Miyako Miyazaki

For the anime character, see Bamboo Blade.

Miyako Miyazaki (宮崎 京, Miyazaki Miyako) is a Japanese fashion model and beauty pageant winner who is best known for ending Japan's 15-year drought in the Miss Universe pageant. She was born in the Japanese prefecture of Kumamoto on 25 February 1978. She stands at 5'7".

Miss Universe Japan 2003

Miyako Miyazaki was the winner of Miss Universe Japan competition in 2003. She represented Japan in the Miss Universe 2003 pageant where she advanced to the top 5, and was eventually named the 4th runner up. Miyako was remembered for her stylish and daring night gown, now famously referred to as the "gown kini".

Miyazaki won the crown of Miss Universe Japan in 2003, after which she signed a one-year endorsement contract with Celine and her gown was sent from Paris just before she left for Panama. The Miss Japan pageant national director Ines Ligron, revealed to Missosology, 'Miyazaki loved it and it was her choice. She is not a beauty queen but a diva, and this outfit was perfect for her moves on the stage.'

Ligron was initially concerned about the reaction from the Miss Universe Organization regarding the daring yet innovative evening gown. Hence she brought along with her a long coat made by an English designer in Japan who is a drag queen. She asked Miyazaki to wear it in case she would land in the top 10, which she did. Ligron regretted the choice of suggesting Miyazaki to change into a more conservative Celine gown if she would reach the top 5.

Ligron later confessed, "Have I done a mistake by telling her to change? I believe I did. Because she looked like everyone else up there in the end, plus she was betrayed by her translator."^[1]

Global Beauties later awarded her the title of Sexiest Woman Alive in 2003.^[2]

Biography

Miyazaki is a fashion model and spokesperson in her country. She has earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the Kumamoto University. She is skilled in writing Japanese calligraphy and has a passion for literature. She would like to share her interests in literature and education by establishing her own children's library which specializes in teaching calligraphy. She is also a successful commercial model for Renault, Nina Ricci and Mikimoto.

Dubbing

Power Rangers Jungle Fury as Guin

Link

• Official blog of Miyako Miyazaki

References

Awards and achievements
Preceded by Cynthia Lander	Miss Universe 4th runner-up 2003	Succeeded by Danielle Jones
Preceded by Mina Chiba	Miss Universe Japan 2003	Succeeded by Eri Machimoto