On November 12, 2025, Sayoko Kitai received the Yellow Ribbon Medal and was granted an audience with His Majesty the Emperor.
We are pleased to announce that Sayoko Kitai has been awarded the Yellow Ribbon Medal in recognition of her outstanding skills in the field of three-dimensional embroidery.
On November 12, 2025, I received the official certificate and medal at Hotel New Otani, followed by the great honor of an audience with His Majesty the Emperor at the Imperial Palace, Hōmeiden Hall.
I was deeply honored to receive gracious words from His Majesty, making the day one of profound emotion and gratitude beyond what words can express. I was also humbly presented with confections, an unforgettable experience that will remain etched in my heart.
This distinguished honor would not have been possible without the generous guidance and warm support of all those who have stood by me throughout the years. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported my work.
I will continue to pursue the possibilities of three-dimensional embroidery with renewed dedication, striving to share inspiration and emotion with an ever wider audience.
The Yellow Ribbon Medal & the Yellow Ribbon Butterfly
To commemorate the conferment of the Yellow Ribbon Medal, a new paired creation of two butterflies—“Yellow Ribbon Butterflies”—was born.
Inspired by the Imperial chrysanthemum crest, these special butterflies were created using an innovative new approach to Sayoko Kitai’s original Double-Sided 3D Embroidery technique. Lavish amounts of pure gold thread (24K), platinum thread (99.9% purity), rayon thread, and lame thread were employed. In addition, six diamonds were meticulously stitched into the work, endowing it with exceptional brilliance and dignity, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind presence.
As the wings change their angle in flight, colors and light subtly shift, producing a mysterious, powder-like radiance that evokes a sense of quiet wonder.
On the day of the investiture ceremony, I wore the Yellow Ribbon Medal secured to my obi, and paired it with this Yellow Ribbon Butterfly, worn as a ring to complement my kimono.
The accompanying gentleman wore the butterfly as a brooch on his chest.
It is a singular butterfly that shared this deeply special day with me—one that exists only for me.