OTA, Gunma — A fashion show promoting both inclusivity and sustainability was held in this eastern Japan city on May 21.
Around 120 spectators crammed into the city’s Art Museum & Library, Ota for the “Susta-clusive Collection with Kids” fashion show — so many that entry had to be restricted at one point.
The audience clapped and shouted “how cute,” as 18 models with disabilities aged 4 through 20 took turns confidently walking down the runway. One of them, 17-year-old high school student Mirei Ishido, said with a smile, “It was fun walking in front of everyone wearing a cute outfit. If I have the chance, I want to do it again.”
Mozu Torii, a model from the Gunma Prefecture city of Kiryu who often uses a wheelchair due to an intractable illness, was the event’s host. “Rather than giving up due to a disability, I want to enjoy fashion even more. I hope this event becomes a way to overcome barriers and build a more inclusive society,” she said in her address.
One audience member, 40-year-old educator Daisuke Komine from the prefectural city of Takasaki, said, “The way they each confidently stepped (along the runway) was wonderful. It felt reassuring.”
The show was crowdfunded, and the outfits of second-hand clothing were gifted to the participating models.
(Japanese original by Koji Osawa, Kiryu Local Bureau)