What should I wear to the Creative Awards ceremony? I don't know anyone there, will I be okay?

I was selected for the Best Reviewer Award at the Creative Awards and attended the ceremony.

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The thing I worried about most was the dress code. Since it's basically a gathering of creators, I don't think you need to be too formal. That said, it is an awards ceremony! You can't just wear what you'd wear to the supermarket. The venue is sure to be glamorous as well. Since the award I received was the "Best Reviewer Award," I decided to attend in something slightly dressy that wouldn't stand out too much.

When I arrived at the venue, for some reason, all the Best Reviewer members had coincidentally arrived in "slightly dressier than usual" attire. I thought that if we weren't dressed nicely, it would be disrespectful to the note company. At the same time, I felt a sense of consideration from all the attending members to not stand out too much.

The ceremony starts first. I was surprised that the Best Reviewer Award winners were also called up to the stage to be honored. Also, even though I had requested not to have my face shown, I was going to be in videos and photos for the record, so it might be better to make sure your makeup is done properly.

Looking at the group as a whole, my impression was that many men were wearing suits or jackets. I think many women were wearing dresses, suits, or other neat, dressy attire.

Those who won major awards at the Creative Awards were being approached by many people and were surrounded by people from publishing companies. It seems like it would be just right to be a bit glamorous. But, wearing what you like is best, though...

The ceremony is seated, but the subsequent reception is a standing party. Since you'll be standing for nearly two hours, it might be tough for women if their heels are too high. Even if you wear high heels for the ceremony, you might want to wear lower heels for the reception. I stuck with the low-heeled pumps I'm used to wearing.

There was one other thing I was worried about.

The problem of not knowing anyone to talk to. What if I'm left all alone? I headed to the venue by myself, checked in by myself, left my luggage at the cloakroom by myself, and stood there all alone while groups were forming and chatting away.

Then, perhaps because they couldn't overlook lonely old me, someone from the note company poured tea into a paper cup, handed it to me, and then guided me to the venue.
(I've forgotten your name, but thank you).

When I arrived at the ceremony venue, members of the Best Reviewer group were there, including Aomame-san, Kosshi-san, Konishi-san, Noyagi-san, Hasoyam-san, Mameshima-san, Meemie-san, and Yoshiho-san, so I was fine. Even though we had never met, we had read each other's work and exchanged comments, so it didn't feel like we were meeting for the first time. There were some people I was meeting for the very first time, but we hit it off immediately. Aruron-san arrived late. I'm glad you made it. I was worried.

At the reception venue afterward, I couldn't really approach people proactively, but with the help of Noyagi-san, who is a communication monster, I was able to talk to people from publishing companies. Thank you, Noyagi-san!

With the help of Aomame-san and Yoshiho-san, I finished talking to the attendees, and while we were relaxing, S-da-san guided us, saying, "The lights in the ceremony venue next door will be turned off soon. If you want to take pictures, now is the time," so we hurried back to the ceremony venue and snapped away.

I was allowed to hold the Creative Awards panel for a commemorative photo. I printed out the photos and put them in an album.

The ceremony venue. Unless you are someone who has won awards many times, aren't most of the attendees strangers? Even if you don't know anyone to talk to, I recommend attending the ceremony. You'll manage! I'm sure you'll be fine!

Also, not once did anyone I managed to talk to when the timing was right give me a sour look. I'm not proactive, my communication skills aren't high, and I'm not great at conversation, but everyone was kind and responded willingly.

When I handed out my business card, someone looked at it carefully and read my name, "Kanzaki-san," which really moved me. I'll practice that next time, too. There are things you can only learn by gaining experience, after all.

Oh yes, I must mention this. Even if you aren't comfortable in flashy settings, the people at note are very welcoming, and if you tell them you'd prefer not to show your face, your photo won't be posted online. Please don't worry. If you are hesitant about attending the 2025 Creative Awards ceremony, I highly recommend going because it is sure to be fun.

Lastly.

I never imagined I would be able to go to such a glamorous place in my life. The places I usually go are the supermarket, school, the hospital, the adaptive guidance classroom, and back and forth to home.

How many years has it been since I went out at night?

I never thought I would have such an opportunity. To those who made the preparations, it must have been very difficult. Thanks to you, I had a wonderful time. Thank you for a dreamlike experience.