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Want to see how Japanese denim is made—and try making something yourself? JAPAN DENIM DAYS takes place outside Kojima Station in Kurashiki, Okayama, on November 7–8, 2026. You can customize a bag, watch craftspeople sew jeans and browse local denim labels, with food stalls and stage performances alongside the workshops.
The practical distinction: hands-on workshops accept registrations on the day, while a limited special-edition jeans project has a separate advance reservation route through Makuake. Admission fees and most activity prices are not stated in the announcement, so check before planning your budget.
Dates, venue and access
The event runs on both weekend days, but Sunday closes an hour earlier. The venue is the plaza outside Kojima Station (児島駅前広場).
| Date | Saturday, November 7, 2026: 9:00–17:00 Sunday, November 8, 2026: 9:00–16:00 All times are Japan Standard Time. |
|---|---|
| Venue | Kojima Station plaza |
| Address | Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. A street address for the plaza is not provided in the announcement. |
| Organizer | JAPAN DENIM DAYS Executive Committee (JAPAN DENIM DAYS実行委員会) |
| Admission | Not specified. Check the official website for details. |
| Parking | Free parking is available, but spaces are limited. The organizer encourages public transport. |
According to the announcement, Kojima Station is approximately 20 minutes from JR Okayama Station via the Seto-Ohashi Line. By car, allow approximately 10 minutes from Kojima Interchange or 20 minutes from Mizushima Interchange on the Seto-Chuo Expressway.
What you can make
The hands-on area lets you choose materials and personalize an item with help from denim craftspeople. Tote bags are joined by small shoulder bags and drawstring bags, with fabric selection, printing and embroidery among the customization options.
| Activity | What is announced |
|---|---|
| Custom bags | Tote bags, small shoulder bags and drawstring bags, with fabric and customization choices. |
| Denim accessories | Denim straps and keyholders. |
| T-shirt activities | Tie-dyeing and printing. |
Workshop registration is on the day only. The announcement says workshop items can be made at the venue and taken home. It does not list individual fees, session lengths or age requirements; ask at the relevant booth before joining.
If making an item is your main reason for visiting, check the workshop area before browsing the shops. That gives you a chance to find out what is available and how it fits into your day.
Watch jeans being made—and check the separate preorder
The open-air sewing factory (青空縫製工場) brings the manufacturing process into view. Watch denim craftspeople at work, then browse jeans made by INDIGO WORKS. Fitting, hemming and waist adjustments are also announced as available on site.
There is a separate project for special-edition JAPAN DENIM DAYS jeans supervised by MTKN. Advance reservations are available only to backers on Makuake. Quantities are limited, and the project closes once the quantity limit is reached.
This reservation route is separate from the walk-up workshops. Check the project page for current availability, pricing and purchase conditions.
View the special-edition jeans project on MakuakeBrands, student stalls and food
The shopping area offers a chance to talk directly with local makers and designers about their work. Student booths add another perspective, with items created by students from local design schools.
| Area | Announced participants |
|---|---|
| Denim and apparel | BLUE SAKURA kojima market place CPL EDGE OF LINE ai no de INDIGO WORKS SHOP |
| Student booths | Kurashiki City College (倉敷市立短期大学) Okayama Business College (岡山ビジネスカレッジ) Chugoku Design College (中国デザイン専門学校) |
| Food vendors | Chuka Soba Kouta (中華そば こうた) Matsuya Seimen (松家製麺) Nash Curry American (ナッシュカリーアメリカン) Sosai Nakamura (創彩中村) moriflo5.0 Polpo Ichori (ポルポイチョリ) number３ CanCar |
Food stalls and kitchen cars feature alongside the denim activities. Individual menus and prices are not listed in the announcement, so leave room in your plans to choose at the venue.
For another look at student-made work and performances, our Musashino Art University Festival article covers a separate October event. Check its dates before using it to plan a trip.
Family activities and stage events
JR West plans an original pin-badge workshop and capsule-toy sales. The au Shop Kojima (auショップ児島) booth will run a paid activity that puts a child’s drawing onto a drawstring backpack. The fee is not specified.
Rail enthusiasts can also look out for an auction of used railway equipment. Announced examples include a railway-crossing warning light, an alarm clock and a freestanding station-name sign. Auction times and bidding conditions are not provided in the announcement.
| Stage program | Announced performers |
|---|---|
| Local dance performances | BEE’S KNEES ACADEMY Ys Bird KOJIMA STREET DANCE DANCE STUDIO SLYMY RIRIA 4BASE STUDIO 39&LENAcrew |
Check the official program if a particular performance or the railway auction is your priority. For other culture-focused outings, see our Ghibli Park exhibition guide and check the dates for each venue.
For the practical side of a day out, our d VALUE PASS and ChargeSPOT guide explains a power-bank rental option. Rental availability at this event is not confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Japan Denim Days free to enter?
- The announcement does not specify admission fees. Free parking is mentioned, but that does not establish free entry. Check the official event website.
- Can I book a workshop in advance?
- The announced hands-on workshops accept registrations on the day only. The limited special-edition jeans project has a separate advance reservation route through Makuake.
- Can I take my workshop item home?
- Yes. The announcement says workshop items can be made at the venue and taken home. Confirm the details for your chosen activity at its booth.
- What time does the event finish?
- It finishes at 17:00 on Saturday, November 7, 2026, and at 16:00 on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Both days start at 9:00, Japan Standard Time.
The event is especially worth considering if you want to see the work behind a pair of jeans or make a personalized accessory. Check workshop costs and the program before travelling, then choose the day that gives you enough time for the activities you want.
Check the latest event detailsSource: Kojima Jeans Street Cooperative Association’s October 20, 2026 announcement. Information summarized as of October 29, 2026.
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