Japan’s own Miss Universe contestant.
Come Julu 14th, is an event that will rock the beauty world while contestants from 100s of different countries will send their ladies of choice to represent their country’s women.
This year’s contender for Japan: Hiroko Mima
It seems appropriate that this year’s Miss Universe Japan, Hiroko Mima, excels at the high jump. She is, in fact, aiming for the highest bar of all in Vietnam on July 14 when she represents her country in the Miss Universe final, following in the footsteps of Riyo Mori, who won last year, and Kurara Chibana, who was first runner-up in 2006.
Born in Tokushima, the 173cm-tall Mima, 22, says she always wanted to be a physical education instructor, and has competed nationally in the high jump. “I never saw many beauty contests on TV when I was growing up. They didn’t really have a positive image then. I knew of Miss Japan, but didn’t know Miss Universe at all. Then I saw the news about Kurara, and last year, when Riyo won, I discovered we were the same age. I thought if she could do it, so could I.”
Mima’s determined spirit has not only propelled her onto the world stage, it has helped her through some difficult times. In junior high school, she had a serious spinal illness. Then her grandmother died in 2003 and her father three years ago. “I loved them so much, and I was very sad. [But] when my dad passed away, I didn’t confine myself to my room crying. My family and I all supported each other by talking about how enjoyable life was with him. Everybody remembers him in a positive way. I think he is looking over us from heaven. These tragedies made me realize we only get one life, and I am determined to take on many different challenges.”
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