Mariko Shinoda, a former member of the idol group AKB48 and an actor, was awarded the KIMONOIST 2024 award, which is given to "people who want to wear the new and evolving 'kimono' of the future," and appeared at the awards ceremony held in Tokyo on October 8th.
Shinoda walked down the runway wearing a kimono styled with her image in mind. Holding the trophy, she expressed her joy, saying, "I am truly honored to receive such a wonderful award." Kimono designer Jotaro Saito was in charge of styling, and she said, "I am truly happy to wear this kimono that Jotaro designed and made for me from scratch, and I would like to work hard every day to become a woman with a strong core who can withstand the wind and rain so that I do not shame this atmosphere."
The KIMONOIST award was launched in 2021. This year marks the fourth time it has been held. The aim is for kimonos to become "sustainable and globally established." Other award recipients who attended the award ceremony included Katase Rino, Moriguchi Yoko, Machida Keita, Hotta Akane, and Takahashi Daisuke.
