It’s June wedding season in New York!

Since its installation along the Hudson River, the Lovers Monument has become a beloved spot for couples to celebrate their love.

For reception and party inquiries, we recommend Heaven Riverfront Restaurant, known for its delicious seafood and steaks.

A stunning wedding photo has arrived—taken at the beautifully illuminated Lovers Monument in Toyama! The bride’s silhouette perfectly aligns with the sculpture’s Izanami figure, creating an unforgettable moment.

This dreamlike shoot was produced by Hummingbird, a local wedding produce company.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Toyama College of Foreign Languages (TCFL), MINAKO delivered a special lecture titled THIS MOMENT – Living Fully Now at Toyama Civic Plaza Hall. In a heartfelt 45-minute talk, she shared the key moments of her journey from student to artist.

The lecture concluded with a lively Q&A session. Many attendees were deeply moved—some even brought to tears—resulting in an overwhelming number of heartfelt messages afterward.

MINAKO was invited to speak at the Rotary International District 2610 Conference, delivering a special open lecture titled BE YOURSELF – Creating a Life That’s True to You.

Although the talk was aimed at junior high and high school students, it resonated deeply with parents and grandparents as well.

The message inspired all generations to embrace individuality and live with authenticity.

Lovers XO, the Daiginjo Sparkling Sake created to celebrate life’s special moments, has won the Gold Medal in the Sake Division of the prestigious International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London, the largest competition of its kind.

After earning Silver Medals in 2022 and 2023, this marks a long-awaited victory. Nicknamed “XO,” the sake was made for toasts and pairs perfectly with Japanese cuisine, sushi, and even Western dishes. It will debut in the US market in 2025. For purchase inquiries or more details, please contact us.

MINAKO was invited to lead her signature PEACE Origami Workshop at a Montessori elementary school in Brooklyn, New York.

The students were thrilled to learn that their folded paper cranes could become part of a future Global Peace Monument Project. If your school or organization is interested in joining the movement to “connect the world through paper cranes,” please reach out via the Contact page.

A marble bust titled Gratitude has been installed at the newly built Seigetsu Memorial Site on the grounds of Ryuenji Temple, a Soto Zen temple in Wakuyacho, Miyagi Prefecture in Japan.

Seigetsu refers to the moon appearing in the sky after a cleansing rain—a symbol of peace for those who rest without relatives to remember them.

The memorial site is open to the public for viewing and prayer. For inquiries about sculpture-based memorials, please contact us.

Following the success in New York, the very first Lovers Wedding in Toyama has officially taken place!

This heartfelt outdoor ceremony was held in front of the Lovers Monument—crafted in Italy—where the local couple embraced just as lovers do in New York.

​ It was a long-held dream of the artists and production team to witness this very moment in Japan. The beautiful, custom-designed ceremony was produced by Hummingbird, a premier wedding planner in Toyama.

To mark the 4th anniversary of the Lovers monument at Toyama Station’s north exit, a special talk titled “Forward from Here!” was held with great success.

For the first time, the behind-the-scenes story of how Lovers came to life was revealed—full of suspense and surprises, like a film. Audience reactions included, “The 40 minutes flew by!” and “I wanted to hear more!” The event also featured a surprise visit by Mr. Takabayashi, President of Hokuden Sangyo, whose spontaneous and hilarious talk lit up the room.

As part of a career support initiative for Japanese women professionals in Washington, D.C., MINAKO was invited by the Japan Commerce Association of Washington, D.C. to give a special lecture titled: “In Search of Passion – Art, Design, Creative Power: Designing a Life That’s Truly Yours."

The event drew a full house—not only women, but men as well. The talk sparked lively discussion, with an especially engaging Q&A session that followed. To inquire about booking a lecture by MINAKO, please reach out via the Contact page.

Through the spiritual connection to Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, the original clay maquette of the Lovers monument—now installed north of Toyama Station—was formally dedicated to Okuda Shrine in Toyama City.

​The sunset ceremony took place under clear autumn skies, conducted with dignity and reverence in the presence of Governor Nitta and other honored guests.

"If you have one friend who believes in your dream and passion, I think that's good enough to go" - Yoshino says. Cassidy, art historian, editor & documentarian with over 20 years of experience at the Art Students League of NY, asked 25 questions exploring the mind and habits of an artist.

The world's largest SAKE competition at IWC London this year, 1,732 brands, the largest ever, were exhibited, and Yoshino's daiginjo sparkling sake "Lovers XO" won the silver medal.

"LOVERS - Connect the World" exhibition ongoing until June 12, 2022. The closing reception is on Sun, June 12. at 3pm, including Artist talk & Free Origami Workshop.

​Location: The Loft, 934, 3rd ave. Brooklyn, NYC

"LOVERS - Connect the World" exhibition ongoing until June 12, 2022. The closing reception is on Sun, June 12. at 3pm, including Artist talk & Free Origami Workshop.

Location: The Loft, 934, 3rd ave. Brooklyn, NYC

THE LOFT(Industry City, Brooklyn, NY) presents "Lovers - Connect the World" exhibition on May 13 - June 12, 2022. Opening reception is on Sun, May 22. Exhibition has events including Free Origami Workshop and VIP tasting for liquor specialists.

The VIP event for liquor related specialists on Sun, May 22 has been changed to @ 4pm.
Please go to the special exhibition page "lovers2022" and send the request for the invitation.

*RSVP*

On April 1st, the city of Toyama opened the plaza in front of the north exit of Toyama Station. Unfortunately, the construction of the Boulevard Square around the LOVERS statue can not be completed by the end of September. Please pay attention if you are planning to travel.

Tokyo-Toshima City, Kenichiro Kobayashi & Nakama Orchestra sponsored a concert to support Ukraine at the Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park Theater. "Lovers" covers the international poster to help this event. Archives are available on YouTube.

A large crowd gathered at the outdoor amphitheater in Toshima City for a special concert in support of Ukraine.

Donations on the day totaled 2 million yen. The funds will be used by conductor Ken-Ichiro Kobayashi during his upcoming visit to Hungary in April to directly assist Ukrainian refugees.

​A full report will be published on Mr. Kobayashi’s official website.

The Nobuko Forum brings together leading women from Japan and the U.S. to share their life stories—career journeys,

philosophies, and lessons learned. While the speakers are often political or business leaders, for its 16th edition,

MINAKO was invited as the forum’s first-ever guest artist.

Our signature sparkling sake Lovers XO, which had sold out repeatedly since its launch in December, is finally back in stock and ready to ship.

“XO” stands for “hugs and kisses”—a perfect way to celebrate love and connection.

​As Valentine’s Day approaches, why not raise a glass while reflecting on the myth of Izanagi and Izanami?

The events of September 11, 2001, left a deep mark not only on geopolitics but also on art and culture.

In a special series marking the 20th anniversary, Nikkei Asia interviewed five thinkers and creators on how the world has changed since. Minako Yoshino was featured in Part 4 of the series.

Her sculptures do not only commemorate the past — they invite us to imagine a more compassionate future. A powerful tribute from stone to soul — read how art can carry memory across time.

This special lecture came to life thanks to one passionate student who boldly pitched the idea to the school principal, leading to the school’s very first student council–hosted speaker event. From designing posters to managing every aspect of the day, the event was an inspiring display of student-led initiative and creativity.

MINAKO continues to support young changemakers like these—perhaps your school will be next on the journey!

To celebrate the first anniversary of the Lovers monument at the North Exit of Toyama Station, Hokuden Sangyo, part of the Hokuriku Electric Power Group, has released “LOVERS Junmai Ginjo Sake.”

Supervised taste and label-designed by Minako Yoshino, this premium sake is crafted by Toyama’s esteemed Fumigiku Brewery.

​Beautifully balanced and elegantly packaged, it makes a thoughtful gift—or a refined treat for yourself at home.

MINAKO’s talk “Minako-ISM: Living with Wonder, Vol. 2” was held at the Toyama Prefectural Hall, hosted by the Toyama Architecture Network.

Following Vol.1 from 2020, this second lecture drew an audience of around 100 industry professionals and creatives.

​Attendees were also given a first look at the LOVERS Junmai Ginjo sake, which officially launched a week later on April 20. A memorable evening of inspiration and anticipation.

After a rigorous judging process, the Grand Prize of the LOVERS SNS Photo Contest was awarded to user “hinakama.”

Jury comments praised the image for its vivid energy and balance: “It captures a living, breathing moment of the city in motion.The composition feels effortless yet precise, and the monochrome palette gives it a sense of serenity.
The artist’s message comes through with quiet strength.”

Congratulations to all who shared their vision.

To mark the first anniversary of the Lovers Monument in Toyama, Hokuden Sangyo, Urban Place, and Studio M are hosting a LOVERS Mini Concert—broadcast directly from FM Toyama.

Even in the midst of the pandemic, audiences can enjoy this heartwarming celebration from the comfort of home.

Featuring live vocals by Aya Matsui and the LOVERS Band, with Minako Yoshino herself as MC. Tune in for an evening filled with songs of love and hope.

At a regular press conference, Mayor Masashi Mori of Toyama City announced the redevelopment plan for the boulevard extending from the North Exit of Toyama Station.

The project aims to create a vibrant and inviting urban space where people naturally gather, relax, and walk with ease.

The city will take approximately three years to transform this area into a true community hub.

The LOVERS monument, installed at the North Exit of Toyama Station in March 2020, is now the subject of a special photo contest!

Simply tag your favorite shots with “#loverstoyama” for a chance to win exciting prizes. In addition to judge-selected awards, one lucky entrant will win a trip to New York!

Whether you’re a pro or a casual snapper, we welcome your vision of LOVE in Toyama—share your moment and be part of the celebration.