Tokyo, Oct 5 (AFP/APP):Japanese fashion lovers, politicians and friends of Kenzo Takada paid tribute to the designer on Monday after he died in Paris aged 81 having contracted coronavirus. Junko Koshino, who went to fashion school with Takada in Tokyo, told local media she could not believe news of his death. “I won’t be able to see him even if I go to Paris. I miss him,” said Koshino, who last visited her friend in February in the French capital. “I called him afterwards and said, ‘Please take care. Don’t go out.’ And he said, ‘Don’t worry, I won’t. I’ll be careful (about the virus).’” Takada, founder of the global Kenzo brand, was the first Japanese designer to decamp to Paris, and was renowned for his signature floral prints. “I’m truly shocked… I was inspired by the colours,” said one fan on Twitter. “I hate the coronavirus. It takes away so many things.” “I loved his floral prints and perfumes. Thank you for teaching me so many wonderful things. Damn coronavirus!” wrote another. Japan’s top government spokesman expressed “sincere condolences” following the death of Takada, who “imparted our nation’s arts and culture to the world”. “It is very sad. As … Continue reading Japan mourns fashion designer Kenzo Takada