RIYO MORI
MISS UNIVERSE 2007
What started as her grandmother’s premonition became a reality for Riyo Mori on May 28th, 2007. At the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City, the Japanese beauty was crowned Miss Universe 2007 at the age of 20.

BEIJING, Oct. 18 (Xinhuanet) — Miss Universe, Japan’s Riyo Mori, earned kudos and flowers Wednesday from an animal rights group after she vowed to stop wearing fur.

Miss Universe Riyo Mori (L), Miss Teen USA Katie Blair (C) and Miss USA Rachel Smith pose for the media as they arrive at the Playing For Good Foundation Philanthropic 2007 ceremony in Palma de Mallorca Sept. 1, 2007.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

A self-described “modern-day female samurai,” Riyo prides herself on having a great sense of independence and self, “the traditional samurai spirit prizes composure, patience and a sense of justice. It is someone who fearlessly faces challenges with a strong will.” Riyo definitely embodies an independent woman. By the age of 16, she left her home in Shizuoka, Japan to study abroad in Canada, eventually reaching New York at 19 years old.

Through her travels and studies, Riyo has been able to master adapting to different environments, the importance of learning foreign languages and the need for intercultural understanding. When her host guardian in Canada was suffering from hearing loss, Riyo learned American Sign Language to communicate. This experience eventually led her to volunteer with Deaf children, working on art activities.

Miss Universe, Miss Japan, Riyo Mori