monday, August 31, 2026: Deadline for submission of works
Sunday, November 22, 2026: Final screening
Meet the Judges
The competition is led by industry heavyweights, including:
* Miki Kojima, Chief Judge - former Editor-in-Chief of Soen, MEN’S EX, and Begin, now Chief Design Officer at Intermestic and special faculty at Osaka Bunka Fashion Institute.
* Itsuki Aizawa, Stylist - known for work across fashion shows, magazines, advertising, and the music industry.
A Launchpad for Emerging Talent
Past winners have come from leading fashion colleges across Japan, with many receiving special jury awards and opportunities to showcase their work at major creative festivals. The Reclothes Cup continues to position itself as a pivotal stepping stone for young designers seeking to enter the industry with a sustainability-first mindset.
Reclothes Cup 2025 Winners < Design Division>
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| (Left) Grand Prix: Keito Kawabata (Koran Fashion Design College), (Left) Runner-up Grand Prix: Ryu Aizora Teruya (Osaka Bunka Fashion College) |
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| (Left) BOOKOFF Award: Yuto Hasegawa (International Total Fashion College), (Middle) Special Jury Award: Noko Seki (Koran Fashion Design College), (Right) Special Jury Award: Airi Odane (Osaka Bunka Fashion College) |
Reclothes Cup 2025 Winners < Sales Department>
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| (Left) Grand Prix: Ayumi Kuramochi (International Total Fashion College), (Right) Runner-up Grand Prix: Tomoya Yoshitake (General) |
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| (Left) Prize: Wakana Kaura / Yumeri Shindo / Honoka Fukuda (Koran Fashion Design College), (Middle) Prize: Momoka Takahashi (General), (Right) Prize: Yuka Nagano (General) |
About Bookoff Group
Founded in 1990, Bookoff has grown into a reuse powerhouse with around 840 stores across Japan and overseas. With approximately 88 million annual users and more than 680 million sales points, the company remains a leader in promoting a recycling-oriented society through its diverse retail and sustainability initiatives.
Service Site: https://www.bookoff.co.jp
Official online store: https://shopping.bookoff.co.jp
Bookoff's Concept of a Recycling-Oriented Society: https://www.bookoffgroup.co.jp/sustainability/top/creating-shared-value/
Source, images: PRTimes
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