Miss World Japan goes for the crown

A 22-year-old college student in Yokohama, Mizuki Kubodera will be Japan’s representative at Miss World 2008 in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Dec 13.

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Hadano in Kanagawa Prefecture, just outside of Tokyo.

How did you get started in modeling?
I was scouted by my current manager two years ago at the Inokashira line ticket gate in Shibuya. I had wanted to get into modeling for a long time, so I was happy to start working.

What made you decide to participate in Miss World 2008?
I wanted to challenge myself in the modeling world. Also, Miss World is not just about appearance: intelligence and social skills are important. I thought that visiting many countries would be a wonderful experience and would improve my studies as well.

You’re a full-time student?
Yes, I’m in my final year at Toyo Eiwa University in Yokohama. I’m majoring in international society, including economics, history and sociology.

What’s your favorite place to hang out in Tokyo?
I like Omotesando because of the famous designer shops and also the many good restaurants. I feel like it’s a calm area within the busy city of Tokyo. There are many unique buildings too. Omotesando is a place where interesting people gather, and it makes me feel happy and relaxed just walking the streets.

What are your future plans?
I’d like to visit many different places in and outside of Japan. I hope to learn a lot and grow through all these unique experiences. In the future, I’d like to be a TV reporter covering culture, lifestyle and food, both in Japan and overseas.

Where can we see you from now on?
I’m in the November issue of Classy Wedding magazine and on the Fuji TV show “Joho Navi Pick-up! FJ!”

Story By Hiroko Fukazawa - japantoday.com
And this story originally appeared in Metropolis magazine (www.metropolis.co.jp).