"We are more than beauty. I am overjoyed to have won the most perfect pageant in the world."
"I was able to express my deep love for Japan on stage, and I wish to continue sharing Japan's beauty with the world."

Miss Japan, Ai Nozaki, Honored with Miss Friendship Award—Selected by Her Fellow Contestants as the Most Beloved Miss

The International Cultural Association (headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Chairperson: Akemi Shimomura) hosted the 63rd Miss International Beauty Pageant 2025 on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium.

From among 80 representatives from nations and regions around the world, Miss Colombia, Catalina Duque, was crowned as the world's finest.

Miss International, one of the world's three most prestigious beauty pageants alongside Miss World and Miss Universe, was established in the United States in 1960 and celebrates its 63rd anniversary this year. Ambassadors of Beauty and Peace from diverse backgrounds—including professional models, university students, dentists, and farmers—gathered in Japan for this distinguished occasion.

Following their arrival in Japan, the delegates participated in approximately two weeks of social contribution and cultural exchange activities across the nation, including a traditional mochi-making experience in Niigata and a visit to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. These experiences formed an integral part of the judging process, evaluating not only external beauty but also inner beauty characterized by compassion and intellect.

The final competition featured multiple judging categories: National Costume, Evening Gown, Swimsuit, and Speech. This year also introduced the Miss Sustainable Beauty award, recognizing efforts toward sustainable development goals, enabling a comprehensive evaluation from multiple perspectives.

The National Costume presentation was particularly spectacular, with Ambassadors of Beauty and Peace from 80 nations and regions gracing the runway in attire embodying their cultural heritage and national pride. Miss Japan elegantly showcased the traditional kimono, Miss Canada presented a creative ski-themed costume, and Miss USA dazzled in Hollywood cinema-inspired glamour, each distinctively celebrating their nation's unique identity.

Following rigorous deliberation, Miss Colombia, Catalina Duque, was crowned Miss International 2025. Judges praised her for her radiant stage presence and her exemplary conduct throughout the two weeks of social contribution and cultural exchange activities across Japan, noting her proactive engagement with people and her earnest dedication to understanding Japanese culture.

In addition to the top five finalists, awards were presented for Miss Four Continents (Asia-Pacific, Africa, Americas, and Europe), Special Awards (People's Choice, Best National Costume, Miss Friendship, Best in Talent, Miss Elegance, Miss Photogenic, Miss Fitness, and Best in Evening Gown), and the newly established Miss Sustainable Beauty award.

Miss Japan, Ai Nozaki, competing at this pageant for the second consecutive year, received the Miss Friendship award, selected by her fellow contestants as the most beloved Miss. Throughout the cultural exchange period, Ms. Nozaki embodied the spirit of Japanese hospitality (omotenashi), graciously attending to each delegate with warmth and care. Her thoughtfulness transcending cultural boundaries and her commitment to making a positive impact on the world resonated deeply with her peers, earning recognition for her inner beauty beyond physical appearance.

The 63rd Miss International Beauty Pageant 2025 concluded triumphantly with the joyous acceptance speech by Miss International 2025, Catalina Duque.

Contestant Remarks

Miss International 2025 — Miss Colombia, Catalina Duque
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wish to bow in gratitude to all my sisters standing here with me. Miss International represents true sisterhood—we are family. We are more than beauty. It is through our unity that we have made this pageant such a resounding success. Miss International is the most perfect pageant in the world. I am immeasurably honored to have won such a prestigious competition.

The most cherished memory from my two weeks in Japan was the time spent with children in Fukushima. I was profoundly moved by the Japanese people's reverence for courtesy and mutual respect. I believe that staying true to myself throughout this journey contributed to this wonderful outcome.

Furthermore, when my lifelong dream of "eating ramen in Japan" finally came true, I was so overcome with emotion that I wept like a child. I feel I was able to express my deep love for Japan on stage, and I wish to continue sharing Japan's beauty with the world.

I am truly blessed to have won such a distinguished competition. My heartfelt gratitude goes to Colombia. Gracias, Colombia. Lo logramos (We did it). Arigato gozaimasu!

Miss International Japan 2025 — Ai Nozaki

Standing on this stage after my second consecutive year of pursuit has been a journey filled with happiness and joy. Having given my absolute best, I have no regrets! Being selected by 80 fellow Misses to receive the Miss Friendship award will remain a lifelong source of pride.

Hosting the Yamanashi tour as the representative of the host country, where I could share Japanese culture and hospitality, has become an invaluable treasure. I believe this award is the embodiment of that heartfelt dedication.

I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone at Miss International and to the people of my hometown, Yamanashi. I am determined to carry this experience forward and fulfill my dream of creating a place that nurtures both beauty and heart.

Award Recipients
■Miss International Top Five

左から、ミルナ・エスゲラさん、パオラ・グスマン・サンチェスさん、カタリナ・ドゥケさん、 ヨランダ・チンバラミさん、メリサ・ハヴィエラ・ユリアンさん

■Miss Four Continents

■Special Awards

【Event Information】
Name：The 63rd Miss International Beauty Pageant 2025
Date：Thursday, November 27, 2025
Opening / Starting：17:00 / 18:00
Location：Yoyogi National Stadium, Second Gymnasium
（2-1-1 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0041, Japan）
Delegates：Miss International 2025 representing each country and regions from all over the world

【About “Miss International”】
Miss International was established in the United States in 1960 under the official name of the “Miss International Beauty Pageant”. For the first seven years, it was held in the United States. The hosting rights were transferred to Japan in commemoration of the Japan World Exposition, which was held in Osaka in 1970. The goal of Miss International is not only to compete the external beauty, but also to realize world peace by promoting mutual understanding among countries through international interaction, friendship and social contributions in the host country.
We also hope that the actions of the women who have challenged the global competition will lead to their own growth and the courage and challenges of women in the whole world. Through this pageant, we wish to realize "CHEER ALL WOMEN".
The representatives from all over the world gather at one place as "Ambassadors of Beauty and Peace." This pageant is held every year with the aim of sending out a "Prayer for Peace" to the world and promoting the attraction of Japan, the host country. In addition, through the Miss International, the delegates have been engaged in international interaction activities at various levels.
Through social contribution activities such as “the Tree-Planting Campaign”, “the Miss International Forum”, and charity events, we are deepening friendship and goodwill between Japan and the world.

・”Miss International” Official Home Page：https://www.miss-international.org/
・”Miss International” Official YouTube：https://www.youtube.com/missinternationalchannel

【About “General Incorporated Association International Cultural Association”】
The International Cultural Association was established in April in 1969 as an external organization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cultural Exchange Department) for the purpose of achieving "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 people-to-people interaction under the slogans of "Realizing world peace through mutual understanding" and "Correct understanding of Japan in the international community."