Miss Japan

Yukari Kuzuya

Occupation:
Professional model.

Interests: My main interest is discovering new places. I currently live in Tokyo and instead of taking public transport, I try to walk from one place to another. By walking I am more aware of my surroundings- buildings, shops, people around me. Even though I sometimes get lost, this means that I can discover somewhere where I have never been before. I am very excited to go to Bangkok and 'discover' Thai culture, as I have never been before.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
One person who has had the most influence on my life is my sister, who is 7 years older than I am. When I was scouted by a big model agency, at the age of 16, I was not sure whether I should accept or not. However, because of my height and my ‘non-Japanese’ looks, my dream ever since I can remember was to be an international top model. My sister knew this and so she spoke to the agency and negotiated with them on my behalf and thanks to her I am living my dream.

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you (aside from winning your title) and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
The most interesting thing that has ever happened to me was modeling as a 'Japanese icon' for a famous photographer. My face was made up to be a Japanese geisha - white with small red lips and very thin eyes, but the clothes that I had to wear were very eccentric and modern - mini skirt, ripped tights and boots! The location for the shoot was in the middle of Shinjuku (which is the centre of Tokyo- neon lights etc) and many people stopped to look and stare!!

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My career ambition is to become an internationally known Japanese model, jet setting around the world. Taking part in the Miss Universe pageant is one of the steps to achieve this goal. By representing my country in one of the biggest beauty pageants in the world, I hope to be able to prove to everyone that there are Asian women, such as myself, who are tall and beautiful and to put Japan back on the map. With all of the success, I hope to tackle the issues concerning the environment as that is a problem that I am most concerned about, and try to educate people on environment issues.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
Despite its reputation, not every place in Japan is an urban jungle. I was born and raised in Ichinomiya, a small town outside Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture. It is a very peaceful place that is very green and surrounded by hills. I grew up in a community where all the neighbours were friendly with each other and helped each other out so everyone was family to me. This is one of the aspects that I miss living in a big city such as Tokyo, where people are always on the go.

List any interesting or unsual jobs you may have had.
When I was in high school I had a part time job as a shop assistant in a shop selling unique, eccentric clothes for children. It was interesting to see what mothers bought for their children!
As a model I took part in a hair show where my hair was arranged in an afro!! I looked at myself in the mirror and did not recognize myself.

What is your most unusual talent?
I am able to calculate using the 'soroban' which is the Japanese name for an abacus (ancient mathematical instrument used for calculation). Soroban is taught in elementary schools as a part of lessons in mathematics but I continued and currently have a Level 2 certificate.

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