M I S S U N I V E R S E 2 0 0 6 F O C U S # 12
Kurara has come far in her short life and finds all her successes as a thrill. "I already have the lifestyle of a Miss Universe, traveling the world to listen and communicate with people," she exclaims. By holding the Miss Universe Japan title, she is also actively involved in several charity works. "Charity is not very big in Japan, and therefore, as Miss Universe Japan, I want to open the eyes of people around me to make them realize how fortunate they are and to convince them to get involved."
The local crowd
seemed to favor the Japanese delegates wherever the Miss Universe pageant is being staged. Their stirring personality has a way to win the hearts of an audience. Japan's Akiko Kojima is the first woman from the Far East to capture the coveted Miss Universe title. Akiko measured 37-23-38 inches, which many believed as "incredible dimensions" for an Asian. During the 50s, Japan can be considered as a powerhouse in Miss Universe. They did not only win their first & only crown in 1959, but also placed as 2nd runner-up in 1953 (Kinuko Ito), 4th runner-up in 1955 (Keiko Takahashi) and as one of the semifinalists in 1957 (Kyoko Otani), 1958 (Tomoko Moritake) and in 1960 (Yayoi Foruno). Jun Shimada and Mizuho Sakaguchi placed as 3rd runner-up in 1970 and in 1988 respectively. Keiko Takahashi (1955), Kikuyo Osuka (1969) and Miyako Miyazaki (2003) all finished as 4th runner-up. The following penetrated the Miss Universe semifinals and they are Noriko Ando (1963), Shigeko Taketomi (1971), Harumi Maeda (1972), Miyoko Sometani (1973) and Sachiko Nakayama (1975). Tomoko Moritake, Yasuyo Iino and Yurika Kuroda have proven the Japanese's endearing personality when they were voted as Miss Congeniality in 1958, 1968 and in 1979 respectively.
Japan aims to be on top of the universe yet again and the entire Miss Universe Japan team headed by the sensational Frenchwoman Ines Ligron knows what they need to accomplish. "Miyako Miyazaki is now prepping Kurara for gracious moves on the stage. Do not expect a "Miyako presentation," but a Kurara personal interpretation of her gown in front of the judges. She is also taking make-up lessons from Japanese make-up guru, Chiaki Shimada," says Ines. Meanwhile, Kurara is flirting with the idea of thinking herself as Miss Universe. "I am preparing myself in two ways - mentally and physically. Mentally, I always try to think of myself as Miss Universe, even when at home! Physically, I am doing a lot of exercise such as swimming and dancing Flamenco to keep my body toned and fit."
Kurara doesn't just sit around, she's a livewire and she wants you to expect her to be the next Miss Universe. She has inherent sophistication that not many contestants have. She will step into her moment with the kind of style others have to hone for years before getting right. Watch this larger than life glamour girl- with her natural ease on and off the camera- make a strong statement in L.A!
Flip back to
>>
Good
luck
to
Kurara
as
she
readies
for
her
Miss
Universe
quest.