The Japan Inter Culture Foundation (Location: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Chairperson: Akemi Shimomura) held a friendship exchange tour in Okayama, Gunma, Ibaraki, Kochi, Ehime, Saga, and Yamanashi for the 2019 Miss International Beauty Pageant contestants to deepen exchanges with a variety of people.

The "Miss International Beauty Pageant" (hereinafter "Miss International") is one of the world's three largest beauty pageants, along with Miss World and Miss Universe. It started in 1960 and celebrates its 59th anniversary this year. The aim is to deepen exchanges among beautiful and high-willed women who want to contribute to the international community, such as international friendship and world peace.

The 82 Miss International Beauty Pageant contestants were divided into several teams and visited places all over the country. In Okayama, they walked around Okayama Korakuen. A fashion walk was also held on the “runway” along the Kurashiki River, wearing denim products made in Okayama. In Kochi and Ehime, they experienced aroma craft and visited Dogo Onsen in Umaji village. In Saga, they visited the Kyushu Ceramic Culture to learn about the culture of pottery, Saga's specialty. They also participated in the world-famous Saga International Balloon Fiesta. In Yamanashi, they visited the jewelry museum and experienced making straps with a jewel of their choice. In Gunma and Ibaraki, they touched the history and culture of Japan, through a visit to Gunma Flower Park, trying on a kimono of Yuki tsumugi, and exploring the area in a jinrikisha.

<Outline of event>
■Date: October 31 (Thur)-November 1 (Fri), 2019

[Saga]
October 31
・ Karatsu castle tower
・ Reception party (Guests: Governor of Saga, Mayor of Karatsu and Ureshino)
November 1
・  Saga International Balloon Fiesta
・ Conversation with the 15th Sakaida Kakiemon
・ Yutoku Inari Shrine

[Gunma / Ibaraki]
October 31
・ Vegan Restaurant "Awatama"
・ Gunma Flower Park
November 1
・ Trying on Yuki tsumugi (Okujun) experience
・ Spinning / weaving experience
・ Walk around town, jinrikisha
・ Walk around Kairakuen
・ Visit a Suifu lantern manufacturer
・ Visit to Suzuki Mohei Shoten
・ Partial experience in the lantern creation process
　　
【Okayama】
October 31
・ Courtesy Visit to the Governor of Okayama Prefecture
・ Korakuen tour
November 1
・ Ohara Museum of Art Private Morning Tour
・ River boat experience
・ Visit Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
・ Konoito (Indigo dyeing experience)
・ Japan Local Toy Museum
・ Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft

[Kochi / Ehime]
October 31
・ Umaji village Yuzunomori Processing Plant
November 1
・ Kochi Prefectural Government Office, presenting a crown and lei made of Gloriosa
・ Courtesy visit to the Governor of Kochi Prefecture
· Dogo Onsen
・Yawatahama Minatto

[Yamanashi]
October 31
・ Courtesy visit to the Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture
・ Yamanashi Jewelry Museum
・ Institute of Gemology and Jewelry Art Yamanashi prefectural government
・ Jewelry fashion show
November 1
・ Fuji Technical Support Center
・ Courtesy visit to the Mayor of Fujiyoshida
・ Tenjin Factory visit
・ Arakura Sengen Shrine
・ Visit Hadachu Orimono

Photo from Saga visit day

Photo from Gunma / Ibaraki visit day

Photo from Okayama visit day

Photo from Kochi / Ehime visit day

Photo from Yamanashi visit day

■ The 59th Miss International World Pageant

■ About “Miss International”
Miss International, officially called “Miss International Beauty Pageant”, started in the United States in 1960. Although it was held in the United States for the first seven years, the right to hold the event was transferred to Japan in commemoration of the Japan World Exposition (1970 / Osaka). The world pageant where representatives of each country wishing for international peace gather as “goodwill ambassadors of beauty and peace” is held every year with a purpose to broadcast "prayers for peace" and the beauty of Japan to many countries around the globe. Also, Miss International conducts international exchange activities at the individual level. Through social contribution activities such as “Greening Promotion Campaign” and “Miss International Forum” as well as “Charity Events”, we are deepening friendship and goodwill between Japan and the rest of the world. “Miss International” official website: https://www.miss-international.org/jp/

■ About the "Japan Inter Culture Foundation”
In April 1969, the Japan Inter Culture Foundation was authorized and established as an external organization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cultural Exchange Department) for the purpose of "friendship and goodwill with countries around the world" through the exchange of world culture and art. Since then, as an international contribution project, we have been developing a wide range of interchange of people based on the slogans of "realizing world peace through mutual understanding" and "correct understanding of Japan in the international community."