Aki and Koichi never planned to become influencers. But thanks to their daughter Yuri, their charismatic outfits and warm captions quickly earned them over 1.5 million Instagram followers, reports Hypebeast.
Their popularity hasn’t gone unnoticed. In early October, Instagram honored the couple at its first-ever Instagram Rings ceremony, awarding them a gold ring designed by Grace Wales Bonner and a digital ring around their profile for outstanding content.
“We never imagined receiving awards at star-studded events or attending major fashion shows,” Aki and Koichi say. “We now travel much more than we planned—what used to be once a year to Japan is now almost monthly.”
It all began when Yuri, who has worked in social media for nearly 15 years, shared a video featuring her mother in her story. Followers were captivated, especially by Aki’s style. Soon after, the Instagram account @akiandkoichi launched, with Koichi joining in.
“For us, it’s not about follower counts or awards—it’s about family, doing this together,” they explain.
Originally from Japan and now living in Los Angeles, the couple’s style reflects their roots. Aki’s favorite brands include Comme des Garçons and Issey Miyake, while Koichi favors Warehouse and BEAMS. At 70, they view fashion as a reflection of life experience and self-expression.
“We advise kids to watch as many films as possible, attend theater, travel—all of this broadens horizons, which naturally influences style,” says Aki. Their fashion icons also reflect timeless tastes: Aki admires Diane Keaton, and Koichi looks up to Steve McQueen.
Aki now prefers classic Adidas Sambas and Céline loafers, while Koichi experiments with modern styles like Adidas x Brain Dead and Salomon, guided by their daughter. Yuri manages their content, helping select outfits, take photos, and edit videos. “She chooses things we wouldn’t pick ourselves, but they fit perfectly,” the couple says.
Their wardrobe blends new designer pieces with cherished items kept for decades. Aki’s oldest piece is a 1970s Issey Miyake scarf, and Koichi wears a vintage Giorgio Armani suit.
The couple even attended the Dior Pre-Fall 2025 show in Kyoto, a full-circle moment for the family. “When we moved from Japan to the U.S., we could never imagine attending such a show,” they say.
In everyday life, Aki and Koichi play tennis, walk their dog Kuma, and spend time with their grandson Luca. Yet Instagram success has opened a new world: travel, brand collaborations, and unforgettable experiences.
“We hope our story inspires people to cherish every day—have fun, enjoy life, and love genuinely. If our Instagram has made even one person smile, that’s everything to us,” they conclude.
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