KYOCERA Document Solutions
Tokyo, Japan – March 24, 2025 – Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. (President: Hironori Ando) is pleased to announce that fabric printed by the eco-friendly inkjet textile printer “FOREARTH”, which enables printing on a wide variety of fabrics, was adopted by Mr. Keisuke Nagami, founder and designer of Japanese fashion brand “HATRA”, and was presented at Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2025 AW on March 20th.
The collaboration this time was made possible by Keisuke Nagami, who actively embraces new digital technologies such as 3D cross simulation and generative AI. He recognized the innovative printing technology of FOREARTH, which allows for printing while maintaining the excellent texture of the fabric.
Keisuke Nagami studied couture*¹ at ESMOD*² in Paris and founded HATRA in 2010 after graduating from the Paris Master Course program in 2009. "HATRA" is known as a unisex brand that was among the first Tokyo brands to focus on the relationship between fashion and technology.
Recently, through the application of 3D cloth simulation and generative AI, the brand has proposed a new concept called “LIMINAL WEAR,” which perceives clothing as a space of boundary situations. Mr. Nagami is a promising designer who also won the "TOKYO FASHION AWARD 2025," the 10th edition of the award’s series.
We are always aware that the mass production of copies based on the original clothing in any form puts a considerable burden on the environment. But why do we continue to make clothes on a small scale? I'm always asking myself questions as I continue to create.
For example, in what I think should be a prototype for the "new normal", HATRA uses digital technologies such as 3D cross simulation and generative AI to continuously search for design methods that smoothly connects the entire production process. In the past, it was necessary to devise printing techniques and data formats according to the characteristics of the fibers, but with FOREARTH, we were surprised to find that the excellent texture was maintained even for fabrics such as triacetate and cupra, which were considered difficult until now. When I saw the processed samples, I felt that it was not only about making the process, but also about lightly expanding the possibilities of design, which have been narrowing unwittingly, such as "this pattern for this fabric."
For this collection, we tried to create complex color expressions that make you feel the glitter of transparent objects such as ice and glass. To create a visual "transparency," you need to create a subtle gradient. When I saw processed samples printed by FOREARTH, I realized the high reproducibility. And the best part is that it achieves a soft texture that was difficult to achieve with pigment ink. The texture of the fabric is not lost at all, and it is finished as if it was the original color.
This time, I got very good results with recycled polyester broadcloth*, but if it is possible next time, I would like to work on the application of more expressive materials. In the future, I hope to be able to build the future of clothing manufacturing, where textiles, patterns, printed designs, and even sewing are smoothly circulated.
In addition, unlike the conventional method, a large amount of water is not used, which means that it can be installed anywhere. This not only eliminates drainage problems, but also reduces transportation costs and promotes the updating of the garment manufacturing process itself. There are a myriad of new ways to add color, and with this alone, we can see the future.
This collaboration made me realize that great innovation is about inspiring creativity, not just imposing constraints for a purpose.
Inkjet Textile Printer "FOREARTH" – (More information can be found here.)
Through its FOREARTH sustainable inkjet textile printer, our company is continuously creating ways to contribute to the world of digital textile printing by solving various social issues facing the world with the power of technology and creating a better future.
Water pollution during textile printing has long been an issue in the apparel industry, and FOREARTH uses environmentally friendly materials and employs a printing technology that uses almost no water, thereby significantly reducing water consumption compared to conventional textile printing methods. We have also established a sustainable production process by reducing waste and improving energy efficiency. These efforts contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
We will continue to pursue innovation and promote positive changes across the industry to achieve a sustainable society.
List of outfits with fabric printed by FOREARTH
About Kyocera Document Solutions America, Inc.
Kyocera Document Solutions America, Inc. is a group company of Kyocera Document Solutions Inc., a global leading provider of total document solutions based in Osaka, Japan. The company’s portfolio includes reliable and eco-friendly MFPs and printers, as well as business applications and consultative services which enable customers to optimize and manage their document workflow, reaching new heights of efficiency. With professional expertise and a culture of empathetic partnership, the objective of the company is to help organizations put knowledge to work to drive change.
Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. is a group company of Kyocera Corporation (Kyocera), a leading supplier of industrial and automotive components, semiconductor packages, electronic devices, smart energy systems, printers, copiers, and mobile phones. During the year ended March 31, 2024, the company’s consolidated sales revenue totaled 2 trillion yen (approx. US$13.3 billion). Kyocera is ranked #672 on Forbes magazine’s 2023 “Global 2000” list of the world’s largest publicly traded companies, and has been named among “The World’s 100 Most Sustainably Managed Companies” by The Wall Street Journal.
