Japan’s first lady awarded for her style in jeans

updated 12:16 p.m. ET Oct. 19, 2009

TOKYO - She's been called Japan's most colorful first lady for her cheerful character and quirky comments. Now the wife of new Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has won an award for looking good — in her jeans.

Miyuki Hatoyama, 66, won the annual prize given to celebrities who look best in denim, along with four Japanese musicians and a Taiwanese actor.

The first lady was recognized for "wearing jeans gracefully, with a bit of a revolutionary touch," according to the Japan Jeans Association, which represents denim importers and manufacturers.

"I have long wished to win the prize, as I'm a big fan of jeans," Hatoyama said.

Japan's past first ladies made few public appearances and wore conservative dresses — rarely even trousers.

Hatoyama, a strong believer in spiritualism, has previously made headlines by saying she met actor Tom Cruise in a previous life and that her soul has traveled to Venus on a UFO.

The former actress said she is trying to change her husband's rather stiff and professor-like appearance.

"I've been encouraging him to wear jeans more often when he can be casual," she said.

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