ROYAL CHIE designer Chie Imai was awarded the Commander's Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland. The award ceremony was held on January 21 at the Finnish Embassy in Minato Ward, Tokyo. The award recognizes her longstanding dedication to fostering friendly relations between Finland and Japan through fur design. The Commander's Medal is the third of the seven awards in the Order of the Lion of Finland, following the Grand Class and First Class. Previous recipients include architect Kisho Kurokawa, but this is the first time a Japanese female fashion designer has been awarded the award. "As a revolutionary and innovative fur designer with a unique style, Imai has successfully combined her vision with the world-class craftsmanship of Finnish fur craftsmen," said Finland's Ambassador to Japan, Manu Virtamo. Upon receiving the medal and certificate from the ambassador, Chie Imai said, "I am deeply moved that my 33 years of dedicated work with Finland has been worthwhile. I owe it all to the support of everyone, including my staff."