The "VOGUE JAPAN Women of the Year 2016" awards ceremony was held in Tokyo on November 24th, with Takahata Mitsuki, Watanabe Naomi, and Rio de Janeiro Olympic women's 200-meter breaststroke gold medalist Kaneto Rie in attendance.
The award is given to women who have been active in various fields that year, and who inspire readers with their style, lifestyle, and beauty, and who are expected to be successful in the future. This year, the 12th year of the award, eight people were selected: actress Ando Sakura, swimmer Kaneto Rie, actress Kimura Yoshino, Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko, ballerina Takada Akane, actress Takahata Mitsuki, author Murata Sayaka, and comedian Watanabe Naomi. Takahata smiled and said, "I'm feeling nervous, a bit uneasy, and embarrassed. This year has been so hectic. Everyone around me is moving at a rapid pace, but I've been so quiet, it's like I'm in the middle of a typhoon. It's been a strange year. Now, it feels like it's not just me, but I'm standing here in such a glamorous place. I want to become a cool, beautiful woman who is worthy of this award." Watanabe, who appeared in a homemade dress inspired by Akebia, said, "I've studied abroad in New York, gone on a world tour, and done what I wanted to do, ignoring the opinions of those around me. I've always run ahead without knowing whether something was right or wrong, but receiving this award makes me feel like I've done the right thing, and I'm really happy. In the future, I want to obtain various qualifications as a person. Right now, the thing I want to do most is get my driver's license. I want to shine again next year and drive a Lexus." She drew laughter and expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "I want to perform my material in various countries, including Asia." "I chose a dress that would show off my tan and swimsuit marks on my back, which are proof of my hard work," said Kaneto. "I don't usually wear dresses, and I'm not escorted by a handsome man, so it was embarrassing. I was sweating even in the snow, but I had a really wonderful time. I'm really glad I worked hard. I've struggled with many things this past year, but from now on, I want to become a wonderful woman worthy of this trophy." Also, Murata, who won the Akutagawa Prize this year for "Convenience Store Woman," said, "Being a novelist is a humble profession. It's strange, but it's very encouraging, that the work I've been writing modestly at convenience stores and coffee shops on my way home has brought me to such a glamorous place. I want to continue writing sincerely about the suffering of women." Ando said, "Ever since I was little, I've been committed to living as a living being, regardless of gender, but turning 30 this year has made me think about how I can change and live my life as a woman. Winning this award at this time is encouraging and gives me a boost." Kimura said, "I first encountered Vogue when I was 14 years old and living in the United States. I bought and read American Vogue every month, so I'm very happy to receive this award."
Koike and Akane Takada were absent. Koike, who appeared via video, commented, "It's been a turbulent year, but I hope people will say they're glad I was chosen."
The "Rising Star of the Year 2016" award ceremony, given to a new generation of women who are expected to make a big impact in the fashion scene both in Japan and abroad, was also held, and model Rina Fukushi, who has appeared in collections in New York, Milan, and Paris, was selected. Fukushi said with a smile, "It's been just under three years since I became a model. Time has flown by, and I haven't had time to look back. I still have a long way to go. I want to continue doing various jobs, and I want to show my gratitude to everyone by doing great work."
