Hiroko Mima has won the 2008 Miss Universe Japan. Hiroko, a university student and athlete from Tokushima in Western Japan, was selected from amongst 9 other beautiful ladies to represent Japan at the Miss Universe competition in Hanoi, Vietnam on July 14 later this year.

Having had the pleasure of meeting Hiroko, and two of the other competitors, Kana Anan and Yoshimi Sato, at the Emerald Ball in March, I can honestly say that the photos do not do them justice. The girls are much more beautiful in real life, and after putting up with 20 drunken Irish young lads at the Westin Hotel, they are great sports too.

I wish her the best of luck in the competition in July. I for one will be cheering for her.