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My name is Misako Aoki, I am a Lolita fashion model, nurse and President of the Japan Lolita Association! I was appointed as a Kawaii Ambassador by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2009. Through Lolita fashion, which is a part of Japanese culture, I have been doing activities that have tried to help get people interested in Japan. I have been active as a Lolita fashion model since I was in high school. I just love Lolita fashion, so try my absolute best to promote it when I can.


Up until this point I have done activities in over 30 cities across 20 countries and regions. I usually go abroad every month or so. Compared to seven years ago, Lolita fashion has become much more popular abroad, and recently it has recently gained a following in America and China. When I'm abroad promoting Lolita culture, I'm involved in Lolita fashion shows that are held at anime festivals, as well as talks, signing sessions and "ocha-kai (tea parties).




Recently Lolita circles (groups) have been set up in various different places. I sometimes get invited to their events and attend their tea parties as a guest. Already this year, I have been to Canada and Hawaii in January, New York and Houston in February and Russia in March. In 2016 it is the event I attended in Russia that has left the biggest impression on me. I attended an event held by the Japanese Consulate in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia.


To begin with, I would often go to places where Lolita fashion is popular, but it seems that there are not so many people who know about Lolita fashion in Sakhalin Oblast, Russia! To tell the truth, it felt like I was away from my Lolita friends! There was lot's of people seeing Lolita fashion for the first time. At the event we held a Lolita fashion show and people got to really experience Lolita fashion. I was feeling a little anxious, but the Lolita fashion show turned out to be a huge success! Trying on Lolita outfits put a smile on everyone's face. They all said that they felt like princesses, it made everyone so happy!

The yellow outfit that I'm wearing is a cross between Russian and Japanese Lolita fashion. The result was Russian Lolita fashion!

One of the highlights of the event was wearing a traditional Russian outfit in a Lolita fashion style arrangement! When it comes to cultural diplomacy, the important thing is to respect each others cultures, be receptive, collaborate, and even go to places where people don't know about Lolita fashion. This is something that I learnt that from my beloved former teacher, Kawaii Ambassaodr Producer, Sakurai-san.
There are still more overseas events planned for this year, and cherishing each encounter that I have, I intend to continue conducting cultural exchange in all of the different places that I go to!