Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae received the Special Award at the Japan Jewelry Best Dresser Awards 2026 in Tokyo on 4/7. On stage, she wore a black dress with a white blazer, adorned with pearl and diamond earrings valued at approximately 1.8 million yen. She completed her look with a pearl necklace estimated at 8 million yen.

RX Japan, the event organizer, stated that the two jewelry pieces worn by Takaichi belonged to a domestic jewelry brand. The Japanese prime minister did not own them, wearing them only for the awards ceremony. Following the event, the jewelry was returned to the maker.

At the ceremony, Takaichi shared that she often wears pearl jewelry, keepsakes from her mother, during her overseas trips. She stated, "I want to promote the excellence of Japanese products, including jewelry, to the world. I will strive to ensure everyone sees a bright future for Japan." The Japanese prime minister noted that pearl cultivation and processing technology "demonstrates Japan's hidden strength."

Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae receives the Special Award at the Japan Jewelry Best Dresser Awards 2026 in Tokyo. Photo: Reuters

At the 37th edition of the event, several celebrities received awards in different age categories alongside Takaichi. Actress Minami Hamabe won in the 20s category, singer Atsuko Maeda in the 30s category, actress Marika Matsumoto in the 40s category, and actress Saki Takaoka in the 50s category.

Takaichi Sanae, born in 1961, is the first female prime minister in Japan's history. She holds a bachelor's degree in business from Kobe University. She has served as a minister for internal affairs, communications, economic security, science and technology policy, space, and intellectual property. According to Asia Business Daily, she has often impressed with her elegant, minimalist style. She frequently carries Hamano Grace Delight bags to support domestic fashion while cultivating an approachable yet professional image. Elle reports that the prime minister's fashion and lifestyle have created a "Sanae craze" (Sanakatsu) among Japanese youth.

The Japan Jewelry Best Dresser Awards is an annual event organized by the Japan Jewelry Association and RX Japan. Established in 1990, the awards honor influential domestic and international figures recognized by experts as the "most shining" or "best jewelry wearer" of the year. Awards are categorized by age. The Special Award category is typically reserved for influential figures such as heads of state, businesspeople, and athletes. Japan News reported that this event is not only about entertainment and fashion but also a celebration of Japanese jewelry craftsmanship, especially the art of pearl cultivation.

By Hoa Mi