World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Kaoru Takayasu Mrs of the Year Winner 2022-2023.
Full Name: Kaoru Takayasu
Title/Year: Mrs of the Year Winner 2022-2023
Pageant System: Mrs of the Year
Age: 51
Education Level: Bachelor of Arts
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Hobbies: Cooking, Eating, Traveling and Walking
Platform: Women’s Empowerment
Years Competed: 1 year
Countries Visited: U.S, Canada, Mexico, Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong(China), Finland, Sweden, Estonia, U.K., Germany, Spain and Italy
Likes: My children, Communicating with others, and people’s smiles
Dislikes: Lies, Backbiting and Betrayal
Current Status: Mrs of the Year The Representative of Japan, Mrs of the Year World Semi-Grand Prix
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Can you share a bit about who you are? Like, what are your passions outside of the pageant world?
As a full-time housewife for nearly 20 years, I thought my life would be confined to home as a wife and mother. However, participating in the contest gave me confidence and made me more proactive. I started the "Goddess Project" to let people know how wonderful it feels to take a step forward and challenge themselves. I named this project with the hope that any woman can shine like a goddess. The project aims to help individuals become the person they want to be, with the support of professional instructors from various fields.
Additionally, the national costume I wore as the representative of Japan at the contest was so stunning that it inspired me to spread the beauty of kimono culture both domestically and internationally. Thus, I founded a dance team called ADEYAKA, which means fascinating.
In the future, I plan to perform at embassies of various countries and other events.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: I’m curious about your education journey. What's it been like for you, any particular highlights or challenges?
I’m not trying to sound boastful, but my grades were consistently good in all subjects. However, since I didn't have a particular favorite subject, I struggled to choose a major in university.
Ultimately, because I performed best in math during a mock exam in my third year of high school, I decided to enter the math department.
The turning point came when I studied in the United States. I was required to earn art credits, so I enrolled in a studio art class, and I became immensely passionate about it. I found myself staying up late almost every night creating artworks.
My art professor also recognized my potential and asked if I wanted to change my major to art. I made that decision without hesitation.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Women's empowerment is such a key topic. What does it mean to you personally?
After gaining confidence through contests and starting to take part in activities myself, I came to a realization.
While male chauvinism remains deeply ingrained in Japan, it's not solely men who are responsible for oppressing women. Women who have become accustomed to male chauvinism also bear some responsibility. Women should speak out more when faced with unfair treatment, and this is one of the issues I personally aim to address.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How did you get into pageants? What sparked your interest initially?
It all began when a friend who had competed in a contest before asked me if I wanted to give it a try.
Initially, I declined because the notion of competing in front of so many people was something I had never imagined myself doing. However, I changed my mind after she told me that it would be a great opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What motivated you to participate in your first pageant? Was there a defining moment?
In 2019, I lost one of my breasts due to breast cancer, and simultaneously, I lost my confidence and hope as a woman.
I believed that if someone like me could shine, I might be able to bring a ray of hope to people who have suffered from mental and/or physical pain, just like me.
This purpose has always been more important to me than winning an award.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Why did you choose to compete for your current title? What made it stand out for you?
Among all the beauty pageants, the contestants for Mrs. of the Year appeared the most promising.
I also felt that participating in one of the biggest contests in Asia would be a great challenge for me.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: I'd love to know more about your pageant system. Could you explain what it’s all about?
As there are 47 prefectures in Japan, regional competitions are held in all 47 locations.
The winners from these competitions advance to the Japan-wide competition, and those who emerge victorious from this stage go on to represent Japan at the world competition. It is one of the largest pageants in Asia.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What do you think sets your pageant director apart from others?
Japanese women can be described as modest; however, on the other hand, they are not always adept at putting their thoughts into action.
Our director has consistently encouraged these women to appreciate the beauty of taking action and the importance of challenging themselves. Above all, I believe it is because she has taken the lead and demonstrated these principles that the contest has grown into one of the largest in Asia.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: During competitions, what are the key things you're judged on?
I felt like they were looking at my inner self and the life I have lived rather than my outer beauty.
What’s your competition experience been like? Any memorable moments or learnings?
When competing, there were a certain number of people who saw everyone else as their enemies.
They may have been strong-willed individuals, but they seemed very isolated.
On the other hand, those who weren't like them saw everyone else as fellow contestants fighting together. By working hard and encouraging each other, everyone was uplifted.
Everyone has their own way of fighting, but I was in the latter category, and I received the treasure of lifelong friends who have shared both the good times and the hard times together.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Would you recommend your pageant system to others? If so, why?
I would like as many people as possible to experience this.
It is because I have never seen any participants who didn't improve or didn’t become more beautiful than before.
I want people to experience that they can shine at any time, if they take the chance.
Age and circumstance don’t matter.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell me about your advocacy or volunteer work. What causes are you passionate about?
I have donated money to children suffering from hunger in Africa and volunteered to provide international education to children, but I haven't done this consistently.
From now on, our dance team would like to continue visiting nursing homes, pediatric wards, and palliative care centers.
I believe I can leverage my experience of having gone through breast cancer.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: With your title, what kinds of appearances or activities have you been involved in?
I had the opportunity to make courtesy calls to politicians and discuss the empowerment of women in Japan for the future.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Can you share some of your achievements, both in and outside of pageantry?
I am who I am whether I'm in a contest or not, so what I can say remains consistent.
After regaining the confidence and hope I lost due to my illness, I feel more comfortable with myself and love myself more than ever.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: In such a competitive field, what do you think makes you stand out?
While many people were focusing on claiming their beauty, I have always tried to offer encouragement to those who are currently suffering.
I believe my unwavering attitude of caring for others made me appear very different from others.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: I can only imagine how it feels to win. What was going through your mind when your name was announced as the winner?
I was filled with joy that my hard work, driven by the desire to be a ray of hope for those battling difficulties or illness, had been recognized.
Simultaneously, I felt my confidence being restored, which I had lost along with my breast.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What does being a Beauty Queen mean to you?
I should be conscious of living a more beautiful and fulfilling life.
In order to bring a ray of hope to people, I myself have to continue shining at all times.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How have pageants impacted your life?
I used to be passive, but now I live more actively, and I feel like this is who I really am. I feel much more free, comfortable, and relieved.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How have pageants influenced your self-esteem and body image?
Regarding self-esteem, I realized that even though I have lost a breast and am over 50 years old, I can still shine.
Regarding my body, I realized that it’s possible to improve it regardless of my age, through exercise, a healthy diet, or simply by being mindful.
Overall, I learned that if we don’t give up, we have a chance to achieve anything.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: You’re an inspiration to many. How does that feel, and what message do you want to share with others?
I'm surprised that I'm having this experience at over 50 years old and after overcoming a serious illness. But I would be truly happy if I could give hope to many people, showing them that they can shine no matter how old they are or what situation they're in.
I, too, want to continue shining more and more, and to keep demonstrating it throughout my life.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What’s your strategy for captivating the judges on stage?
Instead of trying to appear cool, I focus on enjoying myself on the stage.
This is because a natural smile, rather than a fake one, attracts people more.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How do you prepare for competitions? Any specific routines or practices?
Daily habits define a person.
Instead of doing something special just before the contest, I make sure to maintain habits such as eating foods that are good for my body and skin, paying attention to my posture when walking, and greeting everyone with a smile every day.
I believe that accumulating these kinds of daily habits can lead to good results in the contest.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Got any tips for nailing the perfect pageant walk?
Daily practice is essential.
Fortunately, walking can be done anywhere as long as I have my shoes and my body.
I consider any time that I’m awake as my practice time.
Even when I’m doing office work, trying to maintain good posture in my upper body is also part of my practice.
You should also try to enjoy walking.
People naturally smile when they're doing something they love, so if you manage to love walking, you will do well on the stage.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Choosing the right pageant dress can be crucial. What are your tips for making the best choice?
The key is to know your face and body very well.
It's important to wear a dress that you like, but it's even more important to choose something that flatters you the most.
You need to determine whether the color of the dress enhances your hair, eyes, and skin tone, and whether the shape of the dress accentuates the positives of your body figure and minimizes the negatives.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Interview rounds can be tricky. What are your strategies for a winning interview?
It is important to always ask yourself questions so that you can become accustomed to being interviewed.
I always try to ask myself questions, even if it’s a small thing. For example, when I'm eating something, I would ask myself, "You look like you're enjoying your meal. What makes you so happy?"
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Looking back, is there a moment in a competition you wish you could redo?
There are several moments I regret, for example, when I stepped on my dress and couldn’t walk forward for a while.
However, at each moment, I performed to the best of my ability, so I don't think I could have done better than I did.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What common mistakes do you see others making in contests?
I would say copying other contestants.
Being yourself is the most beautiful thing, so it's a shame to be easily influenced by others.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Do you have any experience in modeling or acting?
Before the contest, I had no opportunities at all. But now, I receive modeling offers on a regular basis.
I had never imagined I would be able to become a model after turning 50.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your plans or goals for the upcoming year as a Queen?
To never forget the intention behind why I participated in the contest in the first place, and to continue being a source of hope for those who have been mentally and/or physically injured.
I also work on increasing the number of confident women through the Goddess Project.
I would like to keep sharing with people the beauty of kimono culture as well.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Finally, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind?
"Yourself" is a unique and precious being.
Even if you have scars, love yourself, including those scars. Your self-love can make you shine.
I want to continue conveying that message.
- International Director: Saeko Nishimura
- National Director: Hengmin
- Local Director: Hiromi Hamada
- Pageant Website: https://mrs-of-the-year.com/
-Hair and Makeup: Yukari Nakayama
-Photographer: Tadashi Yoshimoto
-Special Thanks to: Shizue Omoto, Yutaro Takayasu, Miri Takayasu, Satoshi Goto, Yumi Toki, Issei Murakami, Kanako Murota, ADEYAKA, the Goddess Project, Dr. Keiichi Paku, Dr. Seiko Nakae, Megumi Butler, GRATiAE
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this wonderful interview.
Kaoru Takayasu Mrs of the Year Winner 2022-2023, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Hair and Makeup: Yukari Nakayama, Photographer: Tadashi Yoshimoto
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski
Owner/Editor in Chief
Mr WorldClass 2023
Mr United Nations 2018
Platform: Women Empowerment
