Who is your favorite Miss Japan so far and why?
My favorite Miss Japans so far are Kurara and Riyo. Kurara is an amazing young
woman and I have a lot of affection for her. She trusts me and this is very unique in a world where people turn
their back on you after they succeed. And, Riyo because of her focus, her personality, she is very bubbling,
a smart girl with an incredible body and because I can see that she will win in Mexico. She is really strong, believe me!
We know that Japanese women are beautiful. What about Japanese men? Why don't we see Japanese men competing in
male beauty pageants? The Mister International 2006 pageant took place in Singapore last October 7th, and we didn't
see a Mister Japan. Would you consider acquiring the Japanese franchise for Mister International and send a
Japanese hunk next year?
Young guys in Japan are really stylish and they are fun as well. I would love to
implement the Mister International competition in another life, because I am way too busy right now!
Who are more stylish? French women or Japanese women?
They have completely different styles that cannot be compared. I love both styles actually.
If you were to create a new female beauty pageant, how you would make it different from traditional pageants?
I already did. I know it must sound arrogant but this is what I think.
Which person do you admire and why?
I admire many people, not only one person. Also I cannot answer this question because it would take me forever.
Define happiness.
Happiness to me is being healthy, being in love, having best friends, healthy children, loving your job, having a goal in life.
What was the most embarrassing thing you've done in public so far and how did you handle it?
I do silly things all the time, this is what I am famous for! Ask my staff and
they will tell you! I handle it quite easily because I laugh at myself. I have no ego.
What do you do to relax or relieve stress?
Having shiatsu massages, going to onsen (Japanese hot bath) and reading or listening to music.
I love to have “girls talk” seated in comfortable sofas with a glass of wine.
What one question would you like people to ask you and what would you respond?
Who do you think will be Riyo’s strongest competitors in Miss Universe?
Up to now, Venezuela and USA this year.
INES'S FAVORITES
• Perfume – COCO Mademoiselle
• Flower – Hawaiian flower called pikake
• Color – pure white
• Cuisine – Japanese Yakitori (chicken in all forms)
• Music – anything, but mostly hip-hop
• Book – anything related to autism to help my little son recover
• Author - L'Etranger by Albert Camus. And also La Nausée by Jean-Paul Sartre
• Designer – Alexander McQueen & Roberto Cavalli
• Quote – Luck is where opportunity meets preparation
• Philosopher – my grandfather
VISIT INES'S BLOG
Interview by Rafael Robert Delfin
APRIL 2007
PHOTO CREDITS: Miss Universe Japan Organization, Chanel
