Mizuki Kubodera

Miss World Japan goes for the crown

By Hiroko Fukazawa

TOKYO —

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).

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Latest 15 of 36 Total Comments Show All

soldave at 10:24 AM JST - 4th November

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 at 10:37 AM JST - 4th November

mediocre women

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 at 10:53 AM JST - 4th November

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 at 11:18 AM JST - 4th November

We she was probably the one woman who could speak at least some English so she could go to an international beauty contest...
techall at 11:33 AM JST - 4th November

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 at 04:50 PM JST - 4th November

Good luck, honey. Y'all best gone needs it.
cwhite at 09:57 PM JST - 4th November

she looks 32, but then why would age or looks be of any issue. Do they have a Mr World?
seesaw at 10:40 AM JST - 5th November

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 at 01:11 AM JST - 6th November

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 at 03:59 AM JST - 6th November

Maybe they are going to outfit her with a justice bra?
European1 at 05:30 PM JST - 6th November

Miss World Japan...?

Can someone correct me? Shouldn`t be Miss Japan? It makes no sense for me what they write.
clayton88 at 10:12 AM JST - 7th November

Miss World Japan (Miss Nippon) is different from Miss Universe Japan (Miss Japan)
smithinjapan at 12:45 PM JST - 7th November

Did a quick google and found some pics; this one above does her very little justice. She's hot.
PASHA_51 at 06:36 PM JST - 8th November

She is pretty gal and looks younger than actual age. Keep it up.
rondh69 at 05:04 PM JST - 22nd November

I like her; there a better pics of her than this...