lifestyle

Kurara Chibana: A work in progress

10 Comments
By Chris Betros

Kurara Chibana sees her life as a work in progress. The former Miss Universe runner-up leads a busy life as a model, TV reporter and most important of all, as a special supporter for the World Food Program (WFP), but she says she is still learning a lot about life.

Born in Naha, Okinawa, Chibana spent two years in France and Spain in between her studies at Sophia University, where she majored in educational philosophy. She entered the Miss Universe Japan contest in 2006 and went on to finish runner-up. Fluent in English, Chibana, 31, said she looked back on the contest as a platform for her to build on in search of greater opportunities.

One of those is her work with the WFP, which has taken Chibana to African countries such as Tanzania and Zambia since 2007. “I always wanted an opportunity to go to impoverished countries and see for myself the conditions and encounter locals,” Chibana said. “It has become such an important part of me that I can’t talk about my life without mentioning it. In Japan, not many people experience starvation at that level, so what really shocked me was seeing children who look young but their weight isn’t up to their age level. I’d ask them what they had for breakfast and they’d say the root of a tree.”

And yet, Chibana says she learned the power of a smile. “Children are the same all over the world. They are lively and can have fun even when there is a food shortage. I go to visit them in schools and they are studying cheerfully. That’s why I like the school meal project that I am involved in. It actually gives me energy.” Chibana hasn’t neglected her home country either. Since the March 11, 2011 disaster, she has been to Miyagi and Iwate many times, and last year in Okinawa, she took part in a project where a small island invited kids from Fukushima to spend some time there.

As a high-profile model – she has been gracing the cover of Domani magazine for the past six years – Chibana has become someone to whom many young Japanese women look up to her as a role model. “I receive letters and emails from readers of Domani magazine. I have a column called Kurara Diary in which I wear my own clothes and I get a lot of response to that which really surprises me. This is my 6th year on the cover of Domani. Women write and say they want to be like me. I say to them that they have to follow their own dreams and not be scared to do so. My brother is 8 years younger than me and I want him to travel and see the world outside Japan. By doing that, you can learn and increase your possibilities. I am still doing that myself. You may find that your place in life is different from what you started out seeking. But you need to have your own core, not someone else’s.”

This month, Chibana releases her second fashion book. Titled “Forever Basic,” it features her own clothes and accessories and lots of fashion tips. “Before I started this work, I wasn’t really into fashion, but recently, I have established my own style.” And what is her style? “Whatever is comfortable. I always take denim jeans with me no matter where I go. Recently, I like men’s accessories, such as wingtip shoes, hats and ties. I shop in all sorts of places. I buy on impulse or if I like something I wear for Domani, I will order it.”

Chibana goes abroad 5-6 times a year for work and enjoys observing the different fashion trends. “Japanese young girls are very particular about fashion trends. They sense it right away and there are many fashion magazines in Japan to support that. In Europe, each city or country has its own individual style. That’s part of the fun of travelling.” Though the idea of living and working abroad appeals to Chibana, she says she would like to work as a bridge between Japan and other countries. Even two years after the Tohoku disaster, she still gets asked by people overseas if Japan is safe because of earthquakes and the Fukushima nuclear accident.

Chibana is hopeful that things will get better for Japan. “I really hope that this is a time for a change,” she says. “We have a new prime minister and government but it is too early to tell what the consequences will be. Japan needs something to get excited about, like being awarded the 2020 Olympics. The country needs something like that to be a trigger for change.”

As an Okinawan, she is also aware of the U.S. bases issue. “On the one hand, I get upset everytime I hear about crimes committed by U.S. military personnel are a problem. On the other hand, the base issue is very intertwined with the Okinawan economy and is very complicated. I wish it could be solved in my lifetime but it has already gone on for generations. I think Okinawa can be much bigger than this issue by making use of its unique characteristics.”

Despite her hectic schedule, the 173-cm-tall Chibana keeps in shape by swimming, doing leg stretch exercises and sweating in the steam sauna. “I always feel great the next day,” she says. At home, she enjoys cooking and her latest hobby – remaking and painting furniture to make it look like antiques.

If she could fit in time to attempt another career, Chibana says she would like to become an architect. “I love doing interiors and making space. Architects always have a philosophy behind creating spaces. I see a lot of wonderful architecture in Europe. Even the way they use rooms is different from Japan.”

Visit Kurara’s home page at http://chibanakurara.com/

© Japan Today

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10 Comments
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"I think Okinawa can be bigger than this ( U.S. bases ) issue by making use of its unique characteristics."

Too bad more Okinawans don't think like this.

Kurara is hot and a great person to boot! .

6 ( +4 / -0 )

Sweet.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

great article and she seems like a wonderful person. my only point of contention would be the 2020 olympics. why would that necessarily bring any change, besides financial, to japan and japanese people? you would figure that fukushima would have been enough of a trigger, which it has been with the anti-nuke rallies. but your avg. japanese has no use for change and are happy with the status quo.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Smart, educated, global minded and working for a worthy cause. And gorgeous.

Great ambassador for Japan.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

She's one of the few good ones alright.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Yep, definitely one of the few good ones.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I wouldn't say she's only "good". In my eyes she's the perfect woman.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

She is smart and hot! Perfect combination.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Now THIS is a diamond among very very few women in the public eye in Japan that I consider to be a great role model for my daughter. Keep up the good work Kurara! Does anyone ever hear of what the actual winner of Miss Universe the following year is doing? (Riyo Mori her ame was)?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Simply She is an Excelent Person.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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