Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi received a special award at the 37th [1] Japan Jewelry Best Dresser Awards during a ceremony in Tokyo on Saturday [1].
The honor highlights the intersection of national fashion and diplomacy, as the jewelry industry recognized Takaichi for her consistent use of pearls in official settings.
Industry voters selected Takaichi as the person who is "most shining" and best suited for gemstones [2]. The award specifically cited her habit of wearing pearl accessories during high-profile engagements, including a recent summit with Prime Minister Modi of India [1].
As part of the special prize, Takaichi was presented with a necklace valued at 8 million yen [1] and earrings valued at 1.8 million yen [1]. Both pieces feature diamonds, and white South Sea pearls.
Takaichi attended the event shortly after returning to Japan from India on the night of July 3 [1]. During the ceremony, she wore heart-shaped gold pearls, which she linked to the quality of domestic production.
"These heart-shaped gold pearls I am wearing today were each carefully raised using Japanese aquaculture technology and are delivered worldwide," Takaichi said [1]. She said the technology represents "Japan's underlying strength" [1].
The jewelry industry's selection process involves voting to determine which public figures most effectively showcase the beauty of gemstones [2]. Takaichi's preference for pearls has become a signature element of her public image, which the committee noted as a primary reason for the award [1].
“The award specifically cited her habit of wearing pearl accessories during high-profile engagements.”
This award underscores the role of 'soft power' in Japanese diplomacy, where the Prime Minister uses traditional and domestically produced luxury goods to project national identity and industrial excellence on the global stage.
