Maiko Itai named next Miss Universe Japan

Japan’s representative for this year’s Miss Universe contest has been selected. On Tuesday, the 2010 Miss Universe Japan finals were held in Tokyo, and 25-year-old Maiko Itai was crowned as the winner.

Itai, hailing from the Oita prefecture, bested a field of about 4,000 contestants, which had been narrowed down to 11 finalists. Itai graduated from Sophia University and began working as a civil servant in Oita, but she left the job at the end of December when she was chosen as a finalist.

Itai will try to achieve another win for Japan at the 2010 Miss Universe competition this summer. The location of the contest has not yet been announced.

Source:
Sankei Sports