On August 27, 2019, the Miss World Japan competition reached a significant milestone as 16-year-old Marika Sera was named the youngest-ever representative for Japan. The final selection event, held at ANA InterContinental Hotel Tokyo, saw Sera emerge victorious among 8,415 applicants, marking a historic moment in the competition’s history.
Sera, a second-year high school student from Kanagawa Prefecture, expressed both joy and a sense of responsibility in her acceptance speech. “I’m truly honored and feel a strong sense of responsibility. I’m determined to represent Japan with pride at the world stage,” she said.
Marika Sera will now compete in the Miss World 2019 Grand Finals, scheduled to take place from November 20 to December 14 in London, where contestants from across the globe will vie for the prestigious title. Sera impressed judges not only with her youthful charm but also with her dedication to raising awareness about global issues.
In her final presentation, Sera said, “If I’m chosen as Miss World Japan, I will not only promote the beauty of Japan to the world but also bring attention to global challenges, and inspire people everywhere to consider how they can contribute to society’s development.”
Despite her busy summer preparing for the competition, Sera reflected positively on the experience, stating, “It has been an unforgettable summer, and I feel like I’ve grown immensely.”
Looking toward the future, Sera aspires to build a career as a model, following in the footsteps of her role model, Rola, who uses her platform to address global environmental issues.
Miss World Japan 2019 also celebrated winners in various categories, including Mai Iwase for the Top Model Award and Sumire Nakane for the Sports Award.
Sera will now embark on her journey to the global stage, where she hopes to represent Japan proudly and demonstrate that even at 16, she has the resolve to make a significant impact.