Riyo Mori
People
“If you have a home base,
you don’t need to fear going your own way,
no matter how hard it is.”
Riyo Mori
Born in Shizuoka, Japan. When she was 16, she moved to Toronto to study dance and English. Last May, her natural beauty and positive personality convinced the judges of the Miss Universe contest. As the first Japanese to win the title of Miss Universe since 1959, she now enthusiastically participates in charities and events.
A year ago she was nobody, but last May her name ran through the media all over the world. Riyo Mori, who was crowned Miss Universe 2007, is a dream girl. Just back in New York from a homecoming trip to Japan, she revealed her relaxed side to Chopsticks New York.
It’s been almost six months since you were crowned Miss Universe. How did your life change?
Time just flies. Literally, time has passed minute by minute. My job actually started the minute after I was selecteded as Miss Universe. I have met many people, visited many countries, participated in many charities. And I believe I found an unknown side of me through this job. I don’t think of words like “hard” or “painful” describe this tough mission. I truly enjoy it…
What is the new Riyo you just found?
First of all, many people misunderstand me. They think I am sharp and aggressive and always like to be treated like a princess. But I am completely the opposite–more relaxed, easy, and happy-go-lucky. Through this job, I have begun to behave in a more active way.
Would you share an interesting episode that you experienced as Miss Universe?
I visited AIDS patients in Japan last year. When I spoke with one patient, my thoughts just slipped out of my mouth. I’m involved in crusades against AIDS and encourage patients by talking with them. But I am not a doctor, and I don’t even make medicine. I wondered aloud to the patient if my efforts really mattered… The patient got mad at me and said, “Please don’t say that. That makes me sad. I am encouraged so much just talking with you now. Please keep believing in what you are doing. I hope you will tell more about AIDS and HIV to young people and participate in the campaign more proactively.” I did not expect his comment at all, and I could only respond, “I understand.” In the end, I was the one who was encouraged. This is just an episode, but this kind of unexpected thing keeps happening in this job. I don’t know how to behave, how to react. But I learned a lot after getting through these experiences, and I feel I grew up as a person.
Now you are based in New York. What is your favorite place here?
That’s definitely my room. I try to set up the most comfortable environment in my room as I can. I bought small interior goods to create a setting that resembles where I used to live. I’m not hikikomori [a reclusive individual who has chosen to withdraw from social life] but just like to be in my room.
Is there any Japanese product that you miss?
Since it’s winter now, it would be great if I had a kotatsu [a small table with electric heat underneath the table top]. I want tatami [a mat made of woven straw], too. We can’t sit on the floor here, only on the sofa or bed. That is not a relaxing pose for me. I love to lie on the floor and watch TV.
Wow, you are so Japanese.
Yes, indeed.
I heard you are true lover of miso soup, too.
Yes.
What kind of miso soup is best?
The one my mother makes is the best. Ingredients can be anything, but I like everything my mother chooses. As for soup, I prefer shiro miso [white miso with a milder taste].
Miss Universe should be a role model. Do you feel any pressure, or are you just enjoying fulfilling your mission?
I don’t think I have. I have never felt any pressure being Miss Universe. I behave quite naturally. I like to be the way I am. If people behave as if wearing a certain shield, nobody can open his or her heart to them. On the other hand, if people are relaxed, they can easily make friends and communicate openly. I always try to keep in mind that many people look at what I do and how I do it. Being a role model is not bad at all, actually.
How do you keep your health and beauty in this busy schedule?
The most difficult thing is to maintain a balanced diet. I’m in a hurry all the time, I’m on the plane often, I travel through different time zones, I have to eat exotic foods in different countries. It is very difficult to keep a healthy meal plan. So, I try to eat more vegetables and take dietary supplements. Taking too many supplements can cause problems, too. So, it’s important to combine supplements with what you eat. My regular supplement is fish oil. I heard it’s good for the brain. So, I keep taking it to make my brain work all the time. [laughter] My grandfather kept saying, “You should eat fish. It makes you smart.” I follow his words.
Do you still dance, too?
Yes. I also go to the gym every morning. My personal trainer helps me maintain my size and weight.
In the final interview session of the Miss Universe contest, you emphasized the importance of being positive. How do you keep that state of mind?
Well, in my case, I listen to songs that encourage me. It’s simple, but it works very well for me. Also, I bear in mind the encouraging words that my supporters give me. I do not think I’ve come to this position by myself alone. Many people have supported me. When I reflect on my journey to get to this point in my life, it is their support that has given me the energy to move on. Doing this business is not always fun, rather there are so many hurdles. It is easy to get depressed in this role, actually. In order to overcome the feeling of depression or grief or hopelessness, I strongly believe it is important to be proactive in thinking positively.
What do you want to do after the Miss Universe term is over?
If I could do this job my entire life, that would be so great. But reality is not like that. So, I try not to enjoy just my current life. If I do so, I’ll probably fall down from the cliff after my term is over. What I keep in mind is that this is one milestone. I like to make the most of what I am learning now for my next stage. I plan on establishing my own dance studio in the near future. I like to help people expand their minds through learning dance, especially children. I believe dance is very good for developing the imagination, keeping the brain active, and maintaining a healthy mind.
But you are still young. Don’t you want to pursue your dream of being a dancer anymore?
Of course I haven’t given up my dream. I started dancing when I was 4 years old, and dancing on Broadway is my strong, strong dream. But I also think it is not too early to start anything. If you have a home base, you don’t need to fear going your own way, no matter how hard it is. My dance studio can be my home base.
—– Interview and translation by Noriko Komura
The Miss Universe Organization
The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE™, MISS USA™, and MISS TEEN USA™ competitions, is an international company that advances and supports today’s women. These women are savvy, goal-oriented, and aware. The organization provides the opportunities – the mentoring, career training, resources and life experiences – for women to be personally enriched through the organization’s year-round support of all aspects of their lives, from their own personal career goals to social and humanitarian causes and work. The titleholders of the Miss Universe Organization personify the combination of beauty and intelligence that defines the 21st Century.
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