Do you know a fashion designer who designs with the heart?
This time, we had the opportunity to interview Mr. Yoshifumi Tsuruta, the representative of the fashion brand "tenbo."
"Stylish clothes can be made casually. But there's nothing more boring than that. I want to design clothes with soul," he says, as he creates the best designs tailored to each customer.
Another characteristic is the message-driven fashion design.
Using origami cranes sent from around the world to Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Okinawa, and being the first in Japan to feature disabled fashion models in the Tokyo Collection, he emphasizes not only design but also communication with society.
This time, we delved into Mr. Tsuruta's roots and had a special conversation about his passion for his activities and future prospects.
This content is intended for everyone, regardless of disability, so please read to the end.
*Information was confirmed and partially updated on March 13, 2026.
1. What is tenbo?
The fashion brand "tenbo," led by Mr. Tsuruta, means elephant in Swahili. The brand embodies the desire to be loved by many like an elephant, while also possessing the strength to stand firm.
Additionally, tenbo is committed to designing clothes that bring smiles to everyone without discrimination and to sharing this with the world.
This sentiment is rooted in Mr. Tsuruta's origins.
Mass production and consumption are becoming prevalent in the fashion industry, with clothes often treated as mere commercial tools.
Mr. Tsuruta felt pained by this situation and realized anew his original desire to provide cherished clothes made with care and bring joy. tenbo communicates this simple truth and reaches out to those with the same feelings.
This is why tenbo captivates Japan and the world!
In March 2015, just two months after tenbo's launch, it garnered worldwide attention at the Tokyo Collection, a dream stage for many fashion designers.
One reason was the first-ever inclusion of disabled models in Japan.
However, there was no special awareness of the disability field until then.
The turning point came during his time as a lecturer at a vocational school.
He learned from a student with experience in welfare that pressure sores caused by seams in pants were a significant issue, realizing the high demand for fashion for people with disabilities.
Moreover, no one had yet tackled functional and stylish fashion for people with disabilities. With a clear need and the joy it brought, he felt there was no reason not to pursue it. That's when his interest in the field of disability began.
Even with disabilities, it's perfectly fine to appear in the Tokyo Collection, Mr. Tsuruta wanted to raise this issue, and he achieved it on a stage that drew global attention.
tenbo's Vision for a Peaceful Society
Since its inception, tenbo has been communicating about peace every year.
"What I strive for is to deliver a wish for peace through the filter of fashion, creating an accessible entry point for everyone. I hope fashion can be that trigger."
True to these words, they have created dresses using 10,000 origami cranes sent from around the world to Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Okinawa, continuing to make a significant impact globally.
However, they do not define peace. The important thing is to communicate the importance of peace and to encourage each person to think about what peace means to them. There is no right way to engage with peace.
First, they want people to take an interest, and they will continue to communicate through fashion.
