On December 6th, publishing company Takarajimasha announced the winners for the "Japan Fashion Leader Award 2011".

This year, the award went to AKB48's Itano Tomomi, models�Rinka and Sasaki Nozomi, talento Becky, and actress Yonekura Ryoko.

During the award ceremony, Sasaki expressed, "To be given such an award, and to be among these wonderful winners, I'm happy.�I'm very honored." Itano also stated, "I love fashion and dressing up, so I'm very happy to receive this particular award out of all the awards out there."

Actor Tanihara Shosuke, who served as the host of the event, blushed as he praised Sasaki. "I've played the role of Sasaki-san's lover in 'Tenshi no Koi', but she has polished herself as a woman since then, making me want to get even closer to her. Nozomi has become so pretty...", he said.

Meanwhile, Becky showed her gratitude saying, "I'm very happy. I loved fashion since I was young, so I've never cut corners with work. Thank you very much." Rinka, who recently gave birth to her first baby, received the award for the third time. Through a video message, she commented, "I feel very honored. I've given birth to a healthy baby boy, and I'm now living a happy life. I hope to appear in front of everyone again."

Previous winners of the award include Hirosue Ryoko, Ryo, Kuroki Meisa, Nakatani Miki, and Nagasaku Hiromi.

Check out photos from the event below!

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Source + Photos: Oricon