Miss Japan 2009
Fukuoka model Yuka Nakayama wins the crown over 40 contestants
 

Nakayama (2nd right) and Sasaki (2nd left) after being crowned winners, with their runner-ups

KYOTO, Oct. 25 - The 2009 Miss Japan pageant took place at the Kyoto International Conference Hall in Kyoto, on October 25th. 41 beautiful candidates competed in several categories to earn the right to represent the country in the Miss International and Miss World pageants for 2009.

The winner was Yuka Nakayama (18), a 1.73 cm model from Fukuoka, who won the Miss Japan 2009 title and will compete in Miss International 2009.

Also, Eruza Sasaki (20), was crowned Miss World Japan 2009 and will represent the country in the Miss World 2009 pageant.

The 62 contestants of Miss International 2008 also took part in the event, with the reigning titleholder, Priscila Perales of Mexico. On Sunday, the 61 beauties left Japan for the round two of the competition, to take place in Macau. The final will be held next November 8th at the Venetian Resort.

Miss International 2007 Priscila Perales (center) leads the delegates while they sing
"Such a Beautiful World", the traditional song of the contest since 1971.

The 62 contestants of Miss International 2008 pose in their native costumes.

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