Miss Japan Riyo Mori was one of the hot bets to win Miss Universe 2007. True enough, she fared far beyond expectations during the finals and was crowned Miss Universe 2007. She now becomes the 2nd from her country to win the prestigious title.
The last time Japan won in Miss Universe was in 1959. It's also the 2nd consecutive time for Japan to place in the finals. Last year's Miss Japan Kurara Chibana almost bagged the crown when she finished 1st Runner Up to Puerto Rican Zuleyka Rivera.
Here's Miss Japan with Honey Lee of Korea, who was the ultimate favorite from Asia to win the crown, but ended only as 3rd Runner Up. After 19 years, Korea has finally made it to the finalists and placed as expected.
And who would have thought that Miss Japan and Miss Brazil, who were photographed together on some occasions would also end up together as Miss Universe and 1st Runner Up respectively?
Ines Ligron, Miss Universe-Japan National Director, is up again for being the Best National Director for 2007. During the pageant, she figured herself into a controversy when she posted on her blog that Miss Philippines Anna Theresa Licaros denied herself as Asian.
Here are some photos of Riyo Mori, the new Miss Universe, plus a bonus video on how she was chosen as Japan's representative to Miss Universe 2007:
Photo credits: Univision
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