Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2009

Model and actress Hinano Yoshikawa (Death Ride) looked bright and fresh-faced for an early-morning event recently to celebrate the opening of a new Forste clothing shop, located inside the Shinjuku Odakyu department store. For the occasion, Yoshikawa, 28, sported the brand’s trademark “preppy style” clothes, which are a hallmark of fashionistas at elite US colleges. In an even preppier twist, the model was accompanied by her faithful pet Pahika-kun, who was wearing a hat and jacket ensemble to match Yoshikawa. “I really like his hat,” she gushed. “It makes him look really smart.” After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Yoshikawa hung around to greet the first few customers of the morning and dispense fashion advice.