A Night of Elegance: Japan’s Top Women Golfers Dazzle at the JLPGA Awards

The women pros who shone this year gathered together

The JLPGA Awards 2025, where this season’s tournament winners dress up and assemble under one roof, was held on the 16th at a hotel in Tokyo. It is an annual awards ceremony hosted by the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association (JLPGA) to honor players who achieved outstanding results on the domestic women’s tour, and some pros reportedly compete throughout the season with this stage as their goal.

This year’s Player of the Year award went to Akari Sakuma (23). In addition, she captured four crowns in total, winning No. 1 in the prize money rankings, No. 1 in scoring average, and a special award.

“I feel this really turned out to be a great year. I was happy to finally achieve my first victory, which had been a long-time goal, and even I’m surprised that I was able to go as far as becoming the season’s queen,” she said.

Sakuma shared these thoughts at the press conference reflecting on her four awards. Until last year, she had often been in contention for victories only to fall short in tears. But this year was different. In April, she claimed her long-awaited first win at the KKT Cup Vantelin Ladies Open, followed by her second victory in May at the Bridgestone Ladies Open, where she led from the first day to the finish for a wire-to-wire win. She then won again in June at the Earth Mondahmin Cup, riding her momentum with three consecutive months of victories since her first win. In October, she secured her fourth win of the season with her second wire-to-wire victory at the Masters GC Ladies.

Looking back on the year, she chose the single kanji character “New” (新) to represent it.

“It was the year I won my first title and got off to a new start, and as the season’s queen I was able to see a new landscape. That’s why I chose new.” she explained.

Appearing at the awards ceremony, Sakuma arrived in a glamorous dress befitting a champion. “I really wanted to sparkle, so I made sure to add plenty of glitter. I also thought the denim fabric was cute, so we combined that sparkle with denim,” she said, speaking about her attention to detail in choosing her outfit for the celebratory occasion.

The awards ceremony, where tour winners and contributors to golf are honored, is the grandest stage of the season. The attending pros also took part in glamorous, dressed-up looks different from their usual appearance on the green. Among them, several players who stood out in particular were selected.

【Hana Wakimoto】

“I went together with my stylist and decided on it.”

Hana Wakimoto (28), who achieved her long-cherished first regular tour victory in her eighth year as a pro, appeared in a black slit dress. She said she went to a shop in Meguro specifically for this occasion to choose it.

“The key points are the slits at the shoulders and on the legs—I thought it suited me best,” she said, adding that it was almost love at first sight. When Wakimoto, who stands at a model-like 174 cm tall, entered the photo session area, photographers let out audible “ohhh” reactions. Needless to say, the flashing of strobes in the venue suddenly increased. As for the atmosphere of the awards, she said, “It feels different from the pre-event party, doesn’t it? I want to work hard again so I can be here next year,” encouraging herself to return again.

【Nana Suganuma】

In February next year, she is set to make her long-awaited CD debut with Kimi no Kyūseishu ni Naritakute!. Nana Suganuma (25), who is active as a dual-wielding golfer and idol, appeared wearing an idol costume. What’s more, it was an authentic piece created by Yudai Ichinozawa, who has worked on outfits for groups like Nogizaka46 and Sakurazaka46. The production period reportedly took about six months.

“I had it made while communicating by email,” she said. The parts she paid particular attention to were the frilled skirt and the area around the face—I really had them work on that. One can’t help but wonder how much it cost.

“I don’t know yet. I haven’t gotten the bill yet (laughs).”

【Sakura Koiwai】

Sakura Koiwai (27) won the Meiji Yasuda Ladies Golf Tournament in July, but withdrew midway through the second day of the following week’s Daito Trust Construction Ii-Heya Net Ladies due to pain in her left wrist. Appearing in a black naked dress, she made the venue gasp. Koiwai underwent surgery in September and is currently in rehabilitation. When asked by reporters what kind of year she hopes next year will be, she commented:

“Next year is a bit unpredictable, but ideally I’d like to start with the Daikin tournament, gradually build my form around summer, and really focus in—that would be perfect.”

The season opener can’t come soon enough.

【Yuka Yasuda】

Yuka Yasuda (24), who claimed her second career victory at the Fujifilm Studio Alice Ladies in April, appeared in an elegant tweed jacket. Some photographers even whispered “Who is that?” at first, not recognizing her. The outfit, which she said she bought after the season ended, was by Valentino.

“I think it was in Omotesando. I looked online too, and walked around the stores before deciding with my manager. I don’t really like revealing outfits, so I wanted it to be more glamorous than the pre-event party. (What I focused on was) consistency. Since it’s unified by brand, I think it looks cool in my own way.”

【Kotone Hori】

Kotone Hori (29), who captured her first major title at the Japan Women’s Open in October, appeared in a pink dress—her favorite color. The dress, which she purchased specifically to attend the awards, was introduced with, “This is Stella McCartney. It’s a brand I really like.” The British fashion brand is known for its commitment to environmental sustainability and animal welfare, and is beloved by celebrities around the world. Her favorite feature was the design around the waist. Smiling, she said, “It’s like getting a head start on spring.”

【Akie & Chirei Iwai】

Older sister Akie Iwai (23) and younger sister Chirei Iwai (23) achieved the first-ever twin victories on the U.S. tour, which they challenged from this season. On this day, they appeared in coordinated outfits. “I’d never worn blue at an event like this before,” they said, posing for a photo session in perfectly matched twin looks featuring blue jackets and pants. As for their personal touches, Akie said, “Our hairstyles. That’s probably where our individuality comes through the most.”

Looking back on the year, the two answered together: “Above all, it’s gratitude. Gratitude to our team. This year was challenging, but there’s no way we could have done it alone, so we’re really thankful. That includes the golf fans, our sponsors, and the manufacturers—we feel that deeply. We’ll work hard so we can give back through our results next year.”

This was a season in which Akari Sakuma, who had gone winless the year before, claimed four victories and became the season’s queen. Every player has a chance to seize glory. The battles in women’s golf will once again be impossible to look away from next season.