Visionary Icon Contest
The Visionary Icon Contest was newly created as a stage for individuals to express and celebrate their unique identities.
In April 2026, the contest was held at Shibuya Hikarie under the direction of Head Judge and Fashion Stylist MAYA, together with Sakura and Yurina, who led the fashion show production.
TIARA, a fashion leader in the spiritual community, also joined the event as a special guest judge, adding her unique presence and brilliance to the occasion.
From the nine finalists who passed the first and second rounds of judging, six were selected for their outstanding individuality.
Following the contest, a special editorial photoshoot was held to further bring out and illuminate each of their unique charms.
The following pages feature their remarkable transformations.
The Vision Behind the Visionary Icon Contest
My years in London inspired a dream: to create a place in Japan where individuality is celebrated and people are encouraged to express who they truly are.
The Visionary Icon Contest is not about competing for beauty. It is a stage where each participant can embrace her unique identity and let her individuality shine.
It was created with the hope of opening new opportunities and inspiring each participant to take the next step in her own journey.
styling by Maya
https://www.instagram.com/fashion_stylist_maya/
Photography by Misuzu Shibuya
https://www.instagram.com/sby_msz
Hair& Make up by
Yui Hirosawa
Marika Tanaka
Waka Bunny
Iconic Bunny Style Artist
There was a time when I lacked confidence and was afraid to express who I truly was.
At the age of 34, I made a life-changing decision: to live authentically and embrace my true self.
That was the moment I became Waka Bunny.
Stepping into my bunny persona gave me the courage to love myself and believe that anything is possible. Whenever I become Waka Bunny, I feel fearless, free, and unstoppable.
Now, at 45, my dream is to walk international runways and share my unique world with audiences across the globe. From Japan to the world, I will continue expressing my creativity, individuality, and imagination without limits.
Age is never a limit to reinvention. I hope my journey encourages others to embrace their uniqueness, chase their dreams, and shine unapologetically.
This is only the beginning of the Waka Bunny story.
Instagram： https://www.instagram.com/waka_bunny11?igsh=YzdiMWkxbWZxZmt4&utm_source=qr
Lucas Murakami (Luka-tan)
People often call me “Luka-tan.”
I am half Brazilian and half Japanese, born in Brazil and raised in Japan. I currently live in Nagoya, where I work as a company employee while also pursuing a career as a model and actor.
I strongly believe that age, gender, and nationality should never be barriers to pursuing dreams or taking on new challenges. In my opinion, those who dare to take the first step are the ones who truly win.
Through my work as a model, I hope to inspire and encourage others. If people can look at my journey and find the courage, confidence, and motivation to chase their own dreams, that would make me truly happy.
I will continue challenging myself, staying true to who I am, and striving to be someone who brings positive energy and inspiration to those around me.
Instagram: @luca_tan1990
https://www.instagram.com/luca_tan1990?igsh=MmN5dXdmcDAwNXc0&utm_source=qr
TikTok:@luca_tan1990
RUI SHIKADA
Global Lifestyle Advocate
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Rui Shikada is a Global Lifestyle Advocate based between Japan, Cebu, and Cambodia.
Shaped by international experiences, stage presence, and personal transformation, Rui believes that confidence is not something a woman is given — it is something she chooses, builds, and embodies.
After studying in the United States during high school, Rui learned early on what it means to step into unfamiliar environments and find her own voice. Living and working across Asia later strengthened her belief that beauty is not defined by one culture, one standard, or one version of success.
Today, as an MC, walking coach, speaker, and lifestyle creator, Rui helps women reconnect with their presence, posture, mindset, and individuality. For her, elegance is not perfection, but self-respect, inner strength, and the courage to live by one’s own values.
Through her voice, movement, and global lifestyle, Rui inspires women to stand taller, move with confidence, and design a life that truly belongs to them.
Every woman deserves to walk through life with confidence — not because the world gives her permission, but because she finally gives it to herself.
Website: rhttps://www.ruishikada.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rui.shikada/
KANA OTANI
Fashion Brand Mentor
Kana Otani is a Fashion Brand Mentor dedicated to helping women build brands that reflect who they truly are.
She believes that life transitions such as marriage, motherhood, and family responsibilities should never require women to abandon their dreams, creativity, or sense of self.
Through fashion, entrepreneurship, and brand building, she empowers women to transform their passions into meaningful brands—brands they can continue to grow alongside the lives they love.
Her mission is to help women create businesses with purpose, confidence, and authenticity, proving that success and self-expression can thrive together.
https://www.instagram.com/otani_.kana?igsh=MXF3cnlzYjN1aGNt&utm_source=qr
YouTube
Miwa Imayuki
Preserver of Kagawa’s Traditions for the Future
My name is Miwa Imayuki, Preserver of Kagawa’s Traditions for the Future.
What I am currently working on is creating a system that combines regional revitalization, private lodging, and the global expansion of Japanese traditional crafts.
In Japan, there are many artisans who possess world-class skills, yet cannot make a living from their beautiful works alone, and continue creating while working part-time jobs.
I want to change this reality.
Artisans are professionals at creating their works.
However, many of them are not good at sales, promotion, or building sales channels overseas.
That is why I want to become a bridge that delivers their passion to the world.
While working together with local government, I am promoting Japanese traditional crafts overseas and aiming to create a future where artisans can make a living by doing what they truly love.
As the first step, I have launched an e-commerce website that can also be used by customers overseas.
This challenge is not just my personal dream.
It is a challenge to carry Japanese traditional crafts into the future, protect the lives of artisans, and deliver the value of Japan to the world.
By taking my own first step, I hope to give courage to someone else to take theirs.
I believe that one step can change a community, change Japan, and eventually connect to the world.
And I believe that this chain of courage can change the future of Japan.
website: https://thekasane.com/
YURIKO MATSUO
Sumi and Colors Fusionist
YURIKO MATSUO is a designer who fuses calligraphy and painting.
Her artistic style specializes in creating exotic expressions by combining elements such as dragons, peacocks, and phoenixes with astonishing motifs.
This time, she is responsible for the peacock design. She has access to authentic kimono production routes in Kyoto, Japan, making it possible to create a one-of-a-kind piece in the world. Those interested in both calligraphy and painting are encouraged to contact her.
Her works have been exhibited at venues such as the United Nations Headquarters in Paris, Abu Dhabi in Saudi Arabia, and Carnegie Hall in New York.
https://www.facebook.com/yuriko.matsuo.79
