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Human Made Launches Historic IPO on the Tokyo Stock Exchange

Human Made, the Japanese fashion label founded by NIGO—who currently serves as Creative Director of KENZO—has officially become the first streetwear brand in history to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The milestone marks a defining moment for the global fashion industry, symbolizing the maturation of streetwear from underground culture to a fully recognized, investment-ready sector.

A Major Financial Milestone for Streetwear

The IPO is expected to raise approximately $115 million USD (17.8 billion yen), arriving at a time when the Japanese stock market is experiencing record highs. Human Made’s ascent is driven by a steady and profitable business model rooted in consistent design values—setting it apart from more volatile, hype-centric streetwear labels.

This listing represents the first major public offering by a streetwear-focused brand since Montréal’s Groupe Dynamite in 2024, reinforcing the growing credibility of the category within traditional financial markets.

Creative Powerhouses Behind the Brand

According to The Business of Fashion, Pharrell Williams plays a pivotal role in Human Made’s success as both the second-largest shareholder and a creative advisor. The partnership between NIGO and Pharrell—two influential figures shaping modern fashion—has helped reinforce the brand’s global appeal and long-term viability.

Minoru Fukuda, partner and APAC co-leader for consumer goods and retail at consultancy Kearney, highlighted the strength of their collaboration: “This business that NIGO and Pharrell created is a very robust, strong, and profitable business.”

A Catalyst for Japanese Fashion and Global Expansion

Human Made’s successful debut is expected to accelerate its international expansion strategy and fuel potential merger and acquisition opportunities. Analysts believe this landmark listing could also inspire other Japanese fashion houses to pursue public offerings, signaling a new era of financial ambition within the country’s apparel sector.

The IPO underscores how authentic cultural influence—rooted in decades of streetwear evolution—can transform into sustained financial momentum. Human Made now stands as a case study in turning cultural credibility into long-term corporate growth, setting a powerful precedent for the global streetwear market.