The National Ainu Museum and Park (Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido; Director: Masahiro Nomoto) will hold its 12th Special Exhibition, "Kosonte and Ruunpe," from Saturday, September 19, 2026, to Monday, November 23, 2026 (public holiday). "Kosonte" is the formal attire of the Ainu people. The name is an Ainu word derived from "kosode," the prototype of the kimono. The kosode, worn by samurai women in Honshu, became an attire worn by Ainu men during ceremonies. Furthermore, the fabric is also utilized in the patterns and decorations of "Ruunpe," transforming into new clothing. The fabrics and threads used are incredibly diverse, and the selection of materials, combination of colors, and creation of patterns reveal the sensibility and creativity of each maker. This exhibition introduces the colorful world of fashion born from the exchange between the Ainu and Honshu through kosonte (Hokkaido) and ruunpe, while also focusing on the techniques and expressions passed down to the present day. Ruunpe, from the collection of the Kushiro City Museum. 1. Exhibition Content Chapter 1: Kosonte Kosonte uses dyed and woven items from various periods, including kosode worn by samurai women and stage costumes. Among them is a precious kosode from the Azuchi-Momoyama period, passed down as "kosonto" (Sakhalin Ainu) in Sakhalin. Additionally, kamuy (deities) wearing kosonte frequently appear in sacred chants, indicating that it was an important garment in Ainu culture. This chapter showcases existing kosonte and kosonto. Kosonte, from the collection of the National Ainu Museum and Park. Kosonte, from the collection of the National Ainu Museum and Park. Chapter 2: Kosonte and Ruunpe Kosonte was not only worn but its fabric was also carefully utilized. Ruunpe exhibits diverse expressions, such as large decorations made from kosode fabric and patterns created by cutting the fabric into thin strips. Old materials, known to have been collected by museums in the 18th century, also extensively use ko