We gave a lecture at the Rissho University in Gotanda together with Maiko, on Saturday4th. Maiko’s signature is so beautiful and graceful. Like a flying butterfly made with letters (Itai Maiko, Miss Universe Japan 2010)

Mine is simple and I wrote a message below my signature.

(Maiko is wearing a BCBG dress with Jil Sanders shoes. I wear a Marc Jacob one-sleeve dress with Gucci stilettos, Arrogant Cat leggings and Marni accessories)

 

When I arrived at the University in my Audi Q7, the entire street was covered with posters announcing the event. You most surely have seen the ad in the Yamanote subway trains and train stations.

The Principal of the University with whom we are taking a picture above, told us that 1,700 people applied to attend the lecture, and 600 people only were selected via a lucky draw. We spoke for 3 hours almost.

Maiko walked on stage first and I followed after her. The room was filled with women of all ages and a very few men.

On stage, the MC, Maiko, Emiko Faye my translator and personal assistant.

 

We were teaching 3 girls chosen to come on stage.

We were asked a few questions each, sorry I have no pictures of Maiko while speaking, only me….

The University is beautiful, I would have loved to be a student at Rissho… they have developed a course called CAREOLOGY, you should check it.

Amazing how people take notes always. This is why Japanese women learn so fast because they are dedicated and focused.

 

Maiko spoke about her book, ready to come out very soon. Check it out! I am sure it will give you lots of good advises. She tells her experience, from an office lady working at the City Hall of Oiita prefecture where she lived, to the fabulous lifestyle of being Miss Universe Japan.

 

Maiko is sincerely the most outspoken winner from my 13 years in Japan. Followed by Chibana Kurara. Maiko is sincere and nice to everyone. She has a bright future in front of her.

 

 

My beautiful flowers, now in my home….

 

Taking pictures at the end with the organizers, teachers and our 3 students for the day.

 

Together with one of the attendee called Miki, she was waiting for me backstage. So pretty.

 

SURPRISE!!!!

When I came out of the underground parking many girls were waiting for me. I could not resist and stopped my car to talk to them. I signed my books, or school material and took a few pictures. Thank you mina san for your kind affection. It reaches my heart like fireworks each time.

 

 

 

And I received this message from Reiko Sonoi:

Hello Ines,

This is Reiko, the couple you met after your lecture at Rissho University today.

Your lecture with Maiko, which was more like a therapy, was intriguing and your message really spoke to my heart.
Also, the interpreter (apology for not remembering her name) did excellent job today. She was SPOT ON in her translation; she must have very deep understanding of your value and message you are trying to communicate. In my humble opinion, she contributed a lot for the success of today’s lecture.

One of the things I was really impressed with you, was your ability to find ‘different’ beauty within Japanese, that we didn’t know we had until you showed us.
Even in the very short time you had on your stage, you managed to find a strength from each students. That was a brilliant and very impressive.

Ever since I heard of you, that was back in 2003, I checked on you almost everyday, through media or your blog.

Sense of style and Fashion are very important, but your message, to me, has always been about ‘self-confidence’ and ‘inner-beauty’. I feel that through all your work, you want people to really feel like ‘cerebrating life’, and being able to express it.

I am so glad to have the opportunity to “hear” what I read in your books, in your own voice. It gave me another shot of very strong positive energy!

Lastly, and again, I thank you very much for taking your time to talk to me, and sign my book. Wanted to thank you for taking your valuable time today.

Hope to see you again, sooner than later.

Regards

Reiko

– below is my original Japanese draft of this email, my husband translated them into ‘proper’ English. He spent 20 years in U.S. –

お忙しい中メールの返信をありがとう。写真はイネスさんからの返信を頂いてから送るという事になっていたと思っていました。今回添付します。立正大学の講演はすばらしかった。今までとは違った日本人女性の美しさをみつけてくれてありがとう。そして、学生達のユーモアを交えながらパーソナリティーを磨いていく姿は圧巻でした。イネスさんのことは2003年からBｌｇやメディアでチェックしていました。ほぼ毎日。。日本人女性のスタイルやファッションのセンスだけでなく、心のセンスの向上、ファイナリストや関った人達に対して、「人間として命を授かったことの賞賛を自身で表現してほしい」というメッセージを強く感じます。。本の中の言葉を今回イネスさんの声で聞けたことでまた強いエネルギーを頂きました。　こころよく、本にサインを頂きお話をしてくださって心から感謝しています

 

 

 

Reiko san, thank you so much for posting a very nice message last night!
I was very happy to have met you and your husband. Together, you are such a powerful looking couple.

I completely agree with you that Emiko my assistant and yesterday translator is the best in the world. She has been working with me since 2 years ago, I was lucky to meet her in my life. Because she can deliver a very powerful message in Japanese. She speaks my words but with even more impact and precision. She knows well was it my vision, my passion and the messages I want to get across.

Love always,

Ines