Sayoko Kitai was awarded the Yellow Ribbon Medal and granted an audience with His Majesty the Emperor (November 12, 2025).

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.