AMNI, the Creator of Ano's Budokan Costume—Behind the Scenes of 'Wearing Emotions' as an Art Form

For AMNI, the costumes that grace the stage aren't just clothes—they are expression itself. Led by designer Fuka, their creations blur the line between fashion and art, capturing an artist's inner impulse through shape and texture. It’s like watching a fleeting emotion being sculpted into existence.

Symbolized by the outfit created for ano’s Nippon Budokan performance, “Noroi wo Kakete Maboroshi wo Toite,” in September, their work blends delicacy and power, reality and illusion, bringing a new dimension to the stage.

We sat down with the AMNI team to discuss the studio's origins, their creative process, and the future possibilities of 'costume expression.'”

We asked Fuka about the moment that first ignited her passion for creation.

“‘Making things’ has always been a part of my life. My parents are both floral designers, so our home was constantly overflowing with flowers and materials. It was less of a pristine flower shop and more of a beautifully chaotic space, filled with the scent of creativity. In that environment, I naturally started working with my hands. By the time I was in middle and high school, I was already selling my own handmade accessories in local variety shops.”

With creation as a constant in her life, it was a natural step for Fuka to attend a high school focused on design. After studying visual design, she set her sights on the world of fashion.

She recalls how the fashion magazines she discovered and the unique vintage clothing culture of Osaka's Amerikamura (Amemura) district in high school inspired her to become a creator in the fashion world.

What's truly astonishing is that Fuka had her heart set on becoming a fashion designer since elementary school. She was serious about her dream to 'one day design a costume for Lady Gaga,' and even kept a 'Gaga Design Notebook.'

“My first love was drawing, and I was determined to build a career around it. But I wasn't just interested in drawing on a flat surface; I wanted to bring my art to life in three-dimensional form. So, I started making clothes as a way to turn my art into a profession, which expanded my creative range. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been thinking about how to combine my passions to create something new. That mindset is the foundation of my work today. The drive to create from a place of 'love' has been a constant in my life.”

Later, in 2019, Fuka and Uma co-founded 'AMNI.' They expanded their vision in 2023 by launching the creative hub, AMNI Center Studio.

The brand name, AMNI, is derived from 'amniotic fluid,' reflecting their ambition to create a 'platform' that nurtures new creative life, transcending the boundaries of fashion and film.

“The creation of AMNI owes a great deal to my partner, Uma, who also leads our video team. We were classmates at a design-focused high school where I studied graphic design and he studied product design. Even back then, we were constantly talking about our creative projects.

I remember being completely blown away by an Anrealage show where Ichiro Yamaguchi from the band Sakanaction handled the music. The way fashion, music, and visuals came together was a revelation. I was so inspired by how seamlessly they fused different genres and I remember us saying, 'One day, we have to create something like that.'

A few years passed, and we had both carved out our own paths in fashion and video. Then we decided, 'It's time. Let's make something together.' That was the true beginning of AMNI.”

AMNI’s costume for ano’s first-ever performance at the Nippon Budokan, “Noroi wo Kakete Maboroshi wo Toite,” generated major buzz.

On a stage electric with emotion and fervor, all eyes were on ano, dressed in her AMNI creation. She was the very image of a deified 'ano-chan,' like a figure stepping out of mythology.

“We received the offer for the Budokan costume from the stylist, Momomi Kanda. This was actually the fourth outfit we’ve created for ano. It all began when she first rented some of our brand's pieces for a TV appearance. After that, we started getting requests to create custom costumes for her on special occasions.”

Kanda's request was simple: "Make it the most eye-catching outfit." Driven by a desire to honor that trust, Fuka took on the challenge with a design that pushed all boundaries.

"Visually, Ano is a character of almost otherworldly cuteness. But when you listen to her music and her words, you find this deep inner conflict and pain that she masterfully channels into her creative expression. I find that absolutely incredible.

I had a difficult time in my school days, so I really connect with that aspect of her. That's why I'm drawn to this 'villainous' quality that seems to seep out from beneath the surface—an element that 'cute' alone can't capture.

For this piece, I wanted to express the coexistence of 'cuteness' and 'distortion.' While it has a deceptively perfect silhouette at first glance, the design incorporates motifs of 'rust' and 'warping' to evoke emotions seeping out from within."

The striking blue and red outfit was created using a new technique of printing silicone onto fabric. A 'rust-like' texture appears on the surface, deliberately weaving distortion and noise into the design, challenging the idea of perfect beauty.

Another deeply impressive feature is the massive bone wings. They amplified Ano's presence on the circular stage, creating the ethereal atmosphere of an angel descending from the heavens.

The bone motif, a signature element of the AMNI brand, embodies the hope that people will express their 'true selves'—the ones hidden within—and transform that authenticity into the confidence to live freely.

"The bone wings were designed around the motif of a 'broken Cupid.' They represent the brokenness and distortion hidden behind a cute cherubic facade. It's about that human quality—appearing as a picture-perfect ideal on the outside, but being broken within.

The bone wings were actually so heavy that they broke during a rehearsal just four days before the show. Although the materials are lightweight, there's a steel pipe core, and the centrifugal force pulled them backward, making them heavier than they appeared. We had special effects artist Mukai Nobutaka rebuild the frame, and the first time Ano wore the revised version was at the final rehearsal on the day of the performance.

The performance was the first time Ano had ever danced while wearing the wings. We all watched, holding our breath. The internal structure was as tight as a corset, making it difficult to breathe. There was even talk of abandoning the wings, but Ano refused to give up, continuing to make adjustments right up to the last second.

I believe the performance came together thanks to everyone's shared commitment to 'see it through, no matter what.'"

AMNI's Challenge and Creating for the World

While offers from idols and artists continue to pour in, AMNI also runs an apparel line through its online shop. The goal of this line is to create clothing that can be enjoyed like wearable art—pieces that blend seamlessly into daily life while adding a subtle touch of uniqueness and excitement.

From fashion to film, AMNI continues to inspire with its wide range of creative work. So, what challenges do they plan to take on next?

"First, we want to introduce the brand to an international audience. Through that experience, we hope to connect with people who appreciate the more artistic and conceptual aspects of our work.

I recently made my first research trip to Paris and London, where I got to interact with the locals and show my pieces to people in the fashion industry.

We're also planning to team up again with special effects artist Mukai Nobutaka, who worked with us on the Budokan outfit. Together, we want to transform our current atelier and video studio into a space that is bursting with our unique worldview. We're thinking of incorporating elements like large trees and rock faces to create a sculpted environment that feels like stepping into another dimension."

Just as amniotic fluid envelops a life to bring forth a new being, AMNI will continue to evolve and create as a "place where new forms of expression are born."