Kozaburo Akasaka

Kozaburo Akasaka (born 1984) is a Japanese‐born fashion designer and founder of the label Kozaburo. He is recognized for blending Japanese craftsmanship and Western tailoring.

Early life and education Akasaka was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, and initially studied philosophy at Toyo University. He later earned a First-Class BFA in Menswear from Central Saint Martins in 2011, and completed an MFA in Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design in 2016.

Career Akasaka began his career working under Thom Browne in New York.

Kozaburo label (2011–present) He launched his own label, Kozaburo, in 2011 following graduation.

Collaborations & recent work Akasaka has worked with brands such as Wrangler, Vibram, Snow Peak, and collaborated on sustainability-driven projects like cycora® for SS2024.

Design philosophy Akasaka describes his work as a dialogue between Eastern spirituality and Western formality, presenting garments that celebrate imperfection, sustainability, and tradition merged with modernity.

Personal life Akosaka is based in New York and frequently travels between Tokyo, New York, and Japan for production and runway presentations.

Awards & recognition LVMH Special Prize, 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist, 2023