From April 26 (Saturday) to 27 (Sunday), 2025, the largest denim event in Japan, THE DENiM2025, was held in Kojima, the holy land of domestic denim in Kurashiki City.
In addition to shopping booths where carefully crafted denim products were sold at special prices, it was a lively two days filled with stage events and plenty of attractions.
Personally, I find myself wanting jeans as spring arrives.
Perhaps it's because the hazy sky reminds me of the colors and textures of denim, or perhaps it's the feeling of wanting to shed my heavy coat and don a lighter outfit that arises, but every year the thought of "I want jeans" crosses my mind.
At such a time, when I heard that an event gathering denim was being held, I felt that "I have to go!" This event is sure to be enjoyed not only by denim enthusiasts but also by those who want to enjoy denim in the future, and I will introduce the atmosphere of the event.
What kind of event is THE DENiM2025?
"THE DENiM2025" is one of the largest denim events in Japan and was held simultaneously with the "2025 Spring Kojima Festival #Senisai." More than 30 companies and shops from Kojima Jeans Street gathered at the Kojima Community Center lawn, selling denim products, T-shirts, leather goods, and more at special prices.
On stage, from 12 PM on both days, the staff announced the "Best Jeanist", and at 2 PM, a bingo game tournament was held.
A denim festival that anyone can casually visit
At the venue, families and couples of various ages were in attendance, and I felt that denim is loved by people of all ages.
Perhaps because it was an event where many denim lovers gathered, the denim-wearing rate among attendees was quite high. Everyone was stylishly wearing denim in their own way, and just watching the people passing by was never boring.
Many attendees were seen picking up products while conversing with the staff.
I usually feel a bit nervous when entering clothing stores, but the open atmosphere made it seem like even those who feel that way could casually drop by. Each booth was filled with hidden gems, making it easy to get lost in the excitement.
Shopping booths full of great deals
Among the various booths, the booths of "Momotaro Jeans" and "JAPAN BLUE JEANS" were extremely popular. There were entry restrictions, and by just after 9 AM, more than 100 people were already lined up.
In the afternoon, the entry restrictions were lifted, and the number of people waiting to try on items had settled down, so I felt that afternoon visits would be recommended for those who want to take their time choosing.
I also purchased jeans. The regular price was 17,600 yen, but the sale price was 2,000 yen, an incredible 89% off!
At other booths, there were many time-limited sales and limited edition products, with plenty of eye-catching items.
The shining love for denim: announcement of the "Best Jeanist"
The "Best Jeanist" announcement, which started this year, is an event where staff members select stylish attendees wearing denim and award them.
On the 27th (Saturday), two couples from outside the prefecture received awards, and on the 28th (Sunday), a family and a couple residing in the prefecture were awarded.
The staff introduced the reasons and points for selecting the awardees, and the awardees showcased their fashion points on stage. I think it’s a delightful moment to be chosen by denim professionals. It also seems fun to attend in matching outfits with friends or family.
It was a coordination that I would like to emulate.
The matching bandanas stand out beautifully against the denim.
The stylish way of wearing the shirt received comments from the store staff.
Exciting! Bingo game tournament with luxurious prizes
At 2 PM, a bingo game tournament was held, with many attendees from children to adults participating. The area near the stage was filled with excitement, and every time a bingo number was announced, the venue erupted in cheers.
The prizes included jeans and pouches from the participating brands, with a luxurious lineup that drew exclamations of "Wow!" from the attendees.
Bingo tickets were sold in limited quantities at the venue, and I purchased one, but unfortunately, I did not win bingo. Still, it was a moment of joy and excitement.
Conclusion
I was surprised to see so many denim brands in Kojima for the first time participating in this event. At the "Kojima Festival #Senisai," there were many stores and events held in the "Kojima Station area" and "Sanbaku City area," and I felt the enthusiasm of the entire region coming together as a textile town.
Both days were pleasantly warm and spring-like, and it felt nice just to walk around the grassy plaza and go up to the rooftop of the Kojima Community Center, which is usually not open to the public.
The food booths were also well-stocked, and I felt it was an event that could be enjoyed all day long. I also want to cherish the jeans I purchased and participate again next year.
THE DENiM 2025 Data
| Name | THE DENiM 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | April 26, 2025 (Saturday) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM April 27, 2025 (Sunday) 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Location | 2-2-38 Ajino, Kojima, Kurashiki City, Kojima Community Center Grassy Plaza |
| Participation Fee (tax included) | Free |
| Website | THE DENiM 2025 |
