Sporting a pair of jeans and sneakers, Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba ditched his usually solemn demeanour for a fashion show to tout a “cute, lively and cool” Japan.
Surrounded on stage by members of an all-girl pop group, Shigeru Ishiba made a surprise appearance at the Tokyo Girls Collection – a popular fashion festival.
“I think it would be wonderful if an event like this gains more traction, to make Japan cute, lively and cool,” Ishiba said, posing alongside “Myaku-Myaku” – the expo’s red-and-blue mascot.
The stunt came as polls showed his approval ratings recovering after he got through his first face-off with US President Donald Trump last month with no major disaster.
Domestically though, Ishiba’s minority government continues to face the challenge of convincing parliament to pass a budget for the new fiscal year starting in April.
Ishiba took office last year before leading his ruling coalition to a loss of its majority — the first since 2009 — in October snap elections.
Ishiba arrived at the Tokyo Girls Collection in a double-breasted blazer, denim trousers, white sneakers and stylish black-rimmed glasses.
The surprise change of attire received a big cheer of approval from other guests, performers and the audience.
The fashion show, which was held at Tokyo’s National Yoyogi Stadium First Gymnasium, is billed as one of Japan’s most prestigious fashion events.
Ishiba, whose key policy goals include revitalisation and making “a joyful Japan,” said he supports effort towards making a “cute, energetic and cool” Japan and that he hopes such events to become even more lively across the country and even spread outside the country.
Speaking to reporters later in his usual business suit, Ishiba said it was his first time speaking to a mostly young female audience at a fashion show.
“I was extremely nervous,” he said, adding he had been comforted by the support of the comical mascot with a tail.
Ishiba is believed to be the first Japanese prime minister to appear in the Tokyo Girls Collection, which is marking its 20th anniversary.
Agencies
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