Many prominent Tokyo-based designers showed off-schedule ahead of #TokyoFashionWeek this season, largely due to increasingly strict production timelines. There were 33 physical shows for RakutenFWT #FW26, compared to 32 in #FW25 and 25 in #SS26, as organizers continue to invest in scaling the event. A raft of new faces from awards, some inventive world-building, and a much larger international presence from both guests and designers brought energy to the week, but its competitive standing as an international showcase remains tentative. AshleyOgawaClarke shares the key takeaways at the link in bio. Photo 1: Lorenzo Dalbosco