TOKYO, Japan — The 37th Japan Best Jewelery Dresser Awards brought together some of Japan’s most influential figures on July 4 at Tokyo Big Sight, recognizing celebrities and public leaders whose achievements, style, and public presence have made them outstanding ambassadors for the jewelry industry over the past year.
Presented annually since 1990, the prestigious awards honor individuals regarded as the year’s “most brilliant” personalities and those who best embody the elegance and sophistication of fine jewelry across multiple generations and special categories.
One of the ceremony’s defining moments came as Sanae Takaichi received the Special Award. According to the organizers, she became the first person to have served as Japan’s prime minister to receive the honor.
Accepting the award, Takaichi said she hoped to work tirelessly so that “just like the brilliance of these jewels, people across Japan can believe the country’s future is bright.”
For the ceremony, Takaichi wore loaned pearl-and-diamond jewelry consisting of earrings valued at approximately ¥1.8 million and a necklace valued at approximately ¥8 million. Following the event, the organizers clarified that the jewelry had been temporarily loaned by a Japanese jewelry company exclusively for the awards ceremony and was returned immediately afterward. They also confirmed that the Prime Minister received only a commemorative certificate and trophy, and no jewelry or monetary prize.
During the post-ceremony press conference, Takaichi spoke about the pearl jewelry she personally owns and frequently wears during official duties, revealing that many pieces were inherited from her late mother. She explained that several necklaces had been redesigned into earrings and other accessories so they could continue to be cherished while highlighting Japan’s long-standing excellence in cultured pearl production and craftsmanship.
The ceremony also recognized some of Japan’s biggest names in entertainment.
Actress Minami Hamabe received the 20s Generation Award, marking her second Japan Best Jewellery Dresser Award after first winning the Teen Category in 2019. Wearing sapphire and diamond jewelry valued at more than ¥14 million, Hamabe admitted she still felt nervous wearing one-of-a-kind high jewelry despite her previous experience.
Reflecting on what jewelry means to her personally, she explained that she often purchases pieces as promises to herself—symbols of the goals she hopes to achieve and reminders to become someone worthy of wearing them.
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2026, Hamabe said her primary objective is successfully completing filming for her upcoming historical television drama while maintaining her health throughout the production. Smiling, she added that she hopes to continue working hard enough to earn another Best Jewelery Dresser Award in her 30s.
Actress and former AKB48 member Atsuko Maeda also celebrated her second Japan Best Jewelery Dresser Award, receiving the 30s Generation Award while wearing a stunning yellow diamond necklace valued at approximately ¥6 million and a matching ring worth around ¥2 million. Actress Marika Matsumoto claimed the 40s Generation Award, attracting attention with diamond jewelry valued at approximately ¥150 million, including a necklace worth around ¥50 million and a ring valued at nearly ¥100 million.
The 50s Generation Award went to veteran actress Saki Takaoka, who appeared in elegant diamond earrings and necklace valued at nearly ¥17.5 million.
Meanwhile, entertainer Koichi Domoto received the Special Entertainer Award, wearing an impressive ruby and diamond necklace alongside a sapphire-and-diamond brooch with a combined value exceeding ¥17 million.
The Japan Best Jewelery Dresser Awards continue to serve as one of the country’s premier events celebrating both the jewelry industry and the public figures who embody elegance, achievement, and timeless style. By bringing together leaders from politics, film, television, and music, the annual ceremony also highlights the artistry of Japanese jewelers while promoting appreciation for fine jewelry both domestically and internationally.
Award Winners
- Special Award: Sanae Takaichi
- Special Entertainer Award: Koichi Domoto
- 20s Generation: Minami Hamabe
- 30s Generation: Atsuko Maeda
- 40s Generation: Marika Matsumoto
- 50s Generation: Saki Takaoka
Official Links
- Japan Jewelery Fair / Japan Best Jewelery Dresser Awards: https://www.jewelry-fes.jp/tokyo/ja-jp/awards.html
