It’s the country that’s given us Issey Miyake, Kenzo and Comme des Garcons. Now Japanese fashion is getting its due at London’s Barbican

Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion is a ground breaking exhibition, the first to explore the history of the countries’ avant-garde fashion. Over one hundred visionary pieces from the last three decades are displayed, many of which have never been seen in the UK. Learn how the cutting edge designs of Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto inspired European fashion, and watch footage of catwalk shows.

There’s also a programme of talks, performances, workshops and late-night events, with designers, writers and historians. On 6 November it’s the Cosplay Extravaganza, the chance to party with giant foxes, magical princesses and superheroes. 20 January celebrates all things kawaii (cute) with artist Rachel House and a workshop on bento boxes (lunchboxes to you and me). On 27 January meet designers Hiroyuki Horihata and Makiko Sekiguchi, two of Japan’s new generation of fashion talent.

Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion, Barbican Art Gallery, London runs until 6 February 2011; open daily 11am-8pm, Tues & Wed 11am-6pm, and every Thurs until 10pm; tickets available from Barbican.org.uk or call 0845-120 7550

Fashion secrets of the east