NEWS

On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, YTB Lab, a student organization selected under Project B, a program that supports student initiatives tackling social issues, held a fashion show at Millennium Hall. The event marked the culmination of approximately nine months of activities and featured traditional costumes from various countries created through the upcycling of discarded fabrics. Through a series of performances, students showcased the costumes to the audience.

YTB Lab is dedicated to preserving the beauty of traditional costumes from around the world by exploring new possibilities through upcycling. The project was inspired by opportunities to wear traditional attire at events such as Cultural Weeks at APU, where members became fascinated by the rich colors and unique designs of garments from different countries and regions. Motivated by a desire to share this beauty with a wider audience, the group also became aware of the large number of bed sheets discarded by accommodation facilities due to minor stains or wear and tear. This realization led them to launch a project that transforms unwanted fabrics into traditional costumes through upcycling.

As part of the project, YTB Lab collected donations of unwanted fabrics from local residents, including bed sheets, curtains, and tablecloths. The organization also held three workshops on campus, creating opportunities for students to experience upcycling while learning about YTB Lab’s mission.

In the first workshop, held with the cooperation of Ms. Masae Abe, representative of the Noboribata Project, participants used discarded promotional banners to weave obi belts for kimono. In the second workshop, participants experienced batik, a traditional Malaysian dyeing technique, and created their own fabric. In the third workshop, held with the cooperation of Mr. Tomohiko Yukihashi of Onsen Dyeing Laboratory, participants took part in an onsen dyeing workshop, providing them with a uniquely Beppu experience that utilized local hot spring resources.

At the fashion show, students wearing traditional costumes representing nine countries, India, South Korea, Thailand, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Japan, paraded through the venue one after another. Each costume was introduced in both Japanese and English, with explanations of the materials used, the production process, and the cultural background behind the garment. The presentations offered the audience an opportunity to appreciate both the potential of upcycling and the beauty of traditional cultures from around the world.

To help visitors appreciate not only the traditional costumes but also the beauty of different languages, the organizers incorporated narration in the languages of each country and region. The models performed in sync with the multilingual narrations, creating an immersive atmosphere that celebrated linguistic and cultural diversity. The venue was filled with an international ambiance where multiple languages and cultures intersected, making the event a vivid expression of APU's multicultural environment.

Comment from YTB Lab Representative Hanae Shibagaki (College of Asia Pacific Studies, 3rd year)

Through YTB Lab's activities, it was incredibly encouraging to see participants develop an interest in traditional costumes and upcycling. Creating new connections among students and members of the local community was also one of the project's greatest achievements.
When I first launched the project, I sometimes struggled to communicate my ideas effectively. However, through this experience, I learned the importance of reflecting on how I communicate before expecting others to understand my perspective. I also realized that when encouraging others to take action, it is essential to lead by example. Taking on this challenge helped me identify areas where I could continue to grow.
When taking on a new challenge, it is natural to feel uncertain about whether you will succeed. However, there are valuable lessons that can only be gained through the process itself. If you find something you want to challenge yourself with, I encourage you to take that first step.