Nanao and Kis-My-Ft2's Taisuke Fujigaya selected for Best Jeansist 2016!

The Japan Jeans Council held the 33rd Best Jeanist 2016 Awards ceremony at Stella Ball in Minato Ward, Tokyo, on October 11th. In the "Public Selection Category," determined by nationwide public voting, Kis-My-Ft2's Taisuke Fujigaya was chosen as the male winner and model/actress Nanao as the female winner. Winners were also announced for the "Council Selection Category," recommended and selected by the council itself, and the "Public Newcomer Category," chosen by the broader public.

Nanao

The Best Jeanist Awards, organized annually since 1984 by the council comprising 42 companies including jeans manufacturers, aims to share the joy of wearing jeans and the significance of jeans products with a wider audience.

In the "Public Selection Category," out of a total of 121,609 votes cast via postcard and website, Fujigaya received 52,716 votes and Nanao received 25,831 votes. Fujigaya, winning for the third consecutive year, was inducted into the Hall of Fame as the eighth "Permanent Best Jeanist," following Takuya Kimura, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Ayumi Hamasaki, Kazuya Kamenashi, Kumi Koda, Masaki Aiba, and Rola.

Appearing in dark blue jeans he chose himself and a checkered shirt, Fujigaya expressed his gratitude: "Ever since I was a child, I've watched this award and thought it was cool, hoping to win it someday. Thanks to everyone's votes, I've been able to stand on this stage I've admired three times and achieve my dream of being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Thank you so much."

Nanao, beaming, said, "As a model, I always wanted to win an award related to fashion. Winning this historic Best Jeans Award means so much to me. My birthday is this month, and this is the best present I could have received."

Additionally, in the "Council Selection Category," actor Masao Kusakari, model and writer Moe Oshikiri, and comedian Naomi Watanabe were chosen.

Kusakari expressed relief, saying, "I wore jeans year-round since I was young, so I absolutely wanted this award. I was disappointed it never came to me. Finally, my dream has come true."

Oshikiri added, "I never imagined receiving this award in my mid-30s, so I'm filled with joy. Seeing all the famous people who have won it before, I can hardly believe I'm standing here now. Since jeans have been a constant part of my life since I was a child, I hope I can continue to be a woman who looks good in jeans." Watanabe also shared her joy, saying, "I don't think there's ever been a winner over 100 kilograms before, but I'm truly happy to receive such a wonderful award. Many plus-size people feel jeans don't suit them and avoid them, but my winning Best Jeanist has changed that era. Curvy women nationwide are buzzing with excitement." Each expressed their joy at winning.

Additionally, in the "General Newcomer Category," Yuki Hasegawa was selected as the Grand Prix winner and Naho Hagiwara as the Runner-Up. Furthermore, the popular anime "ONE PIECE" was awarded the "Special Contribution Award" for its significant contribution to stimulating demand for jeans, as its main characters wear and actively use jeans in the story.