World-famous fashion designer Miyake Issei (67) was among the winners of this year’s 17th Praemium Imperiale prizes. The awards are presented each year by the Japan Art Association. The awards ceremony was held at Meiji Kinenkan hall in central Tokyo, with honorary patrons Prince and Princess Hitachi attending. Each of the five winners received ¥15 million, a diploma and a medal. Miyake won in the sculpture category, as his designs are famous for their use of modern materials and 3-dimensional quality, such as the famous “Pleats Please” brand. The other award recipients included architect Taniguchi Yoshio and pianist Martha Argerich.
• Stevie Wonder is coming to Japan at the end of this month to promote his first new album in ten years. He’s also bringing an 11-member band, so there is obviously some serious PR going into the new album, “A Time to Love.” Though his music is often used in TV shows and commercials, he will be making his first studio appearance on a TV music show. According to Universal Records, he will arrive at Narita Airport on October 31 and stay in Japan for six days.