On April 19, 2025, the three representatives of Miss Universe Japan 2025 took part in a volunteer initiative at Earth Day Tokyo, celebrated around the world to raise awareness about the planet's issues. This annual event, held at Yoyogi Park, serves as both a festival and an educational opportunity, bringing together various topics such as environmental preservation, peace, and human rights. The festival features live performances, talks, and a variety of stalls where attendees can explore, learn, and engage.
The event spanned two days and welcomed an impressive crowd in the warm spring weather. On the first day, temperatures soared, making it feel like summer, while the second day brought overcast skies. Nevertheless, families and students from diverse backgrounds turned out, leading to an estimated attendance of approximately 85,000 over the two days.
Notably, the event organizers introduced a system for reusing plastic utensils and cups in the food area, significantly reducing disposable waste. Furthermore, instead of regular trash bins, the venue featured eco-stations where attendees were encouraged to sort their waste, contributing to recycling efforts. This initiative emphasized the importance of individual actions in environmental conservation.
The main stage was alive with music, drawing in audiences for exhilarating performances and insightful discussions throughout the day. The Miss Universe Japan 2025 representatives actively contributed behind the scenes, assisting the performers and managing event registration at the entrance. This hands-on experience allowed them to gain invaluable insights into event organization and operations.
Not only did the representatives support the event's production, but they also had the opportunity to take the stage three times to share their thoughts and commitments to the audience, creating a heartfelt connection with attendees. Many listeners expressed interest and warmth, providing encouragement and motivation for the young women. The representatives included Aiko Iwabuchi, Shihoko Hoshino, and Mao Yuzuki, who articulated their aspirations for a sustainable future.
Reflecting on her experiences, Miss Universe Japan 2025 representative Aiko Iwabuchi remarked, "Participating in Earth Day Tokyo opened my eyes to how each individual can contribute to solving ongoing global issues. Engaging in enjoyable local initiatives can inspire us to take action, and I am grateful for such a meaningful experience."
Fellow representative Shihoko Hoshino added, "The sunny day at Earth Day Tokyo made the event even more enjoyable. Initially, I found the topic of Earth's environmental concerns daunting, but I realized the importance of awareness and education in fostering change. My involvement with Miss Planet, which merges environmental conservation with beauty, has made this opportunity even more enriching."
Mao Yuzuki, also participating as a representative, expressed how moved she was to see people from all walks of life taking action to protect the environment. She stated, "Regardless of age or expression, there’s beauty in the act of doing. I aspire to keep taking meaningful steps towards environmental stewardship. Thank you for this incredible opportunity!"
The event's planning committee, led by Yoshimi Matsuo, the director of the Miss Universe Tokyo office, conveyed that the event emphasized the necessity of addressing environmental issues while nurturing connections among people. "As representatives of Miss Universe Tokyo, we are committed to continuing advocacy efforts for a sustainable future. Special thanks to the Earth Day Tokyo team for this wonderful opportunity!"
In summary, the presence and active participation of the Miss Universe Japan 2025 representatives at Earth Day Tokyo not only highlighted their dedication to environmental initiatives but also encouraged community engagement and awareness among attendees. Moving forward, they aim to expand their impact and influence in addressing prevalent social issues.