Two fashion models showcased Highlact®'s latest collection in the elegant Western-style mansion built in the early Showa era.


The first look featured a black microfleece hoodie and chino cargo pants, both made of 100% PLA.  Next, a 100% PLA white boa fleece and cotton blended denim combination, was introduced. The silky sheen of the white fleece paired well with the denim, creating a fluffy yet sleek style.

Just before the presentation, the models were informed that Highlact® is made from corn, which surprised them. They commented that it had a "pleasant texture," "beautiful white and black colors," and expressed their appreciation for the sustainability of the materials, noting their preference for durable clothing when shopping. The models, adorned in the latest collection, were photographed against the vibrant greenery of the mansion's garden, with the fleece colors beautifully reflecting the early summer sunlight.

▶︎ イベント本編の動画を視聴する

The journey to the latest collection was not easy. Eiji Takimoto, general manager of the Fashion and Apparel Department, explained the development process to the assembled media at the event.

Ensuring durability and heat resistance in 100% PLA fleece was a significant challenge. Unlike petroleum-based polyester, bio-based PLA has lower durability and heat resistance, necessitating extensive trial and error. It took about three years to achieve the current quality, and improvements are ongoing to achieve even more comfortable and functional fleece fabrics.


The denim and chino cargo pants also focus on reducing environmental impact. Producing one pair of jeans requires approximately 7,500 liters of water, equivalent to a person's water consumption over seven years. The cultivation and dyeing processes for cotton, the traditional material, uses significant amounts of water. By using PLA fibers as an alternative to cotton, Highlact® aims to reduce the water use.


Additionally, the event showcased a PLA-knit French sleeve pullover. This summer knit, made from a blend of PLA and Tencel, a regenerated material derived from wood pulp, is perfect for long-term wear from spring through autumn.

The latest collection was unveiled at "Kudan House" in Chiyoda, Tokyo. This Spanish-style mansion, built nearly 100 years ago in 1927, once served as the residence of businessman Mankichi Yamaguchi. Despite being located in the heart of Tokyo, it survived the air raids during World War II and the rapid development during the economic bubble period, maintaining much of its original architecture. It is now a registered tangible cultural property.

On May 24 and 25, the "Craft × Tech" event was held at this venue. The event aimed to connect traditional crafts from various parts of Japan with modern ideas and technologies, bringing new discoveries within Japanese culture. The exhibition featured collaborations between traditional craft producers from six prefectures in the Tohoku region, such as Oitama Tsumugi from Yamagata Prefecture and Nambu Tekki from Iwate Prefecture, and top artists like Sabine Marcelis and Yoichi Ochiai. HighChem sympathized with this initiative and participated as a sponsor.

The latest Highlact® collection was unveiled on the preview day of this event. Art enthusiasts and media representatives who were invited showed great interest in the sustainable fashion proposed by HighChem.

After the presentation of the latest collection, Hideki Yoshimoto, the founder and general producer of "Craft × Tech," and Yuichi Taka, Director of HighChem, had a special talk. The theme was "The Future of Design and the Textile Industry." It was a valuable discussion on the charm of new materials developed by HighChem from an artistic perspective.

Hideki Yoshimoto is an Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology in the Advanced Art Design Division. He is also active as a creator, providing designs to numerous global brands by integrating design and technology.

"Art and design play a crucial role in achieving carbon neutrality" (Yuichi Taka)

Yoshimoto first introduced the key phrase "human mind." He noted that the Art Design Division within the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo was founded for a reason. "Various efforts are being made to solve social problems using advanced technologies like AI, bio-engineering, and medical fields, at the same time, we realized that there are areas that those technologies alone cannot solve, without understanding people’s mind. No matter how advanced science and technology become, the 'human mind' cannot be moved by science alone. I believe that hints to solving these issues may lie in art and design."

Responding to this, Yuichi Taka said, "The fashion field we are currently engaged in is very closely related to culture compared to other products. We founded fashion business to explore a way for us to be directly connected with culture. I believe that to achieve carbon neutrality, the role of culture, art, and design, which directly speaks to people's hearts, is very important. This is also an issue of the 'human mind,' and I think it is necessary to spread this idea even in the business field."

"The greatness of HighChem is in linking high technology to the evolution of fashion" (Yoshimoto)

Regarding the pursuit of carbon neutrality through the cultural medium of fashion, Associate Professor Yoshimoto praised, "What’s amazing about HighChem is realizing this through a technological background. Nowadays, fashion consumption cycles are ever speeding up. HighChem doesn’t just follow surface-level changes when creating new products but has technology at its core. Clothing is an artificial object which humans have innovatively improved over the past thousand years using new materials and technologies. This is one of the oldest technologies we humans have worked on, and I believe HighChem’s technologies can help shape the future of this ancient industry.”

"Even with scientific advances, humans won’t lose the sense of texture" (Yoshimoto)
"The textile industry is the foundation of the Japanese economy; we need the broadcasting power of art to pass on technology" (Yuichi Taka)

Expanding on the relationship between the evolution of fashion and the "human mind," Associate Professor Yoshimoto remarked, "Humans are very flexible. Therefore, they will adapt as technology advances. But on the other hand, no matter how technologically advanced we humans enjoy camping, swimming in rivers, drinking and celebrating, and still talk about the pleasant feel of fabrics. I believe this remains the same even after 100 or 200 years from now. That, I believe, is culture."

Director Taka then spoke about the textile industry supporting fashion as culture, "Seeing the traditional crafts and technology theme of 'Craft × Tech' at the venue, I realized that the textile industry was in fact the foundation of the Japanese economy, and driving force before the war until the high economic growth period in the 80’s. However, if Japan’s population continues to decline and the market shrinks, the valuable technologies that are a treasure to humanity could be lost soon. To ensure these precious technologies are passed down, we need to leverage the broadcasting power of art and design."

The precious Spanish-style mansion in the heart of Tokyo served as the stage for an exhibition blending Japan's traditional industries with modern technology. This setting was fitting for the unveiling of Highlact®'s latest collection, which breathes new life into the textile technologies cultivated in Japan. Currently, HighChem's fashion division is actively expanding into the European market.

After the event, we spoke with Director Taka about how the connection with the "human mind" will be utilized in future developments.

Director Taka: "After visiting Europe several times, I have noticed a very high sensitivity to design and art. Many people in Europe recognize the excellence of Japanese products not just in the textile industry but across various fields. When considering how to address the challenges of carbon neutrality, it often comes down to discussions on efficiency and cost in the manufacturing process. While that is important, I believe it is also essential to tackle these issues using design, art, and a deeper understanding of the human mindset. The brand power of Japan's textile industry is impressive, even compared to other producing countries. We should strengthen this and continue to create attractive products with the help of 'Craft × Tech' and their insights."

With a strong technological background, Highlact® is poised for further growth in the fashion industry. Stay tuned for more exciting developments!