March 21: 21-year-old Yukari Kuzuya is Miss Universe Japan 2005. Kuzuya beat first runner-up Takako Tomita and second runner-up Mayuko Kimura at the pageant to emerge on top. Now, Miss Yukari Kuzuya will represent her country at the Miss Universe 205 pageant to be held in Bangkok on May 31 2005. ,. 2005 title and the right to represent Japan in the Miss Universe Pageant being held in Thailand in May.

Standing 178-cm tall, the Japanese model model exuded confidence throughout the opening fashion show, the swimsuit contest and the evening gown competition

With Tomita, Junko and Kimura close behind, it must have been a tough battle for her to reach the top. Other Miss Universe Japan 2005 winners are: Chie Nagatsu, Mariko Kobayashi, Kozue Sato, Sachiko Kurokawa, Natsuko Saito, Yorie Miura, Yuka Yamazumi, Miho Nishimura, Yuka Ishigooka, Yoshie Takahashi and Natsuko Maeda.

Actor Ishida Junichi and Kings Brunch personality Liliko hosted the event. Model Yuri Ebihara was a guest presenter.

"I think it is getting better every year. We had some great sponsors on the show and the clothes were amazing." said Ines Ligron, the national director for Miss Universe Japan about the success of Miss Universe Japan 2-0-5 pageant.

Kuzuya has a hectic schedule ahead: She leaves for Paris next week and then it is two weeks in London and back to Japan for more training. Then, off to Thailand for a Tsunami charity event, and back to Japan and again on to Thailand for the Miss Universe Pageant," Ligron added.