Polo Ralph Lauren Celebrates 50 Years in Japan with “PoloFest” in Harajuku

To mark half a century of brand heritage in Japan, Polo Ralph Lauren has launched “PoloFest,” an immersive three-day cultural experience running from October 23 to 25 at the Yodobashi J6 Building in Harajuku, Tokyo. Conceived as a celebration of the community and global subcultures shaped by the brand, the milestone event highlights Polo’s enduring footprint across Asian street culture, international celebrity style, and vintage menswear archiving.

The opening of “PoloFest” drew a high-profile international guest list reflecting the brand’s cross-cultural resonance. Attending as official guests of the house were K-hiphop and K-pop artists Tarzzan and Jo Woo-chan from THEBLACKLABEL’s ALLDAY PROJECT, alongside Thai stars Becky Armstrong and Meen Nichakoon, and Singaporean singer-actor Benjamin Kheng.

The venue houses a curated archival exhibition chronicling five decades of Polo in Japan, accompanied by panel discussions led by influential figures in fashion history. Featured speakers and cultural icons include Thirstin Howl III, co-founder of New York’s historic Lo Life movement, photographer Tom Gould, fashion illustrators Hiroshi Watatani and Mr. Slowboy, and Yoshihito Murayama, founder of Tokyo’s renowned SAFARI vintage boutique in Kōenji.

A major focal point of the event is an international vintage market uniting prominent global collectors—including Jessica Gonsalves and Brian Procell of New York’s PROCELL, Laird Mackintosh of Thoroughbred NY, and Albie Robert of The Polo Archive. Emphasizing local craftsmanship and circular design, “PoloFest” also debuts exclusive upcycled pieces created by Japanese artists alongside limited retail drops, anchoring Polo Ralph Lauren’s classic American aesthetic within the heart of Tokyo’s vintage scene.

All images featured in this article are credited to owners . They are used for editorial and illustrative purposes only, with no commercial intent. All rights remain with their respective owners.