Sayuri Yoshinaga, Kyoko Koizumi, and Yumi Kawai Shine at the Blue Ribbon Awards

Kawai appeared tense, with an expression lacking composure

It may have been unexpected for Yumi Kawai (24) to stand on stage alongside legendary actress Sayuri Yoshinaga (79) and Kyoko Koizumi (59). That was how strongly her nervousness came across.

On February 12, the 67th Blue Ribbon Awards ceremony was held in Tokyo, with Yoshinaga, last year’s Best Actress winner, and Ryunosuke Kamiki (31) serving as hosts.

“Last September, Yoshinaga lost her husband, Taro Okada, former president and chairman of Kyodo Television, with whom she had been together for about 50 years. However, just three days later, she appeared on the set of her upcoming film Beyond the Summit, scheduled for release this fall, as reported by Shukan Josei PRIME (December 29, 2024).

Even in taking on the role of host this time, she carefully reviewed all the award-winning works and provided thoughtful commentary. At 79 years old, her passion for film and her presence as an actress remain unparalleled,” said a sports newspaper reporter.

At the ceremony, Kawai, who won Best Actress for her performances in An no Koto and Namibia no Sabaku, appeared in an elegant black dress.

“Both of these films were created with great dedication by everyone involved. They continue to give me courage even now,” she said, looking deeply moved yet visibly nervous.

Koizumi, who won Best Supporting Actress for Umi no Chinmoku and Goban Giri, also appeared in a chic black outfit. Interestingly, both she and Kawai had appeared in last year’s much-talked-about drama Futekisetsu ni mo Hodo ga Aru! (TBS).

 

Koizumi reached out her arm to Kawai

“Although they hadn’t co-starred, Kawai had sung Koizumi’s Nantettatte Idol in a Suntory commercial, creating a unique connection between them. When host Kamiki mentioned this and suggested, ‘Since we have the chance, how about a two-shot?’ Koizumi stood up, extended her arm toward Kawai, and gestured, ‘Come here.’ Kawai looked a bit bewildered by the sudden request but still responded properly, posing for the two-shot,” said the aforementioned reporter.

After the awards ceremony, Kawai approached Koizumi, shook her hand, and thanked her, saying, “Thank you very much.” For Kawai, the ceremony, standing before two legendary actresses, must have been a truly special experience.