Snow Man’s Shota Watanabe has been awarded the Grand Prize at the anan AWARD 2024, held on November 11th at Shibuya Stream Hall in Tokyo. This prestigious award, given by the popular lifestyle magazine anan, recognizes Watanabe as a “multifaceted icon” who embodies the spirit of the current era. His dedication and versatility across various projects have earned him the magazine's high honor.

During the award ceremony, Watanabe expressed both gratitude and humility, saying, “I am truly grateful, though part of me wonders if I’m deserving of this. It’s a mix of happiness and a bit of embarrassment.” In a light-hearted moment, past anan covers featuring Watanabe were displayed, showcasing his confidence and growth over time. He humorously noted, “Almost all of them show quite a lot of skin,” especially recalling the popular “Love and Sex” feature, for which he had prepared intensely with diet and workouts.

Reflecting on his experiences throughout 2024, in which he graced the anan cover four times, Watanabe spoke about the energy he feels when working with Snow Man. He shared that, after a year with a focus on individual projects, reuniting with the group has reminded him of the strength in their collaboration. With Snow Man's latest tour underway, Watanabe commented on the value of time spent with his bandmates, saying, “Being part of Snow Man feels special. It has made me appreciate the group bond even more.”

Looking ahead to Snow Man’s 5th anniversary next year, Watanabe expressed a renewed commitment to group activities. He stated, “I hope to prioritize group time as much as possible. We want to connect with as many fans as we can, even those who couldn’t make it to this tour. I’m determined to cherish and focus on Snow Man's activities.”

With his award win and his dedication to the group’s upcoming milestone, Watanabe invites fans to stay tuned for an exciting 2025 filled with Snow Man’s dynamic performances and heartfelt connections.