Miss Planet Japan 2025 Grand Prix Interview with Shizuoka representative and current nurse, Ms Kaho Sugiyama (169cm tall): ‘I will promote the appeal of Shizuoka and Japan, the essence of being Japanese, the unique beauty of the Japanese people, and the spirit of harmony, achieving results on the world stage.’

The “2025 Miss Planet Japan Competition”, determining Japan’s representative for the international beauty pageant “Miss Planet” which links beauty with global environmental protection, was held on the 29th at Landmark Hall in Yokohama. Shizuoka representative Kaho Sugiyama (24) was selected as the Grand Prix winner. We spoke with Ms Sugiyama immediately after her win.

Standing at 169cm tall with an exceptional figure, Ms Sugiyama commanded the stage with confident poise during both the swimsuit and dress rounds. In the Q&A session, when asked ‘If you could add an 18th goal to the 17 SDGs, what would it be?’, she drew upon her experience as a practising nurse to answer ‘education about life’. ‘As a nurse, I encounter the preciousness of life daily. When citizens acquire proper life-saving measures and disaster prevention knowledge, they gain the power to protect not only their own lives but also the lives of their loved ones. As a nurse, I will continue activities that combine life and education,’ she stated emphatically.

■Miss Planet Japan 2025 Grand Prix / Kaho Sugiyama Interview

――Please share your honest thoughts upon winning the Grand Prix.

‘I’m truly overjoyed. I feel a sense of accomplishment at having come this far, and as I now proceed to the next world competition, I’m determined to give my all and achieve results on the global stage without any regrets.’

――Participating in this competition while working as a nurse must have presented many challenges. How did you overcome them?

‘My colleagues at the hospital were incredibly supportive. Attending lessons straight after night shifts without rest was certainly tough, but each time, my senior colleagues would say things like “Take care on your way”, “Do your best”, or “We’ll be waiting for you in Shizuoka”. It’s thanks to them that I was able to get this far.’

――During the Q&A judging, you spoke about “life education” as a healthcare professional. As Miss Planet Japan, what message do you wish to convey?

“On the frontlines, there exists the stark reality of whether a life can be saved or not. Some people reflect that if it had been this particular doctor or nurse, the patient might have survived… Japan boasts highly advanced medical care, excellent hygiene standards, and a sense of cleanliness. However, many hospitals and medical institutions worldwide lack these conditions. Because of this, children die young, lives that could have been saved are lost… that is the reality. To counter this, I want to start by encouraging people to find the courage to act if someone collapses. To help them find that courage, what I can do is teach correct life-saving measures. Japan’s AED system is excellent, so I want to spread the word about it not just in Japan, but worldwide.”

――What preparations did you undertake for your first time participating in this contest?

‘I attended personal training sessions. Crucially, there’s the swimsuit and evening gown walking segment, so after work I asked my instructor for walking lessons. Through that, my body naturally became more toned, and that’s how I got to this point.’

―Where do you see your greatest strengths?

‘I believe I truly shine when facing adversity. It’s precisely during tough times or challenging situations that my strengths come to the fore. Being only 24, I feel it’s perfectly valid for my life journey to deliberately choose the thorny path to gain more diverse experiences. Challenging myself in this Miss Planet Japan contest has already allowed me to grow in one significant way.’

――Finally, could you share your thoughts heading into the world finals?

‘As Japan’s representative, I feel it’s also my responsibility to promote Japan. I intend to strive to win the title at Miss Planet International. I’m truly looking forward to meeting representatives from countries around the world at the finals. Amidst that, I will continue to refine myself to achieve results on the global stage while promoting the appeal of Shizuoka and Japan, the essence of being Japanese, the unique beauty of the Japanese people, and the spirit of harmony. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.’

The runners-up were Kyoto representative Yuka Oguri and Kanagawa representative Mirai Seshita. Special awards included the A CLINIC Dental Award for Osaka representative Karen Hara, the Kannai Ladies Clinic Award for Kyoto representative Yuka Oguri, and the Yokota Corporation Group Award for Yamanashi representative Misaki Ai.

Miss Planet Japan is the Japanese national competition for Miss Planet International, an international beauty pageant launched in Cambodia in 2021. It places significant emphasis on global environmental conservation activities and pursues initiatives aimed at achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It produces women who can serve as role models, inspire those around them, and possess the strength to preserve and pass on culture and traditions. The Grand Prix winner selected this time will compete in the world finals, “Miss Planet International”, in December.

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