On Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27, 2025, “THE DENiM2025,” one of Japan’s largest denim events, was held in Kojima, Kurashiki City, a mecca for Japanese-made denim.
Alongside shopping booths selling carefully crafted denim products and more at special prices, the two lively days were packed with highlights, including stage events.
This is just my personal feeling, but when spring comes, I find myself wanting a pair of jeans more than ever.
Perhaps it’s because the hazy sky somehow brings denim’s color and texture to mind, or because I start wanting to shed my heavy coat and dress more lightly. Every year, the thought “I’d love a pair of jeans” crosses my mind.
So when I heard that an event bringing together denim was being held, I thought, “I just have to go!” Here’s a look at this event, which is sure to delight denim lovers as well as anyone looking to enjoy denim for the first time.
The information presented is current as of the article’s publication in June 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is THE DENiM2025?
“THE DENiM2025,” one of Japan’s largest denim events, was held alongside “2025 Spring Kojima Festival #Seni-sai.” More than 30 businesses and shops, including those on Kojima Jeans Street, gathered at the lawn plaza of Kojima Civic Exchange Center to sell denim products, T-shirts, leather goods, and more at special prices.
On both days, the stage hosted the staff-selected “Best Jeanist” awards at noon and a bingo game at 2 p.m.
A denim festival anyone can drop by
Families with children, couples, and people of all ages came to the venue, making me realize just how much denim is loved by people of all ages and genders.
Perhaps because this event draws so many denim fans, a high proportion of visitors were wearing denim. Everyone styled their denim in their own way, and just watching people pass by was entertaining.
Many visitors could be seen picking up items while chatting with the staff.
I usually feel a little nervous about going into clothing stores, but I was struck by the open atmosphere, which seemed welcoming even to people like me. Each booth was filled with hidden gems, and it was easy to get caught up browsing.
Shopping booths packed with great deals
Among the many booths, those of “Momotaro Jeans” and “JAPAN BLUE JEANS” were especially popular. Entry was restricted, and by shortly after 9 a.m., more than 100 people were already lined up.
Entry restrictions were lifted in the afternoon, and the lines for fitting rooms had also eased, so I felt that visiting in the afternoon would be a good option for anyone who wants to take their time choosing.
I bought a pair of jeans too. They normally cost 17,600 yen, but the sale price was just 2,000 yen—an incredible 89% off!
The other booths also had plenty of eye-catching items, including many limited-edition products and time-limited sales.
“Best Jeanist” awards celebrate denim love
The “Best Jeanist” awards, launched this year, are an event in which shop staff select and recognize visitors who wear denim stylishly.
On Saturday the 27th, two couples from outside the prefecture received awards, while on Sunday the 28th, a family and a couple who live in the prefecture were honored.
The staff explained why they had chosen the winners and what stood out about their outfits, while the winners shared the highlights of their fashion on stage. Being selected by denim professionals must be a wonderful moment. It also sounds fun to attend in matching outfits with friends or family.
An outfit worth taking inspiration from.
The matching bandanas stand out against the denim.
Shop staff commented, “The shirt is styled so well!”
Exciting bingo game with fabulous prizes
A bingo game was held from 2 p.m., with many visitors, from children to adults, taking part. The area near the stage was buzzing with excitement, and the crowd cheered each time a bingo number was announced.
The prizes included jeans and pouches from participating brands, and the impressive lineup prompted visitors to exclaim, “Wow!”
Bingo tickets were sold in limited quantities at the venue. I bought one too, but unfortunately didn’t get bingo. Even so, it was a fun time, with plenty of ups and downs.
From the Writer
This was my first time attending the event, and I was surprised to find so many denim brands in Kojima. At the “Kojima Fest #Seni-sai,” many vendors also set up shop and events were held in the “Kojima Station Area” and “Sanpakuichi Area.” I could feel the energy of the whole community coming together to celebrate its identity as a textile town.
Both days were warm and springlike. Even just walking across the lawn or going up to the rooftop of the Kojima Civic Exchange Center, which is usually off-limits, felt wonderful.
The food booths were also plentiful, making it an event where you could enjoy yourself all day. I want to take good care of the jeans I bought and come back next year.
THE DENiM 2025 Information
| Name | THE DENiM 2025 |
|---|---|
| Dates | Saturday, April 26, 2025, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2025, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Location | Kojima Civic Exchange Center Lawn, 2-2-38 Ajino, Kojima, Kurashiki City |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | THE DENiM 2025 |
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