Hello everyone. My name is Chisato Tateno, 2025 Miss SAKE Japan.
On Friday, January 9, I had the honor of attending the 40th Awards Ceremony for Distinguished Contributions to Traditional Costume, held at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo), together with Kana Hazuma, Runner-up of the 2025 Miss SAKE competition.
About the Awards Ceremony for Distinguished Contributions to Traditional Costume
The Japan Folk Costume Culture Promotion Association is dedicated to sharing and deepening public understanding of Japan’s traditional attire, along with the techniques of dyeing, weaving, patterns, and design that have been passed down through generations. Recognizing the importance of preserving and studying traditional craftsmanship, the Association works to create an environment in which these traditions can be handed down to future generations through education, human resource development, and collaboration with local communities. In addition, from a perspective that transcends national and regional boundaries, the Association actively promotes international mutual understanding and peaceful exchange through Japan’s traditions.
This awards ceremony is one of the Association’s key initiatives, carried out in accordance with its founding principles. It honors individuals who have devoted many years to the promotion and public education of folk costumes and related fields, as well as artisans and researchers engaged in the preservation and study of traditional techniques. Award recipients are selected based on recommendations from experts in each field. The Association also provides forward-looking support and grants to enable recipients to continue their work, thereby encouraging their ongoing contributions.
Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa
New Year Special Lecture: “Imperial Kimonos: From the Meiji Era to Reiwa”
On this occasion, I had the privilege of attending a lecture titled “Imperial Kimonos: From the Meiji Era to Reiwa” delivered by Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa, Special Professor at the International Research Institute for Japanese Studies, Kyoto Sangyo University. After graduating from Gakushuin University, Princess Akiko pursued the study of Japanese art history at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, and in 2010 became the first female member of the Imperial Family to earn a doctoral degree.
Drawing on her own experiences, Princess Akiko offered invaluable insights into kimono culture within the Imperial Household. One particularly striking point was her observation that the practice of members of the Imperial Family wearing kimono in their present form is, in fact, a relatively recent development. Until the Edo period, Imperial attire was based on traditional styles inherited from the Heian period. However, amid the dramatic social transformations from the late Edo period to the early Meiji era—including the Taisei Hokan (return of governing authority to the Emperor), the Meiji Restoration, and the opening of Japan to the world—the promotion of Western dress was implemented as part of the nation’s modernization efforts. What was especially fascinating was the idea that even during wartime, the underlying principle was to remain “close to the people.” Emphasis was placed on developing the sericulture industry and increasing national benefit, leading to the adoption of simple and functional Western-style clothing made from domestically produced fabrics. Princess Akiko also noted that in the early stages of Westernization, the long hems of dresses bore similarities to the mo (train) of the formal twelve-layered kimono (junihitoe), which may have made such styles more readily accepted.
Toward the end of her deeply enlightening lecture, Princess Akiko spoke about the true meaning of “tradition.” The Japanese word for tradition, 伝統(dentō), is said to originate from 伝燈(dentō) meaning “the passing on of a flame.” Just as the light of a lantern must never be allowed to go out, tradition is something that is quietly yet surely handed down from master to disciple, like a continuous 糸(ito)=thread. This profound meaning, she explained, is embedded within the very word “tradition.”
I strongly felt that what is essential in passing Japanese traditions on to future generations is not only the outward “forms” of Japanese culture, but also the inner spirituality, aesthetic sensibilities, and the flexibility to embrace change while remaining rooted in history. As a Japanese person myself, I was deeply moved to reflect on what I should receive from the values and sentiments woven by those who came before us, and what I, in turn, should pass on to the future. I sincerely hope to continue sharing, with care and thoughtfulness, ways in which tradition can live and evolve alongside the times.
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Expanding Circles of Kimono Through the Kagami-biraki Ceremony
At the celebratory reception, we were honored to hear remarks from Mr. Shigetoshi Hara, Chairman of the Association, and Ms. Tomie Takeda, a Director of the Association. Following this, we were invited to take part, as Miss SAKE representatives, in a grand kagami-biraki (sake barrel opening) ceremony on stage. Before an audience of approximately 500 guests, the wooden mallets were brought down to the spirited chants of “Yoisho! Yoisho! Yoisho!” The moment the lid of the sake barrel was opened, the venue was filled with cheers. Sharing that memorable moment amid such excitement and unity was truly exhilarating.
The program continued with a performance of the Association’s original song “Kimono” by Mieko Sato, accompanied by an improvised kimono dressing performance titled “Hana no Mai.” The lyrics, imbued with the desire to pass kimono on to future generations, harmonized beautifully with the graceful movements of the dressing performed in time with the music, drawing warm applause from the audience.
Toward the end of the reception, a grand raffle was held featuring luxurious prizes. These ranged from practical kimono dressing accessories for everyday use to exquisite kimono and obi valued at several million yen. Each name called was met with enthusiastic cheers and congratulations from throughout the hall.
Through the 40th Awards Ceremony for Distinguished Contributions to Traditional Costume, I was deeply struck by the sight of so many attendees dressed in kimono, each garment carrying its own “story.” In recent years, opportunities to wear traditional attire have diminished due to factors such as cost, practicality, and changes in lifestyle. Yet the gathering of people in kimono within a single space vividly demonstrated how these garments hold personal histories and memories, connect people with one another, and lend renewed value and dignity to special moments. Being present on this occasion allowed me to rediscover the enduring power and potential that kimono still possess today, while also prompting me to reflect deeply on the importance of passing them on to the future.
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I was also delighted to meet instructors who have supported us through the Miss SAKE Nadeshiko Program and the kimono dressing at the final selection competition.
As Miss SAKE, this experience reaffirmed for me the importance of conveying not only Japanese sake, but also the cultures and customs nurtured within local communities and everyday lives—carefully sharing not only tangible forms, but also the thoughts, values, and traditions that lie behind them, and passing these on to the next generation. I will continue to sincerely communicate the profound depth of Japanese sake and Japanese culture through a wide range of opportunities.
Chisato Tateno
2025 Miss SAKE Japan
