After seasons of stagnation, Japanese menswear is in the midst of an interesting transitional phase.

For some time now the style and success of Tokyo's lauded street- and casual-wear labels have failed to be reflected in the city's biannual fashion event. Add to this the recent announcement that N.Hoolywood and John Lawrence Sullivan — two of the capital's strongest brands — are ready to tackle bigger challenges, with the former heading to New York from next season and Arashi Yanagawa taking the latter to the glitz and glamor of style-capital Paris.

So, as we speak, it's out with the old and in with the new as this season's Japan Fashion Week bade adieu to old friends and welcomed some fresh prospects.