Photo/Illutration Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks at the Tokyo Girls Collection on March 1. ((c) Mynavi TGC S/S)

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba traded in his usual suit for a blazer, jeans and sneakers for a surprise appearance at one of the nation’s largest fashion events to address the younger set.

Sporting stylish necktie and glasses, the 68-year-old Ishiba took the stage of the Tokyo Girls Collection at the First Gymnasium of the National Yoyogi Stadium in Tokyo on March 1.

He called on the crowd to build a new Japan together so that “enjoyable events” such as the one he was attending will spread around the world.

The Tokyo Girls Collection, which made its debut in the capital in 2005, has been held not only in and around Tokyo but also in many other cities.

Ishiba also took the opportunity to promote the Osaka Kansai Expo, which is scheduled to open on April 13 in Osaka Prefecture, with Myaku-Myaku, the event’s red-and-blue mascot.

“You can buy tickets at convenience stores and many other places,” he said. “The expo will be fun. Will you go, everyone?”

Speaking to reporters after the rare stint, Ishiba said, “I felt very nervous because it was my first experience.”

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