Miss Nippon Day, honoring a legacy of Japanese Beauty

Today, and April 22nd annually, is Miss Nippon Day in Japan. It marks the anniversary of the very first Miss Nippon Contest, held on Aprill 22nd 1950. Organized by the Yomiuri Shimbun, the inaugural event crowned Fujiko Yamamoto, who would go on to become a celebrated actress, as the first Miss Nippon.

Nowadays, the Wada Research Institute host the contest. According to them, the Miss Nippon Contest is one of Japan's oldest and most prestigious beauty pageants. The contest remains a domestic competition, distinct from global events like Miss Universe or Miss International. Eligibility is limited to unmarried women aged 17 to 26 with Japanese nationality and a minimum height of 155 centimeters. 

The "Miss Nippon Day" anniversary was established by the Miss Nippon Association, headquartered in Shinjuku, with the goal of promoting an ideal that blends outer beauty, inner character, and the ability to contribute positively to society.