Miss Japan

Kurara Chibana

What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
My main interest is traveling. I love to go to places that I have never been and discover new cultures and meet new people. Between my second and third years of University, I spent one year in France studying French. I am passionate about French cinematography and I wanted to see French movies without reading the subtitles. Also, I lived in Spain for 3 months to learn Flamenco. I have been dancing Flamenco for almost 2 years now. One day I would like to teach Flamenco to young women in Japan because it would help them express more passion, an attribute that will strengthen confidence.

Name one person other than your parents who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
Definitely Christiane Amanpour, CNN's chief international correspondent! I first saw her on CNN 2 years ago and was surprised that there was a female journalist who was reporting in dangerous war zones. In Japan it is unheard of that a female journalist would be sent to such places. My dream has always been to become an international reporter and when I saw Amanpour's reporting, she immediately became my role model. Her work ranges from exclusive interviews with numerous world leaders to reporting from the heart of war; her strong, frank and confident style has been a true inspiration to me.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
I feel very fortunate because I was hired as a features reporter for a top fashion magazine in Japan; I have 2 pages monthly. My duty is to fly around the world to interview unique people in the entertainment world and to report about them and about their personal lifestyles. By winning the Miss Universe Japan competition, I became a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR (United Nations High Commission Refugees) and shall start soon traveling and reporting about the situation in the refugee camps around Asia. My career ambition for the future is to become a world-renowned reporter, traveling around the world and interviewing influential people in all kind of areas. I wish to experience several lifestyles and cultures from different countries before I settle down in one place and start a family. I would like to remain frank and open-minded when communicating with people who I interview and transferring their personalities accurately using words and sentences as a form of media. I would also like to offer my ideas and opinions as a woman during the interview so that the interview becomes a dialogue.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was born and raised in Naha, which is the capital city of Okinawa, the 47th prefecture in Japan. The climate of Okinawa Island is sub-tropical. The emerald ocean and beautiful beaches make Okinawa a popular travel destination for Japanese and foreign tourists. Even though I was raised in the capital city, the pace is nothing similar to that of Tokyo's hectic city routine! Due to the unique history of Okinawa, which is influenced by different cultures such as the American and Chinese cultures, it is a part of Japan that does not seem Japanese. We even have our own dialect. I was brought up under the tropical weather with the beaches nearby, so during my childhood I was outside a lot doing sports such as swimming and tennis. I was a tomboy when I was small, full of energy and even when I was small, I was always curious and would often go on my own to discover new places!

What makes you unique and different from the other contestants?
I already think about myself as Miss Universe! My advantages might be that: -I can communicate with people in 4 different languages (Japanese, French, English & Spanish) -I already have the lifestyle of a Miss Universe, traveling the world to listen and communicate with people. -I am in front of as well as behind a camera daily. -I am active in several charity works. -I am able to switch from glamour to humbleness. -I received a good education from my loving parents -I am patient and compassionate. -I think big picture always.

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