What do Japanese clothes look like? ―TGC is coming to Ho Chi Minh City

The other day, some news was announced. Apparently, next year the Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC) will be held in Ho Chi Minh City for the first time. https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000952.000007466.html *In March 2026, the Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC) will hold its first event in Ho Chi Minh City. Set against the backdrop of Vietnam, a country with a large young population and a rapidly growing consumer market, The aim is to comprehensively convey Japanese fashion and pop culture. Through a stage where Japanese and Vietnamese companies join forces to blend tradition with contemporary trends, it is expected to become a symbolic venue for cultural exchange between the two countries and for pioneering new markets. (From PR TIMES) A fashion industry that makes Gen Z's hearts flutter?! But honestly, I don't really understand it that well. Still, as I walk the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, it's certain that the air of fashion has been changing, Young people are enjoying fashion with surprising freedom.

It feels clean and pure, but the hint of sheerness makes it cute. Cute, adorable, bold, sexy. That freedom seems to overlap with the energy of this city.

⚫️Bold print patterns! Amid all that, I find myself wondering how Japanese fashion looks in this city. It's fascinating. Actually, I think that at the heart of Ho Chi Minh City's "trendiness" is quite a strong Korean flavor. And that's not just clothes — it includes hairstyles, makeup, store interiors, even the way photos are taken. Whenever I think "Oh, that's nice~" or "Now that's cool!", it's usually got some Korean influence in it. Short. Long. Slim. Either way, it's totally photogenic. And the pace of trends is fast too. On the other hand, when seen from abroad, Japanese clothing seems to look like it's from MUJI, or from UNIQLO — natural and understated. That's the impression I get. Maybe that's because Japan's sense of beauty leans more toward "arranging things neatly" rather than "standing out"? Though this might just be my own subjective image. In Ho Chi Minh City, where the energy of the streets is rising, Japanese fashion seems to appear relatively quiet by comparison. That said, the TGC that's making headlines this time is completely different from the "high-end mode" of something like Paris Fashion Week. A fashion × music × SNS event for young people. It's less like a show and more like a festival. Not just models but also celebrities appear, lined up with "clothes you can copy tomorrow," bringing Japan's pop culture along with it. Holding it in Ho Chi Minh City might be a sign that Japan is seriously eyeing Vietnam's young market — just thinking about that gets me excited~~. In this city with such a strong Korean vibe in the air, I wonder how Japanese fashion will be received. I wonder if it'll seem too plain? Or will it strike a chord as "polished charm"? Or will it come out swinging with full-on "Kawaii?!" Japanese pop vibes? We still don't know the answer. But I'm curious to see just how this new wave of fashion will make its way into Ho Chi Minh City. I kind of want to sit back and enjoy watching it unfold~. Expat Life Ranking