Actress Ueto Aya made a guest appearance at Japan’s biggest kimono-centered event, the “Kimono Queen Contest 2011“.

“I’m sorry for interrupting.” That’s how Ueto made her surprising entry at opening of the event. After a short greeting, she introduced her gorgeous black kimono. She stated, “I chose a stylish and beautiful kimono with a fan and crane pattern for today.” Further, she introduced the theme of this year’s contest. “The theme for today is ‘wannabe adult’. I’m 25, I’m already becoming one,” she said with a smile.



She continued to talk about more things related to kimonos. “For my coming-of-age ceremony, my grandma gave me a light purple kimono with the pattern of a night-blooming cereus and added the brooch my mother was wearing for her coming-of-age ceremony. It’s a very precious item to me.” About the times she likes to wear a kimono, she replied, “Usually I like to wear a kimono when I’m going out for a meal or when I’m going to watch a play. It would be a dream if I could wear one every day. I think it’s a great privilege for women to be able to wear kimonos.”


Ueto also recalled her own first beauty contest, which became an important stepping stone to where she is now. “I was in sixth grade and completely felt out-of-place. However, I hate to lose and therefore came up with choreography and went up on stage. I worked hard for the prize, but knew that it would be impossible to win. I couldn’t believe it when they called my name. I didn’t know why I was chosen, but I was very grateful.”

It is already the 42nd year that the “Kimono Queen Contest” is being held in Japan. Ueto’s agency, Oscar Promotion, is sponsoring the contest in which girls have to properly dress and wear a kimono and look beautiful at the same time. College student Natsume Yuika was chosen as the queen, and another young woman, Sato Riho, won the Oscar Promotion Award, which could open the door to a promising career in the future.





source: tokyohive