VOUTRAIL 's Educational Philosophy
4SPECIAL STRENGTH
Four strengths of VOUTRAIL and why it's the right choice
From April 2026, OSAKA INSTITUTE OF FASHION will be...
We will be changing our school name to VOUTRAIL THE FASHION ACADEMY.
In the ever-changing fashion industry,
As a one-of-a-kind fashion school with its own identity and unique educational methods
We have been leading Japan from Osaka, but now we are heading out into the world!
With pioneers of the times who bring about the latest creations,
As a "holy land" where future trendsetters who will pioneer new trends are born,
VOUTRAIL will now begin to weave a new era.
VOUTRAIL's unique
Educational Methods
Hybrid European-Japanese education
Our school has established a unique educational method that combines the best of Europe and Japan.
The European approach that emphasizes idea creation,
By effectively combining Japan's sophisticated production techniques, the company has received high praise both at home and abroad.
By studying at our school, you will develop free imagination and the solid technical skills to turn it into reality.
Global Standard
Idea Creation
Authentic European design ideas
Fashion schools overseas, mainly in Europe, originated as art schools. Therefore, their education places emphasis on idea creation, that is, design ideas. They leave the actual production of the clothes to technicians, and focus on creating originality through new ideas. Our school has built a unique curriculum by effectively combining the essence of European education with the Japanese education system.
The world's most sophisticated production technology
Based on Japan's strengths, sewing technology
Many of Japan's fashion schools originated as "dressmaking schools." Therefore, education is based on how to properly make clothes, such as sewing and making patterns. Combined with diligence and dexterity, Japanese fashion production techniques have become one of the best in the world. At our school, which has its roots in Mikuni Dressmaking Girls' School, founded in 1946, you can of course learn the high level of production techniques that are a strength of the Japanese style.
The value of learning in Kansai, the city of manufacturing
The Kansai area is home to many leading textile and dyeing production areas. Due to its historical background of being the home of the ancient capital of Kyoto, the surrounding Kansai region is dotted with a variety of textile and dyeing production areas, which continue to develop in their own unique ways. Visiting production areas and experiencing the outstanding techniques of skilled craftsmen will give birth to new ideas. Kansai, where rich traditions and innovation live on, continues to disseminate new value to the world as an important base for "manufacturing."
Industry leader
"VOUTRAISM" from the teacher
Learn!
There are two main approaches: the "Japanese style," which emphasizes technical guidance in manufacturing, and the "European style," which focuses on the sensibility that forms the foundation of creativity and design ability.
The "VOUTRAIL Method," which fuses both of these approaches, is led by a team of highly experienced and accomplished teachers and instructors.
Professionals from diverse fields will impart immediately applicable skills and knowledge, bringing out strong individuality that can thrive on a global stage.
Akira Sugiyama
Design and Brand Planning Manager
Creative Director and Head of Academic Affairs
POLIMODA Collection Design MA (Graduated at the top of her class)
It doesn't rely on talent or drawing skills.
'VOUTRAIL style' design concept
"In Japanese fashion education, 'design = drawing pictures' is the general understanding, but overseas, 'design = research.' Drawing on my experience studying abroad, I've established a unique educational method at our school that emphasizes the design process. Even if you have no talent or experience, that's okay! At VOUTRAIL, you'll definitely acquire the skills to design."
One step ahead of the rest
A practical program to develop work-ready capabilities
The Kansai area is home to many leading textile and dyeing production areas. Due to its historical background of being the home of the ancient capital of Kyoto, the surrounding Kansai region is dotted with a variety of textile and dyeing production areas, which continue to develop in their own unique ways. Visiting production areas and experiencing the outstanding techniques of skilled craftsmen will give birth to new ideas. Kansai, where rich traditions and innovation live on, continues to disseminate new value to the world as an important base for "manufacturing."
Miki Kojima
Special Faculty and Strategic Super
The former editor-in-chief of "Soen"
Joined as a special faculty member
Powerful support for design education
"I give inspiring talks to students based on the scenery I have seen and the sensitivities I have encountered while editing fashion magazines. I believe individuality comes from pursuing what you love, but that is why I want students to notice their own talents rather than chasing after others. If you have the courage to try something unprecedented, you will have an unlimited number of ideas. How can you express the things inside of you that you can't find by searching? It is my role to bring out the opportunity for that to happen."
Oleg Mitrofanov
Visual Communication Manager
Graduated from Central Saint Martins University
Former permanent lecturer at Central Saint Martins/University of the Arts London
Former permanent lecturer at Central Saint Martins
Direct guidance! World-class portfolio
"What I aim for in my classes is to help students improve their "portfolios." At European fashion houses, the completion of a "portfolio" that shows the design process is key in all situations, including when recruiting. New creations cannot be born from the same ideas as others! Research with a free sensibility and unique perspective without being bound by stereotypes, and acquire the skills to express yourself without relying on your sense or artistic ability."
Design education
Supporting faculty
We have many talented teachers who have studied fashion at prestigious schools overseas, such as in Italy and the UK!
While staying in Japan, you can develop a European sensibility and imagination, expanding the possibilities and future of your creations.
Ayana Horai
POLIMODA MA
Design and Brand Planning
Rina Sawayama
POLIMODA BA Completed
Fashion Design
Keika Ueyama
Istituto Marangoni MA
Fashion design
TEACHERS / LECTURERS
List of teachers/lecturers
In addition to faculty members with many years of teaching experience, our instructors include many professionals who are active at the forefront of the fashion industry.
We carefully teach knowledge and techniques that can be put to use in the field.
We have strong connections with the industry and often receive practical training at fashion sites, so you can acquire the skills you need to be able to work immediately.
List of teachers/lecturers
Kayomi Ii
styling
Beauty Coordination
Emika Ueyama
Fashion drawing
Creativity
Akane Okamura
Pattern Products
Fashion Technology
Kaito Kubo
Pattern Products
3D Modeler
Reina Kuroki
Pattern Products
CAD
Miki Kojima
Contest Preparation
Akiko Kojo
sample making
Keiko Sasaki
Haute couture
Apparel Product Training
Rina Sawayama
Design/brand planning
Kimiko Shimogishi
Sample making
Knit Creation
Akira Sugiyama
Design/brand planning
Sachie Takagaki
Buying skills
Sales Management
Naoko Doi
graphic design
Saki Nakamura
styling
Brand production planning
Rui Fukunaga
Brand merchandising
Long-term shop plan
Ayana Horai
Design and Brand Planning
Creative Design
Kaori Masago
Styling and shaping
Product Production
Masuoka Ryunan
Sales work
Retail Merchandising
Miyuki Maruyama
Promotion work
Coordination
Noriko Miyake
Pattern Products
Technical Patterns
Takako Murata
Pattern Products
CAD
Kaori Yamamoto
pattern products
Kaori Amano
hair makeup
Ikuko Ishii
Hair & Makeup
Representative of LÉVRE
Mariko Ishikawa
business communication
manners
Ryujo Itakura
Styling Research
stylist
Naoko Ito
Brand Merchandising
Hidemi Ueda
pattern products
draping
Megumi Urashima
children planning
children pattern making
Hiroshi Eidome
mens pattern making
Haruko Ohashi
Apparel Product Exercise
Kazumi Okada
Personal Branding
Fashion Stylist
Oleg Mitrofanov
portfolio
Visual Research
Asami Kawamoto
pattern products
Miki Kimoto
pattern products
draping
Hideko Kotani
coordination theory
Yurika Sanemitsu
Consulting Sales
Miwa Takenouchi
sample making
Naoko Tsutsui
Western clothing history
Tomoko Teramura
personal color
Mieko Toyone
fashion drawing
Misuzu Nakajima
sample making
Manabu Nariha
Media Communication
Salt & Pepper Medias
Creative Director
Yumi Niijima
sample making
Chieko Nishida
sample making
Yumiko Nishida
marketing
Maki Nishiyama
fashion color
Shinsuke Nomura
digital marketing
web shop management
Emi Hattori
pattern products
Sachiko Hamasaki
Pattern Product
UD Design "Fuyu"
Ayaka Hirota
fashion design
Misato Fukunishi
styling
stylist
Sakurako Fujii
graphic design
Mai Fujiwara
drawing
graphic design
Hiroyuki Makino
styling photo
Representative of SEVEN TRAIN
Keiko Matsumoto
fashion drawing
Yukie Matsumoto
Trend Research
MADLANG BAYAN PAMERA
Fashion Drawing
graphic design
Shoko Baniwa
hair makeup
Style Creation Co., Ltd.
Ikuko Mawaki
pattern products
Eika Miki
fashion design
Masako Mizuma
sample making
Ako Michinaka
VMD
VISUAL MERCHANDISING
STUDIO Co., Ltd.
Kirina Mori
Creativity
Sayo Yamada
fashion drawing
Shigeki Kashima
Men's & Sports Planning
Fashion Drawing
Ayumi Aizawa
Styling test
Representative Director of A2 Co., Ltd.
Nobue Isono
NY Information
Representative of Nova International Services
Taku Kawai
Introduction to Digital Transformation
Representative Director of FRI & Company, Ltd.
Satoshi Sakai
Introduction to AI
President of New Rope Co., Ltd.
Shu Suzuki
Social Media Marketing
Horipro Digital Entertainment Inc.
Ryohei Yotsumoto
Startup Production
CEO of PLAY Inc.
Yoshimichi Nakamura
Fashion trend information
Japan Trendy Color Association
fashion director