Tokyo’s Newest Fashion Star is Changing the Conversation About Disability One Instagram at a Time

For Keita Tokunaga, fashion week isn’t just a series of shows and appointments; it’s a chance to express himself fully. Amidst the editors, models, and street muses at Tokyo Fashion Week Tokunaga’s presence resonates, thanks to his impressive outfits, but he’s more than just another attendee. An activist with congenital cerebral palsy, he’s raising awareness and shutting down stereotypes, one Instagram update at a time. On his page, Wheelchair Fashion, Tokunaga shares his work as a stylist while addressing the need for greater visibility for the disabled and increased access within design spaces.

<cite class="credit">Photo: Courtesy of Keita</cite>
Photo: Courtesy of Keita

Tokonaga was drawn into the industry after reading Japanese magazines like FRUiTS and TUNE from an early age. “After that, I just became a slave to fashion,” he says. After starting a blog while working a day job in engineering, he felt felt compelled to switch gears, and in 2014 transitioned to a full-time career in fashion by launching Lyuray, an online platform dedicated to Japan’s coolest emerging brands. A fan of labels like nozomiishiguro, FACETASM, and bodysong, he’s passionate about homegrown talent. “I think [Tokyo’s scene] very freeing,” says Tokunaga. “Fashion is the reason I came to Tokyo and it’s a community I feel I part of, one that is very fun.”

<cite class="credit">Photo: Courtesy of Keita</cite>
Photo: Courtesy of Keita

He launched Wheelchair Fashion in 2016, inspired by the work of trailblazing model Jillian Mercado. “When I began thinking of connecting with other people in wheelchairs, who are enjoying fashion around the world, Jillian’s presence was so big,” he explains. “She expresses herself in such a cool way, and without social media I wouldn’t have been able to know about her.”

<cite class="credit">Photo: Courtesy of Keita</cite>
Photo: Courtesy of Keita

Though his Instagram, Tokunaga has been able to develop a similarly stylish online presence. Whether he’s sharing images of himself in his bright red wheelchair as he makes his way down the runway at shows like RBTXCO (an experience he considered “a great honor”) or featuring his latest outfit of the day, he has become a force within his community—but he’s eager to do even more. “I would like to actively participate, [especially] if I have the opportunity to model or be in ads,” he says. “Just as I was influenced by Jillian, I think that it would be nice to see someone who is stimulated by seeing me.” No doubt his cult (but growing) following already is.

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