LECIEN Corporation is holding "LECIEN Embroidery Exhibition 2026 – Expanding Expressions in Embroidery –" in Tokyo's Omotesando from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25, 2026.
The exhibition aims to introduce more people to the many forms of expression and possibilities that embroidery offers, and to create encounters between newcomers to the craft and the creators shaping the future of embroidery culture.
For this exhibition, an open call inviting entries from the general public — with materials supplied to participants — drew 509 applications. With interest running high, entrants are now preparing their pieces ahead of the submission deadline on Tuesday, September 15.
Bringing the Possibilities of Embroidery to More People
Embroidery can produce an enormous range of expression from familiar materials — thread and fabric. From pieces rooted in traditional technique to fashion, art, and three-dimensional work born from the free-ranging ideas of contemporary creators, its expressive range keeps growing. LECIEN Embroidery Exhibition 2026 lets visitors experience this diversity and its new possibilities firsthand through the works on display.
509 Applicants Join the Open Call
The open call drew applicants across two tracks:
- Themed Exhibition Course: 296 applicants
- Challenge Course: 213 applicants
- Total: 509 applicants
Participants are currently preparing and submitting their pieces, and after the entry deadline on Tuesday, September 15, further details on the number and content of the works received will be announced. The 509 figure reflects applicants to the open call in which materials were supplied.
Works by Professional Embroidery Artists
The venue will also display works by embroidery artists active across a range of fields. Through pieces born from each artist's distinct technique and sensibility, the exhibition highlights the breadth of expression embroidery can offer.
Participating artists: 8
Mini Talk Shows With the Artists
Mini talk shows with participating artists will be held during the exhibition. They'll cover what led each artist to their work, their approach to creating it, and how they came to embroidery — the kind of background that isn't visible from the pieces alone. Hearing the artists' own words alongside their work offers a chance to discover a new side of embroidery's appeal.
- Friday, October 23: 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM — Kazue Nakajima
- Saturday, October 24: 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM — atelier de nora
- Sunday, October 25: 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM — chiebaa (Chie Tanaka)
Collaboration With Bunka Fashion College
As a collaboration with Bunka Fashion College, the exhibition includes the "COSMO EMBROIDERY CONTEST," open to the college's current students. Under the theme "Expanding Expressions in Embroidery," the contest calls for embroidery works built on students' own free-ranging ideas, and award-winning pieces will be displayed at the exhibition venue. It's a chance to see how the next generation of creators approaches embroidery and the new forms of expression they bring to it.
Event Overview
Name: LECIEN Embroidery Exhibition 2026 – Expanding Expressions in Embroidery –
Dates: Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25, 2026
Hours: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Venue: GOBLIN. Omotesando SIDEWALK, 3-8-5 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo (DeLCCS Minami-Aoyama 1F-2)
Admission: Free
Organizer: LECIEN Corporation
The Thinking Behind This Exhibition
Embroidery still holds so much untapped potential — the expressions that emerge stitch by stitch, the dimensionality created where fabric and thread meet, and the one-of-a-kind expression born from each creator's own sensibility.
This exhibition hopes to give both longtime embroidery lovers and those who have never tried it a moment to think, "embroidery looks fun" or "I want to try this myself." Visitors are invited to experience the ever-expanding world of embroidery in person.
Featured Artists
In Japanese syllabary order
chiebaa (Chie Tanaka)
Creates original sashiko pieces that translate feelings of celebration and heartfelt wishes into pattern. Organizer of "Sashiko Summer Festival" and "Traveling Sashiko," continuing daily activities with sashiko enthusiasts across Japan. Author of "お祝いの刺し子布" (Boutique-sha).
DANIELA MARIBEL
Working under the concept that "something made with heart moves people's hearts," she creates made-to-order embroidery and costume pieces. Her work spans clothing, shoes, and accessories, and extends into interior pieces through varied materials and techniques.
yula
Began sharing her work primarily on Instagram in 2016. Her finely detailed handwork and richly colored embroidery pieces, posted daily, have won her many devoted followers. Author of numerous books.
Kazuko Aoki
Embroidery designer. After working at a color company, she studied in Sweden. Drawing inspiration from gardening, the flowers she grows, and her travels, she creates naturalistic embroidery. Author of many books, some of which have been translated and published overseas.
atelier de nora
Designs and creates embroidery pieces inspired by wildflowers. Sells work at exhibitions and runs embroidery classes and workshops. Author of "ボタニカル刺繍で楽しむ服と小物", "おうち時間を楽しむボタニカル刺繍", and "ことばを贈るボタニカル刺繍", among other books.
Hiroko Ishii
Embroidery artist and illustrator. Active since 2002 under the name "CAHIER." Has designed and produced numerous embroidery kits, and runs embroidery classes centered in the Kansai region.
Kazue Nakajima
Craft artist working across patchwork and other handicraft techniques. Known for felt pieces with playful motifs and embroidered prints, her idea-driven works have won a strong following. Author of "100ネエサン スタイルブック" (Graphic-sha) and other titles.
Mayumi Hasegawa
An embroidery artist who renders everyday sights and scenes in embroidery. Using thread and fabric, she carefully translates form, texture, and hazy remembered images into her work, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality that goes beyond the flat surface. Through embroidery, she shares the small discoveries and charms hidden in everyday life.
