The 2012 London Olympic Games is just around the corner, starting from the end of July. Hiroko Koshino designed the uniform of the Olympic games for the Japan National Gymnasts. The designer adopted design essence which may emphasize the dynamism and elegance upon performance. Please pay attention to their performance as well as the costume that have a national flag of Japan motif.
Hiroko Koshino had a chance to visit "Odagaisama Center" a meeting place for people living in temporary house because of the Great East Japan Earthquake.She spent a heartwarming moment with the people, talking about NHK drama ''Carnation''.
A special exhibition titled 'Ayako Koshino & Three Koshino Sisters' will be held at KINTETSU department store, Abeno shop from May 10th to 16th. NHK drama ''Carnation'' is still hugely popular among wide range of people, even now, one month after the end of TV drama. The clothes made by Ayako Koshino, which is actually worn in the drama will be displayed as well as some costumes made by Three Koshino Sisters. Please drop in and enjoy the exhibition when you happen to come this area.
http://www.d-kintetsu.co.jp/store/abeno/promo/koshino_ayako/index.html
Nipponmaru is a cruise ship which offers various types and length of tours both inside Japan and overseas. In the afternoon of Saturday, April 7th, the middle day of its three-days non-stop cruise to Izu Islands, Hiroko Koshino gave a talk show for passengers. The theme of this talk show being 'Designing Life', More than 200 audience gathered in the vessel's hall and listened to Hiroko's talk on how she grew up to become a fashion designer, and on her philosophy of being a business person as well as being a creator. After the talk show, the designer signed on her essay Danjiri Kachan to Akantare Hiroko (Danjiri Mother and Wimpy Hiroko) and comic Danjiri Kachan to Koshino San-Shimai (Danjiri Mother and Three Koshino Sisters) for those who purchased these books on the site.
A book introducing HIROKO KOSHINO brands and the designer's private life, including her own coordinate and talks with her two daughters, has been published from Takarajimasha, Inc. This magazine-style book, with supplement of an original tote bag, is available at bookstores nationwide with 1,500 yen (tax included). Please pick up to enjoy Hiroko's world!
Poet Ms. Toyo Shibata began her poetry in her 90's. She had posted her poems on newspapers and captured so many hearts. Her debut anthology "Don't be Discouraged" marked million seller in 2010 and has been translated into many languages. Now an exhibition of her poems, written in brushstrokes by well-known people from different fields including Hiroko Koshino, for rehabilitation fsupport rom March 2011 east Japan earth quake disaster is scheduled as follows. Please go see and enjoy this inspiring event.
From Wednesday, March 28th, through Tuesday, April 3rd: at Ikebukuro Seibu Department Store, 2nd floor
From Saturday, June 16th, through Sunday, July 29th: at Tochigi Kura no Museum
From Wednesday, August 1st, through Sunday, August 12th: at Osaka Takashima, grand hall on 7th floor
From Wednesday, August 29th, through Sunday, September 9th: at Sogo Department Store Kobe brunch
From Wednesday, December 19th through Monday, February 25th, 2013: Kami Municipal Yanase Takashi Museum
*Schedule is subject to change.
An collaboration event of two popular NHK programs, drama "Carnation" and educating program "Suteki ni Handomeido (wonderful handmade)," was held on Sunday, March 4th. At the Latter half of the event, Hiroko Koshino gave a talk show answering to sharp queries from NHK announcer Ms. Megumi Kurosaki. The designer provided episodes such as memories of her mother Ayako and her sisters Junko and Michiko, and inside stories of "Carnation," which attracted some 500 audiences.
Hiroko Koshino gave a talk show at Osaka Takashimaya in the afternoon of Saturday, March 3rd. Having professional freelance reporter Mr. Masaki Yoshimoto as an interviewer, Hiroko talked on her life as a fashion designer, hidden episodes behind the now-showing TV drama "Carnation" (which depicts her mother's life) and her artistic activities. The audience, mostly clients of HIROKO KOSHINO, seemed to be extremely amused by the designer's talk, which were drawn out by fine questions from Mr. Yoshimoto who has been close to Hiroko and her family members including Hiroko's late mother, Ayako.
We are honored that NHK drama "Carnation" is gaining great sensation, even now when the story is reaching the final phase. Latter half volume of drama novelization is scheduled to be released in store from Tuesday, February 28th. This final volume portrays three daughters of the heroin of Itoko Ohara growing up and creating their own history as well. Hiroko Koshino, who is a model of Itoko's eldest daughter Yuko, offers a comment to the belly band of the book. Please check it out at bookstores.
NHK Renzoku TV Shosetsu Carnation (NHK serial TV drama Carnation) Vol. 2 (the latter half)
Created by Aya Watanabe / Novelized by Mika Toyoda / Published by NHK Shuppan (Japan Broadcast Publishing Co.,Ltd)
Released on February 28th, 2012
https://www.nhk-book.co.jp/shop/main.jsp? trxID=C5010101&webCode=00056062012
Tokyo-based sopranist Ms. Sai Yanguang had a dinner show on Thursday, February 9th, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Chinzan-so. As informed previously on this news, she wore a stage dress arranged from one of the HIROKO KOSHINO 2012 Spring/Summer collection, and attracted audiences with her enduring coloratura soprano. A design panel of the costume design drawing by the designer was displayed in the venue, and Hiroko herself was there to celebrate Ms. Sai.
Photos by Jun Izawa
In the hit music program "NHK Kayo Concert (NHK popular music concert)," Hiroko Koshino will introduce a song of her memories and related episode for the section titled "Jidai no Uta, Kokoro no Uta (song of the era, song of heart)." We hope you enjoy.
Broadcast: at 8:00 pm on Tuesday, January 31st, on NHK General TV
http://www.nhk.or.jp/program/utacon/
Hiroko Koshino started to show her art works at the Galerie Hors-Champs in Paris as of Tuesday, January 24th. Opening reception held in that evening, some 200 press people and art lovers gathered to enjoy her paintings. In this fashion center of the world, where Hiroko has acted as a fashion designer for dozens of years, she is now showing her another side as an artist. Upon your stay at Paris, please come to see the artistic universe of Hiroko Koshino.
Period: Until Wednesday, February 29th, 2012
Place: Galerie Hors-Champs (13, rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris)
http://www.galerie-hors-champs.com/Horschamps/index.php
Hiroko Koshino has been designing stage costumes for Ms. Sai Yanguang, a China-born and Tokyo-based coloratura soprano, for some 10 years. The newest design is from the designer's 2012 Spring/Summer collection with some arrangement to make it into a voluminous long dress. Hiroko is proud that the costume highlights Ms. Sai's elegant beauty.
The dress was shown for the first time in a concert given at an event organized by a big business in Tokyo last month, and on February 9th, Ms. Sai will sing some songs from "La Traviata" at a dinner show commemorating the 20th anniversary of Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Chinzan-so. See her official website below for the details. When you have a chance to hear her beautiful voice, we are honored if you turn your attention to her dress as well.
At the January 9th concert Photo by Jun Izawa
Hiroko Koshino was invited to be a lecturer at the seminar commemorating the 20th anniversary of Kishiwada branch of Nomura Securities Co., Ltd. on Monday, December 12th. Nearly 300 audiences came to local venue Namikiri Hall, listened to her speech displaying different pictures, having freelance announcer Mr. Masaki Yoshimoto as interviewer who has known Hiroko and her late mother Ayako for years. To have provided such an opportunity like this at her hometown for the first time in these several years was an honoring event to Hiroko.
On Sunday, November 20th, Hiroko Koshino gave lecture to Fukushima Josei Keieisha Plaza (Fukushima Women Business Owners Organization) in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture. In the lecture titled "Futatabi, Kizuna ni Tsuite (Again, on bonding)," Hiroko talked about her late mother Ayako and her family, her work, the way to motivate herself, and ethcis of her own life. According to the organizer, this event, with nearly 700 audiences, was almost the first big event after the March 11th earthquake in Koriyama, one of many cities affected by the March earthquake and the following nuclear accident. The speaking fee Hiroko was supposed to receive was donated to the planning committee of the 100th anniversary celebrations of affected prefectural Asaka Reimei High School.
Comic book titled Danjiri Kachan to Koshino San-Shimai (Danjiri Mother and Three Koshino Sisters) became available as of today nationwide. This is a inspiring story of the late Ayako Koshino, who was the front runner of her age, which became a model of the now-showing NHK TV drama "Carnation," and her three daughters Hiroko, Junko, and Michiko, growing up with their high spirited mother.
Hiroko Koshino designed the Team Japan uniforms for artistic gymnastics and rhythmic gymnastics this year again. Currently Team Japan's brilliant performances at Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Tokyo 2011 are being covered by the media everyday. We shall be delighted if you could check out their uniforms as well, of which the design inspiration came from ink-wash paintings and with uplifting feelings expressed by dynamic brushwork. Hiroko also designed medals for the championships which has been highly reputated.
The tournament, where Hiroko has gone to see a few times, will be until Sunday, October 16th.
Hiroko Koshino will show up in "Beautiful Life" section of the popular TV show "Meringue no Kimochi" which will be broadcasted from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm on Saturday, September 24th, on Nippon Television networks. Her working in the office, residence in Tokyo, and talk with the reporter Mr. Yoshio Kojima will be shown. We hope you enjoy.
The house Hiroko Koshino was born and grew up, was renovated as a shop & gallery. It is expected to be the most attractive spot in Kishiwada, where the drama "Carnation" is located in. The exterior has been recreated as it was when Ayako ran her boutique 60 years ago, and inside on the first floor, original goods and sweets of the three sisters (three daughters of Ayako: Hiroko, Junko, and Michiko) as well as local speciality, and on the second floor, Ayako's mementos and photos are exhibited. We hope you will come by and feel the original Hiroko.
Place: 16-11 Goken-machi, Kishiwada City (phone: 072-422-0243)
Open from 10:00 am through 6:00 pm, seven days a week except for the year end and new year
In the weekend of September 17th and 18th, annual Danjiri Matsuri Festival was held in Kishiwada, Osaka. This festival is famous for its valiancy of the festival floats running very fast around the town, and Hiroko Koshino's late mother, Ayako Koshino, model of the heroine in the upcoming NHK drama "Carnation," loved this festival very much. In the town of Kishiwada, where the excitement reaches a fever pitch just before start of the drama, festival floats kept running and moving during these two days. From the house Hiroko grew up, many guests enjoyed watching those floats running in front of the house. On Saturday, 17th, as actress Ms. Machiko Ono joined, the heat reached into high gear.
Drama "Carnation" will be broadcasted for six months from Monday, October 3rd, at 8:00 am every weekday, on NHK.
At one of the seminars scheduled for the "LIVING & DESIGN" international exhibition from September 14th until 17th in Osaka, Hiroko will give a talk show with Mr. Toshiyuki Kita, world-famous industrial designer, from 4:30 pm on Friday, September 16th, at the Intex Osaka. For details and application, please access to the "LIVING & DESIGN" website below.
Hiroko Koshino gave speech for 'Child Education Workshop' hosted by HIKARI NO KUNI (a nusery and kindergarden uniform company), of which Hiroko Koshino has a long term business relationship with. Hiroko, provided some memoire of her mother Ayako, of which is scheduled to be on aired from fall as NHK drama 'Carnation', other topic included fashion, design, and fashion as a profession. Approximately 800 audience listened enthusiastically.
Hiroko Koshino was invited as a lecturer for 'Otaru Citizens University Lecture Workshop' of which attained 39th time this year. At Otaru Citizen's Center (Marin Hall), hundreds of Otaru citizens listened to Hiroko with her speech titled 'Fashion and Life ethics', a speech of recollecting experience as a designer and Paris Collection along with the DVD movie. Some memoir of her mother Ayako Koshino and episode from childhood were followed. There were many women listeners, with quesionnair to Hiroko. In that kind of 'feminine' atmosphere, Hiroko too, was relaxed enough to provide aqurate answers.
Exhibition of Hiroko Koshino's art and fashion works were held at Musée des Arts décoratifs in Paris, from Thursday, July 7th, through Sunday, 10th. The venue, located in the former Louvre Palace and being fully displayed with Hiroko's creations and philosophy, was alluring enough to attract many visitors. In the evening of July 6th, more than 300 guests, mainly from media and artistic fields, enjoyed the preview at the opening cocktail.
At the party "Forever Mum: Spirit of Ayako Koshino" held on June 15th in Osaka, a charity auction was held to raise donation for the March 11th earthquake survivors. Participants bade for items from HIROKO KOSHINO, JUNKO KOSHINO, MICHIKO KOSHINO, and YUMA KOSHINO brands, as well as two suits Ayako Koshino designed and wore herself.
Proceeds from the auction, which amounted to more than 1.6 million yen, gift money, and remained participation fees from guests after deducting operation costs, 1,940,376 yen in total, were donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society on July 15th.
It has been five years since Ayako Koshino, mother of the designer sisters Hiroko, Junko, and Michiko, passed away in March 2006. Her influence on people is still powerful nationwide, and TV drama based on her life will be broadcasted everyday on NHK from October. On June 15th of this milestone year, which should have been Ayako's 99th birthday, a party titled "Forever Mum: Spirit of Ayako Koshino" was held in Osaka. In addition to 500 guests, Ms. Machiko Ono, the actress who will star in the drama "Carnation," joined the gala to honor memories of Ayako.
At Kobe Charity Art Fair 2011 scheduled on Saturday, April 23rd, and Sunday, 24th, at the Kobe Harborland, Hiroko Koshino will show and sell her painting work as one of the influential participants. Their works and favorite belongings, as well as goods with their signatures, will be sold at the fair. Part of the sales proceeds will be donated to help the devastated areas of the March 11th earthquake, from Kobe City, whom themselves recovered from the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. If you will be in the neighborhood, please come and see.
Click here for the official website of the organizer, Artcommunication
http://www.artcommunication.jp/charity/index.html
HIROKO KOSHINO 2011-12 AW Collection, originally scheduled on Tuesday, March 22nd, will be held on Thursday, May 23rd.
The disruptive earthquake shook Tohoku and Kanto areas on March 11th, triggering tsumani which attacked numbers of people, including whom have been working for my collection. One of the contractor from the devastated area, who knitted a garment for the upcoming collection, brought it back to us by himself during this crises, since all the transportation went out of service. The reason I am rigidly committed to present the collection is to dedicate my sincere respect to their professionalism.
Biannual collection cannot be completed without help and assistance of numerous people. Thanking to everyone who have contributed, we will present this 2011-12 AW collection in May. Details will be announced in a letter to be sent to the press people and involved parties.
Hiroko Koshino participated for the professionals and amateurs golf tournament of 2011 Daikin Orchid Ladies Golf Tournament on Thursday, March 3rd, 2011. Playing with professional golf player Ms. Mayu Hattori, Mr. Motoyuki Oka, chairman of Sumitomo Corporation, and Mr. Kaoru Yano, chairman of NEC Corporation, Hiroko enjoyed a spring day in Okinawa thanking to the hospitality of the people from the organizer Daikin Industries.
On Sunday, December 5th, Hiroko Koshino appreared for a talk show at Yamakataya department store in Yamagata prefecture. This was an special event celebrating the 260th year anniversary of the founding of the store, and more than 150 guests came to eagerly listen to Hiroko's story.
Hiroko Koshino appeared for a talk show in Okayama, sponsored by Tenmaya Department Store, on Friday, December 3rd. She spoke about her back ground as a fashion designer, tips for fashion styling, and her own philosophy from her long career, in front of some 200 people gathered in the Renaiss Hall.
Hiroko Koshino was one of the panelists at a symposium commemorating "Kaitokudo," an Osaka-based private school for citizens from Edo period, on Saturday, November 27th. Under the theme of "Style of learning for 21st century's citizens," Hiroko had a lively discussion with other panelists including president of Osaka University Dr. Kiyokazu Washida, novelist/critic Mr. Taichi Sakaiya, and former vice president of Suntory Mr. Kazuaki Tsuda. This symposium will be edited and broadcasted on Saturday, January 29th, from 3:00 pm on NHK- Educational.
Leaders of APEC, gathered in Yokohama to articulate the visions of Asia-Pacific region in the 21st Century, this November. "Gown dress" designed by Hiroko Koshino for spouses of the leaders from APEC's 21 countries/regions were revealed on the 14th, in Sankei-en Japanese garden, Yokohama during the spouse program.
Original gown for this special event, utilized a woven silk and synthetic fiber made from plant starch, derived bioplastic fabric developed by Teijin Fibers . This new material were woven and dyed in five different colors, provided with Japanese "Bokashi" (gradation), with traditional Japanese techniques in Kyoto. Hiroko Koshino drew different patterns by hand for each 21 dresses, and delicate eco-friendly fabric gown dress were praised by the first ladies who attended the program.
The 30th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships were held in Moscow from Monday, September 20th, through Sunday, September 26th. In the group final, "Fairly Japan," the Japanese national team, wearing the uniform designed by Hiroko Koshino, won 6th prizes respectively in hoops and ribbons&ropes competitions.
For three days starting from Friday, October 8th, to Sunday, October 10, rhythmic gymnastics' Aeon Cup 2010 will be held at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. For more information, please contact the event bureau at 03-5770-5711.
Hiroko Koshino grew up in Kishiwada Station Road Shopping Mall in Osaka, where her mother resided and owned a clothing store. At this shopping street, a Sunday market called "Ee! Kimae Ichi," (literally
means "Generous Flea Market") is held once a month since June 2010.
On August 1st, singer / songwriter Mr. Kyogo Kawaguchi held his mini concert at Kishiwada, and sang some of his original songs including "Na mo naki Hana yo (to nameless common flowers)." Hiroko wrote lyrics for this song, and it was used as the main theme song for an NHK drama titled "Tenshi no Wakemae (Angel's Share)" which were broadcasted until August 3rd. Lots of shoppers stopped by and enjoyed the singers proficient voice, mislay this years rough summer heat for awhile.
The next market will be held on Sunday, September 12th, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Selected vegetables, fish, fruits, and manufactured food will arrive from Osaka and Wakayama, and local Senshu area. Please come by if you will be in the neighborhood.
Hiroko Koshino has long designed plateware for Nikko Company, which specalize in ceramics and platewares.
The concept shop of Nikko "SAWA" named after its business origination Kanazawa opened in Ginza, during April of 2010. Hiroko Koshino's "Utsuwa Awase (wares coordinates)" favorable long series of 20 years, are sold at the store as well.
Please come by when you visit Ginza!
http://www.nikko-company.co.jp/tabletop/whatsnew/shousai.php?eid=00008
http://www.nikko-tabletop.jp/products/list.php?mode=search&category_id=104&name_keyword=&name=
Sawa
1F-B Albore Ginza, 2-4-18 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Open: from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (to 7:00 pm on Sundays and holidays), closed on every Tuesday
Phone: 03-3561-2538
National team of gymnasts' new uniform designed by Hiroko Koshino was revealed on Monday, June 14th, in Tokyo. With the inspiration of gymnasts to fly and dance beautifully and elegantly with this uniform, Hiroko Koshino adopted the butterfly motif from 2010 Spring/Summer collection.
We are certain that our Japanese National Gymnasts will allure the world at the 42nd World Championships Artistic Gymnastics in Rotterdam in October, with this brandnew wear!
On Thursday, May 20th, Hiroko Koshino participated for the professionals and amateurs golf tournament of 2010 Chukyo TV / Bridgestone Ladies Open. She played with professional golf player Ms. Mi-Jeong Jeon, Mr. Tsuneo Ogasawara from Dentsu Inc., and Mr. Takashi Wada from Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd. Their team ranked 21st among 42 teams, scoring -10. The winner was a team led by professional player Ms. Sun-Ju Ahn with the score of -10. Hiroko shall aim higher score for Suntory Ladies Open in June.
This tournament will be reported in Hiroko's serial column in Toyo Keizai weekly magazine later.
Hiroko Koshino became one of the authors for "Golf Zanmai (indulging golf)" column in a major weekly magazine Toyo Keizai. Her first column will appear on May 22nd issue that will be sold nationwide on Monday, May 17th. As a fashion designer, Hiroko is enthusiastic about writing her own views towards golf in this influential economic magazine.
【Toyo Keizai Online / serial column / Golf Zanmai】 (in Japanese)
http://www.toyokeizai.net/life/column/list/SC/7dab89819faff6f29264059e7070bf67/
Hiroko Koshino was asked by Japan Gymnastic Association to design new uniform for the national team of rhythmic gymnasts, in addition to regular gymnastics uniform. To capture inspiration and image for the design, Hiroko made a visit to former Olympian, Ms. Hiroko Yamazaki to see rhythmic gymnasts practicing at the National Training Center in Tokyo on April 15th. The designer is eager to bring forth good new uniform that fits athletes' smooth and graceful movement, to make their elegant performance look even more marvelous.
The new HIROKO KOSHINO shop opened in Gaoxiong, southwest Taiwan, on Thursday, April 8th. Located on the third floor of Hanshin Department Store, this new boutique is the second shop in Taiwan. As well as the first store in Taipei's Pacific Sogo, please give your patronage to HIROKO KOSHINO boutiques.
2010年4月8日（木）、HIROKO KOSHINOの台湾2号店が高雄の漢神百貨（阪神百貨店）3階にオープンしました。
台北の太平洋SOGOにございます1号店ともども、お引き立てくださいますようお願い申し上げます。
HIROKO KOSHINO
漢神百貨3F
TEL: 886-7-241-1536
801 高雄市成功一路266-1号
Hiroko Koshino designed uniform for Osaka-based Senshu Ikeda Bank, a new bank formed by the merge of Ikeda Bank and Senshu Bank starting from May 1st of 2010. Press conference was held on Monday, March 15th, to publicly reveal this exciting new uniform. The Monotone colors are used for the base suits, with two colors of scarfs and three types of bottoms, which enables female employees to enjoy different coordinate depending on their work or position. The designer proposed this brand-new uniform by emphasizing fashionability and functionality, and incorporating employees' requests and suggestions, so that they would be able to wear it comfortably and uniquely. "It would be nice if they, from two different corporate culture, could strengthen their sense of unity through this uniform," Hiroko comments.
Hiroko Koshino and Sumika Nono, an actress of Takarazuzka Revue Company and the new bank's campaign model, with two employees standing both ends.
Products of HIROKO BIS CASA (a relaxing, inner wear line) are now sold at Shinanoya, a long established boutique in Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street, from March 3rd, 2010. With those merchandise including lounge wears, bags, and interior goods, HIROKO BIS CASA propose a fashionable and relaxing lifestyle.
Shinanoya Motomachi Branch
http://www.y-shinanoya.co.jp/moto.html
Hiroko Koshino was requested by Japan Gymnastic Association to design new uniform for the national team of gymnasts, for the 42nd World Championships Artistic Gymnastics scheduled in October 2010 in Rotterdam. Before starting to work on design, Hiroko went to see gymnasts practicing at the National Training Center in Tokyo on January 26th to attain inspiration. The designer is eager to bring forth good new uniform that fits athletes' smooth and airy-fairy movement, to make their incredible performance look even more marvelous. Please wait untill you see Japanese gymnasts performing with brand-new uniform designed by Hiroko Koshino in this autumn!
On January 15th, Hiroko Koshino Co., and Hiroko Koshino International Inc. hold a joint new year party. This day cerebrated Hiroko's birthday as well, and she exhibited her showmanship to sing "The Rose" and "Hymne à l'amour." In the year 2010, probably another eventful year, we will keep proposing attractive fashion. We'd like to express our sincere appreciation for your continued support.
A charity event organized by the Council of Fashion Designers Tokyo (CFD) was held on December 19th, at Harajuku Quest Hall in Tokyo. Program included auction sales of fashion items supplied by member designers, musics and dances by designers, and songs and talks by special guests such as singer / composer Mr. Kyogo Kawaguchi and actor Mr. Taichi Saotome. Profit of this event were donated to the Guide Dog & Service Dogs Association of Japan through Mrs. Miyuki Hatoyama, Japanese first lady and board chairperson of the association. Hiroko Koshino donated a dress from her 2009-10 Autumn / Winter collection, and performed shamisen along with her master Maestro Katsuroku Kineya, as well as singers Maestro Tosei Kineya and Mr. Rokujo Kineya.
(from left) Mr. Rokujo Kineya, Maestro Tosei Kineya, Hiroko, and Maestro Katsuroku Kineya
Proceeds from the auction was donated to the Guide Dog & Service Dogs Association of Japan. CFD member designer Mr. Takumi Hatakeyama handed over the index to Mrs. Hatoyama.
The dress from Hiroko Koshino 2009-10 AW Collection was one of the items for the auction.
Hiroko Koshino received the honorable title of Professor Emeritus from the Shih Chien University in Taiwan, as the first non-Taiwanese recipient. On December 4th, she was invited to attend the ceremony held in the university's Taipei campus and to give a commemorative speech. The designer talked about the importance of keeping one's own originality in creation, of interacting with creators from other fields, and the key to success with her fashion brands, in front of some 600 students and researchers.
In this occasion of visiting Taiwan, Hiroko went to see children
from a village in Gaoxiong, in southern Taiwan, where a huge typhoon
hit last August. These children lost their own elementary school and
are studying temporarily at another school building, living distant
from their family. Hiroko drew some design drawings in front of them,
gave them sketchbooks and pens as presents, and made them draw the
outfits they want to wear. Children painted their original clothes
and received comments and advises from Hiroko. With them, who are
curious and bright even during difficulties, the designer spent a
short but memorable time.
At the ceremony, with Professor Chung-hsing Hsieh, President of the
Shih Chien University
t a school in Gaoxiong, with children and teachers after their
drawing time
An all-day concert celebrating the 2nd Katsuroku Kineya for the receipt of his new name was held on November 29th in Kyoto. In this festive event, Rokunobujo Kineya (Hiroko Koshino's stage name) had the great privilege of playing "Renjishi (father and son lions)" as the last performer, with her samisen master second Katsuroku and other eminent musicians. Hiroko learned nagauta samisen when she was in her teens, and after dozens of years ｌａｔｅｒ she started practicing again with Maestro Katsuroku 5 years ago.
Rokunobujo aka Hiroko plays samisen sitting between her master Katsuroku (samisen) and his twin brother Tosei (song).
Hiroko Koshino drew peony pattern on her Kimono for this occasion.
"Cool Biz," energy-conservation business wear for prevention of global warming, was started when the Expo 2005 Aichi took place. The Environment Ministry introduced this movement as a part of policy for cutting greenhouse effect gas. Then-minister and lower house member Ms. Yuriko Koike requested Hiroko Koshino and designer Mr. Takeo Kikuchi to design men's business wear that enable wearers to stay cool in less air-conditioned offices, and they made the Cool Biz Collection 2005 successful in the Expo. Since then, Cool Biz became well-known, nationwide seasonal movement.
Cool Biz of the Year Award was built in 2007 by the Cool Biz promoting committee, represented by the above three, to honor organizations/persons for their effort for preventing warming. This year 8 organizations/persons including Daikin Industries, Ltd. and Danish Ambassador to Japan Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin were awarded on November 30th in Tokyo.
"WOMANING," a brand-new album of Mr. Kyogo Kawaguchi, was released on November 11th. For this album, 11 women with various background wrote lyrics, and Hiroko Koshino's "Na mo naki Hana yo (To nameless common flowers)" was recorded as the last title.
A special event commemorating the CD release was held at the Akasaka Sakas in Tokyo that
day. The event which consisted of talk show by Mr. Kawaguchi and mini skate show of
Ms. Shizuka Arakawa, a professional figure skater and one of the 11 women whom participated for this album,
attracted many audiences gathered in the rain.
Hiroko Koshino wrote lyrics for a song titled "Na mo naki Hana yo (To nameless common flowers)" which is included in a new album of popular singer/composer Mr. Kyogo Kawaguchi.
A promotional website for the album, "WOMANING," opened before its release of November 11th. On this site, you are able to sample listen to some parts of all 11 songs---lyrics on this album are written by 11 talented women from various fields,
including actress Ms. Jun Shibuki, beauty journalist Ms. Kaoru Saito, and popular blogger Ms. Kikko. Comments from these 11 women are also available on the "WOMANING" promotional site.
"WOMANING" promotional site
http://www.womaning.jp/ (for both computers and cell phones)
Before November 11th, reservation could be made through amazon.co.jp.
Hiroko Koshino will give a lecture on the afternoon of Saturday, November 21st, in Kobe. The designer will talk about her second debut in Paris Collection, her design philosophy, and being an Asian fashion designer working globally. For detailed information and application request for the lecture, please call 078-392-3290, or access the following website
http://www.oybc.co.jp
Date and Time: Saturday, November 21st, from 1:30 p.m. through 3:30 p.m.
Place: Yomiuri Kobe Hall (2th floor, Yomiuri Kobe Building, 1 Sakae- dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)
Fee: 3,150 yen
Japan's new first lady, Mrs. Miyuki Hatoyama, wife of the Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama wore HIROKO KOSHINO suits during first diplomatic visit to United States. Mr. and Mrs. Hatoyama were in New York and Pittsburgh for five days from September 21st.
(L)The dress Mrs. Hatoyama wore when she attended luncheon with other first ladies and visited places such as UNICEF-related facilities on September 23rd
(R)The same suits Mrs. Hatoyama wore on 25th in Pittsburgh, and on her way to Japan
