Shochiku Group has teamed up with the U.S. digital fashion company DRESSX to digitize stunning costumes from nihon buyō (classical Japanese dance), putting rare wardrobe assets from the Japanese theatre right into users’ smartphones.

In this project, DRESSX’s team created digital twins of the actual stage costumes, making them available for augmented reality (AR) try-on and as editorial quality metalooks on the DRESSX platform. Users can virtually try the costumes on for free using the AR function on the DRESSX mobile app, which allows users to wear garments on their photos and videos in real time. For editorial quality fitting, users can purchase a metalook, where the garment will be custom dressed on the user’s image within 24 hours, making it look completely natural.

The first part of the project features digital versions of three traditional Japanese dance costumes created by Shochiku Costume Co. Ltd., a unit of the Shochiku Group that is renowned for its gorgeous stage apparel. Drawn from famous classical dance performances which are all popular kabuki performances, these three kimono will provide users with an in-depth experience of the Japanese dance costumes, something that would be challenging in real life due to their rarity. 

Details of the kimono are as follows. 

1. Fuji Musume
Based on the costume in Fuji Musume (‘The Wisteria Maiden’, first staged in 1826), this kimono is worn by the spirit of the wisteria blossoms as she performs a graceful, charming dance.

2. Sagi Musume
Based on the costume in Sagi Musume (‘The Heron Maiden’, first staged in 1762), which features the spirit of a heron that transforms into various maidens. 

3. Ame no Gorō
Based on the costume in Ame no Gorō (‘Gorō in the Rain’, first performed in 1841), the kimono is worn by the young hero Soga no Gorō who is traveling through the rain to visit his courtesan lover. 

■ Date and time of sale
July 10th (Mon), 2023 1:00PM (JST)

■Price
$200 USD for each item
*The AR experience on the mobile app is free.

■URL
DRESSX SHOCHIKU Digital Collection (Only available in English)
App (iOS and Android)