Miss Universe crown returns to Japan

Riyo Mori has became the second Japanese woman to wear the Miss Universe crown after winning the competition finals held in Mexico City on May 28. Miss Mori, 20, follows in the footsteps of Akiko Kojima who held the title almost 50 years earlier. Kurara Chibana of Okinawa Prefecture almost broke the drought last year, when chosen as runner-up.
Miss Mori, from Shizuoka Prefecture, began dancing at the age of four and travelled to Canada during her high school years. Studying dance at Canadian ballet schools and in New York, Miss Mori now teaches jazz dance at her mother's studio. She was chosen as Japan's 2007 Miss Universe representative from 4000 competitors.
This year's Miss Universe competition featured 77 participants. Runner-up was Miss Brazil and in third was Miss Venezuela.