Yamamoto has won notable awards for his contributions to fashion, including the Chevalier/Officier/Commandeur of Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon,[3] the Ordre national du Mérite, the Royal Designer for Industry and the Master of Design award by Fashion Group International.

He gave up a prospective legal career to assist his mother in her dressmaking business, from where he learned his tailoring skills.

Yamamoto is known for an avant-garde spirit in his pieces, frequently creating designs far removed from current trends.

Yohji's collections are predominately made in black, a colour which Yamamoto has described as "modest and arrogant at the same time.

"[5] Poor decisions by finance managers pushed the brand into debts of more than US$65 million in 2009, which angered Yamamoto and led to a company restructuring from 2009 to 2010.

[13] Each year, an emerging Chinese designer will be awarded with a two-year scholarship to a fashion college in Japan or Europe, and a male or female Chinese fashion model will be selected to make a runway debut during the Paris prêt-à-porter season.

[17] His technique consists of wide cuts, often oversized, exotic and luxurious materials and elaborate handicrafts.