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A 66-year-old grandmother has made history as the oldest finalist ever to compete in the Miss Universe Japan pageant
Junko Sakai, a grandmother of three and mother of four, was among 42 women who reached the finals this year after the internationally recognised pageant lifted its age limit rule in 2024.
Previously, only women between 18 and 28 were eligible to compete.
Sakai admitted that she was initially worried about how younger contestants might perceive her
"I was worried about what they would think of an older applicant. I was deeply moved that they accepted me and judged me on an equal footing with younger contestants," she told Yahoo News Japan.
She also reflected on her upbringing, sharing that she grew up in a strict household where women were expected to become housewives, leaving little room for freedom or personal ambitions.
By joining the pageant, she hoped to challenge those expectations and set an example for other women in the country.
Junko Sakai (bottom left) with other contestants of Miss Universe Japan 2025.
Image via @missuniversejapan (Instagram)Sakai aimed to shine a spotlight on Japan's elderly community, whom she feels are often overlooked
"I am approaching this contest with the mindset that I am representing Japan's elderly population.
"As the oldest contestant to be picked for Miss Universe Japan, I strive to be someone people can look up to and be inspired by," she said.
Although she did not win the crown, Sakai's determination was recognised when she received the Miss Congeniality award.
