Miss Japan 2010
Sophia University student Mina Hayashi, 23, won this year's Miss Japan Grand Prix Final held in Tokyo on Monday.
Hayashi could not hold back her tears when her name was announced as the winner.
"A new door has opened for me today," she said during her acceptance speech. "I would like to do my best (as Miss Japan) for the next year."
A native of Kagawa Prefecture, Hayashi is a student at Sophia University's literature department. She enjoys reading and watching movies, and is good at playing the piano and singing.
"I want to become an actress and a role model for Japanese women," said Hayashi, who was inspired by Audrey Hepburn at the age of 6, and calls Japanese actress Sayuri Yoshinaga as her own role model.
"Hepburn was engaged in charity activities. She used her stardom to help others. I would like to do the same for the world."
Second prize was awarded to Kyoko Honda, 21, and Sayo Kojima, 15.
This year, the beauty contest received a total of 3,663 entries from across the country.
January 30, 2010
