"KIMONOIST 2024" to be held

This year marks the fourth timeKIMONOIST2024"KIMONOIST" was launched in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and through this award, aims to establish the kimono, Japan's traditional dress, as a fashion culture beloved by adults in a sustainable and global way, amidst ever-changing aesthetics and values.
This year marks the fourth time the award has been held, and six people - Katase Rino, Moriguchi Yoko, Machida Keita, Shinoda Mariko, Hotta Akane, and Takahashi Daisuke - were awarded the "KIMONOIST 2024" title.
Be sure to check out the gorgeous kimonos that evoke each individual's personality.

■ Keita Machida
My first impression of this kimono is that it is a very urbane kimono, with a blue striped pattern scattered throughout the grey base. It doesn't have a haori cord, so it feels like wearing a jacket and is very easy to wear. I think it is a truly fashionable design that represents the modern era. I don't usually have many opportunities to wear kimonos, but I wear them often now for period drama appearances, so it feels very familiar to me.

■Daisuke Takahashi
It was my first time walking down the runway, so I was very nervous (laughs). I sometimes wear Japanese costumes in figure skating, and it really brought home to me the beauty of Japanese tradition. The kimono is elegant, not too simple, and has a slightly playful feel to it, which is similar to the feel of my everyday clothes and suits me very well. As both an athlete and an artist, I would like to try a new style that combines the Western style of figure skating with the Japanese style of kimonos.

■ Akane Hotta
I often travel overseas for TV shoots, and each time I get to experience firsthand the splendor of Japanese culture. I always receive compliments when I wear a kimono, and I hope to use this award as an opportunity to spread the appeal of kimonos. The kimono I'm wearing this time is called "Haizakura," a chic outfit that uses gray and pink. Up until now, I've often worn bright colors like red and blue, so this is very refreshing. I think it's one of the joys of seeing which kimonos suit me change as I get older.

■Mariko Shinoda
It was my first time walking the runway in a kimono. The kimono was based on deep black colors and featured a design of blooming roses. The yellow obi belt gave it an overwhelmingly trendy feel, and it brought out a graceful, feminine look. You may not have many opportunities to wear a kimono on a daily basis, but I think its appeal is that you can have fun matching it with different outfits, just like with Western clothes. I would love to wear one for my child's entrance ceremony, graduation ceremony, or other special occasions.

■Moriguchi Yoko
I often wear kimonos while filming dramas, and I've just become obsessed with kimonos, so I'm very happy to be able to share this as an award winner. I'd like to wear a kimono that brings out my coolness by incorporating a sweet and spicy image, and I'd also like to try wearing a fashionable kimono without compromising on elegance. If I become a permanent haiku master on the variety show "Pre-Bato" that I appear on, I would love to wear the kimono that I received this time.

■Rino Katase
Since my debut, I've had many opportunities to wear kimonos, starting with period dramas and now playing the shamisen. The kimono reminds me of a Brazilian butterfly, as if I could fly into the sky, and I feel like I want to disappear into the rain in Nishi-Azabu. (laughs) I've even worn a kimono on a cruise and enjoyed dinner and a disco. My friends sometimes ask me to wear a kimono when we go out to eat, so I hope to continue enjoying wearing cute outfits in the future.

■ Impressions from the interview
The kimonos, each incorporating the individuality and atmosphere of each of the six winners, were elegant and graceful.
The styling, which was inspired by the winners' aura and personalities, further enhanced their charm, and when they were shown off in their kimonos on the runway, it was breathtaking.
Kimono can be worn in a variety of ways depending on the accessories you combine with it, and I think it is a fashion that can be worn by people of all ages and genders.
It was a space where you could fully experience the charm of fashion as well as the preservation of Japanese culture.
Yusaki Matsuzaka, third-year student at Keio University

Student Newspaper Online October 8, 2024 Interview: Sophia University 3rd year student, Hina Shirasaka