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!"
Check out Kubodera’s blog at http://ameblo.jp/mzk-avc.
This story originally appeared in Metropolis magazine (www.metropolis.co.jp).
© Japan Today
36 Comments
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ichinensei
Nice
Pukey2
Maybe it's the way the photo was taken or the way she was posing, but her eyes need more makeup. Surprising, since past Jp participants have usually shoved tons of the stuff onto their eyes.
Sarge
Pukey - It's the way the photo was taken - too bright. She doesn't need any make-up.
techall
She's cute, natural good looks without much make-up. What's "International Society"?
some14some
I'll go to Kiyomizudera and pray for Kubodera Mizuki's success :) Atleast she should get Miss Friendship Award.
bushlover
An advance vote for her from me. Good on ya Mizuki-chan. Ganbatte.
rjd_jr
This picture is not very flattering, go to her blog for much better photogenic pictures. She looks tasty in those. Best of luck to her.
apecNetworks
In international competition, she will have to work the eyes professionally: immediate transition to a more glamorous look. Miss Universe runnerup Kurara Chibana can definitely point her in the right direction.
WMD
ummm very nice. Brightens your mood and stirs your loins.
fukuyama
I like her study economics, history and sociology more than Business Administration, Financial Accounting or strategic investment....
RogueFive
I find the picture above very agreeable.
gerriburn
dang, i can imagine a massive application of eye shadow and mascara during the presentation night.
northlondon
Classy manager then. He doesn't by any chance have dyed brown hair and a black suit does he ?
the_sicilian
I don't know what a degree in "international society" will bring here, but at least she seems honest and not in the "kawaii" set.
Addiu
BlackFlag
I'd like to know what charity she hopes to work for, what her favourite junk food is and what type of man she prefers
northlondon
She would like to work for the Kabukicho charity that supports young Japanese women who are too poor to afford a Vuitton handbag. Known as T.I.P.
Her favourite junk food is environmentally-friendly whale meat burgers.
Her type of man is the type who hangs around the Inokashira gate (as in, downtown Shibuya) at Shibuya station.seesaw
my male colleagues said it's harder for them to get hitched..now that all the J women are joing the Ms Inez school...and wanting to be Miss Japan...:(...and eventually marry rich men....
Philmoscowitz
i don't understand why Japan keeps sending these mediocre women to international beauty contests. is it just because they're tall and can speak English?
JoiceRojo
She´s cute, but not for Miss World, or maybe it is that she is not wearing make-up to look the part
CaptDingleheimer
Get outta here- Miss World? If she passed me on the street I wouldn't even leer at her.
Molenir
Is that supposed to be a bad thing?
soldave
Hang on... a Japanese girl in the media interviewed and the first question wasn't about if she has/is looking for a man.
Surely shome mishtake?!
techall
2006 Miss Universe 1st runner up - Kurara Chibana - Japan
2007 miss Universe - Riyo Mori - Japan
I'll take these mediocre women any day.
Also,If you Google Image her you will see she "cleans-up real nice".
kanadamanada
I'd bet that to the average Japanese she's more beautiful than Riyo Mori. And I also bet she's doesn't make it through the first round. PASS!
Bungleer
We she was probably the one woman who could speak at least some English so she could go to an international beauty contest...
techall
FYI the "Book" on the Miss World 2008 has Miss Ukrane a 9 to 1 favorite followed closely by Miss Spain and Miss Equador. Unfortunately Mizuki does not fall in the top 15. I'm still hoping she can pull off an upset.
ScottishThug
Good luck, honey. Y'all best gone needs it.
cwhite
she looks 32, but then why would age or looks be of any issue. Do they have a Mr World?
seesaw
cwhite: i wish they do..so i could enjoy the sights of good looking men ....it's a rare sight here in J Land....
Youdontknow
Is this some kind of joke? I would need a few beers before even considering her for a dance in a club! Miss World? Please...get real!
ca1ic0cat
Maybe they are going to outfit her with a justice bra?
European1
Can someone correct me? Shouldn`t be Miss Japan? It makes no sense for me what they write.
clayton88
Miss World Japan (Miss Nippon) is different from Miss Universe Japan (Miss Japan)
smithinjapan
Did a quick google and found some pics; this one above does her very little justice. She's hot.
PASHA_51
She is pretty gal and looks younger than actual age. Keep it up.
rondh69
I like her; there a better pics of her than this...