Mrs. Universe Japan 2025 Grand Prix Winner Hisae Toba Becomes the First Japanese Woman Ever to Place in the Top 17 at the World Final!

At the international Mrs. pageant held in Manila, the Philippines, from October 1 to 9, 2025, Mrs. Universe 2025, Japan’s representative Hisae Toba (Mrs. Universe Japan 2025 Grand Prix winner) became the first Japanese woman in history to place in the Top 17.

“Happiness making machine” — I want to be someone who keeps creating happiness.

Known as “Himawari” (Sunflower) both privately and professionally, Ms. Toba is loved for her positive, cheerful presence that lights up everyone around her.

Centered on the harmony of “Beauty × Mind × Wellness,” she took on this pageant in pursuit of a true beauty that gives to others.

[Her comments]

At the world final of “Mrs. Universe,” one of the world’s three major Mrs. pageants with a 48-year history,

I was honored to place 17th, the highest ranking ever achieved by a Japanese representative.

This stage, which brings together representatives from 88 countries, was truly a place that asks, “What is beauty?”

For me, Mrs. Universe was a journey of refining not only outer beauty, but also my state of mind and the way I live.

Through day after day of training, nutrition management and speech practice for the world final,

I came to deeply feel that the “power to believe” and a “grateful heart” were what supported me.

Keeping the commitment to “consistency” that I valued on the way to the national final,

I raised my level even further in training, walking, expression, English and nutrition for the world final.

I spent many hours practicing on my own, studying thoroughly in front of the mirror how I came across and how I could express myself.

The angle of my face, the expression in my eyes, the way I smile, my posing…

It was the first time in my life I had looked at myself so closely for so long.

During the pageant, the daily schedule was really demanding—a true test of stamina.

It was also a moment when all my strength training paid off (laughs).

Even so, every single day was fun and full of learning and discoveries.

Meeting women from all over the world, I experienced the “diversity of beauty” and “richness of heart,”

and encountered many ways of living that made me think, “How wonderful—I want to make that part of my life, too.”

Being able to stand on stage in good health, having been born in a peaceful country like Japan,

and having family and friends who supported me—I felt grateful all over again for all of it.

The pageant was truly “a time to face myself.”

Instead of comparing myself with others, I learned how important it is to believe in the self I had prepared,

and to express that strength to the fullest.

Now that the pageant is over, I can see new goals and challenges ahead.

As I said in my speech at the national final, the theme of my life is “self-improvement.”

Because we only live once, I felt that people can shine by not fearing challenges and by building up experiences.

Holding close the words of a follower who told me, “Seeing Himawari-san work so hard has become my own dream,”

I want to continue to be someone who can bring energy to as many people as possible.

I also want to support those who are inspired by me to take on challenges,

and to create an environment where we can all lift each other up.

Going forward, guided by the spirit of “Beauty × Mind × Wellness” that I learned through this experience,

I will continue working to increase the number of “women who shine from the heart.”

■ Mrs. Universe 2026 (next year) confirmed

If right now, deep inside you, there is a small voice saying, “I really want to change” or “I don’t want things to end like this,” please don’t ignore it.

Mrs. Universe Japan is open to anyone aged 20 or over—“a stage that sets the second chapter of your life in motion.”

Single or married, raising children or in the middle of your career—whatever your situation, it doesn’t matter. All you need is one thing: “the wish to take a step forward.”

Many challengers have changed their lives on this stage.

People who had lost confidence got their smiles back, people who had been holding back for their families began to talk about their dreams again, and “Someone like me?” turned into “I can do it because I’m me.”

We have seen that transformation again and again.

We have carefully put a support system in place so that you can take on the challenge alongside your work and family life.

We will give our all to support you in the moment you regain the power to believe in yourself.

Now, having read this article, may be the beginning of a new story.

Why not let the light of “challenge” shine on the pages of your life?

We look forward with all our hearts to the day we meet you.

▶︎Free information session

https://la.bellissimajapan.co.jp/p/muj2026_orientation_application_form

▶︎Learn more

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Bellissima Japan holds licenses for 25 Miss, Mister and Mrs. pageants each year and, through partnerships with modeling agencies in Japan and abroad, supports you in turning your challenge into a contribution to society.

Mrs. Universe is dedicated to women’s empowerment and to raising the social standing of women. We run the Mrs. Universe Japan national final with this belief: “A challenge only you can take on brings happiness to you and to all of us.”

▶︎About Mrs. Universe Japan: https://www.service.bellissimajapan.co.jp/about-mrs-universe-japan