A New Perspective on Entertainment
In March 2026, through my internship with CREATEs Inc., I had the opportunity to build on my experience from Tokyo Girls Collection 2025 by working with Tokyo Idol Runway Collection 2026. While Tokyo Girls Collection showcased the power of large-scale production and global appeal, Tokyo Idol Runway Collection offered a different perspective, one centered on the connection between performers and their fans within Japan’s idol culture.
Finding My Path in Entertainment: My Experience at Tokyo Idol Runway Collection 2026
What is the Tokyo Idol Runway Collection?
Tokyo Idol Runway Collection is a unique event that blends fashion, live performance, and idol culture into a single experience. Unlike traditional runway shows, where professional models present designer collections, this event places idol groups at the center. They perform on stage while also walking the runway, creating an environment where fashion and entertainment are closely connected.
What makes the event especially distinctive is its focus on audience engagement. Rather than simply presenting trends, Tokyo Idol Runway Collection creates an interactive experience where fans can feel more personally connected to the performers. This reflects the evolving nature of entertainment in Japan, where idols play an important role not only as performers, but also as influencers who shape trends and connect directly with their audiences.
Official website here: https://idolrunwaycollection.jp/
My Role and Experience
Building on my experience with Tokyo Girls Collection, I was able to approach Tokyo Idol Runway Collection with a broader understanding of how large-scale events operate. While the Tokyo Girls Collection demonstrated the power of global entertainment, bringing together major brands, celebrities, and thousands of attendees, Tokyo Idol Runway Collection offered a different perspective, one that emphasized intimacy and emotional connection over scale.
During the event, one of my main roles involved supporting event operations by guiding attendees throughout the venue. I helped manage lines, directed guests to the appropriate areas, and ensured that the flow of people remained organized and efficient.
I also worked at a booth that featured a small exhibition of products created by participating companies. In this role, I introduced the products and explained the exhibits to visitors, helping create a more interactive and engaging experience. This allowed me to develop my communication skills, especially in explaining information clearly and adjusting my approach depending on the audience.
In addition, I had the opportunity to interview representatives from idol agencies and members of the organizing team. Through these conversations, I gained insight into how idol groups are managed and how events like Tokyo Idol Runway Collection are planned and executed. Hearing directly from industry professionals helped me better understand the structure of the entertainment industry and the level of coordination required behind the scenes.
Finding Passion in the Work
One of the most memorable parts of the event was watching the idol performances, especially groups such as Nogizaka46 (https://www.nogizaka46.com/s/n46/?ima=5749) and Fruits Zipper (https://fruitszipper.asobisystem.com/ ). Experiencing the energy of the audience and the enthusiasm of the performers gave me a deeper appreciation for how strong the connection between idols and their fans can be.
More importantly, being involved in work that I genuinely enjoyed made me reflect on my future goals. This experience strengthened my interest in the entertainment industry and motivated me to continue learning more about it. It also encouraged me to consider studying business or entertainment-related fields in college, with the goal of one day working in this industry full-time.
Reflection
Through this experience, I was able to recognize my own growth. While my responsibilities were similar to the previous year, I approached them with more confidence and awareness. I gained a better understanding of how each role contributes to the success of an event, as well as the importance of communication, teamwork, and attention to detail.
Overall, my experiences with both Tokyo Idol Runway Collection and Tokyo Girls Collection gave me a broader understanding of the entertainment industry. One highlighted global scale, while the other emphasized connection.Together they show the different ways entertainment can bring people together. As someone who is exploring both traditional performing arts and modern entertainment and culture, this experience is especially meaningful to me.