Celebrating Empowerment: Mrs.SDGs Japan 2025 Contest Holds in Tokyo

On August 28, 2025, the Mrs.SDGs Japan 2025 Tokyo contest took place at the prestigious Sanno Saryo in Akasaka, Chiyoda, Tokyo. As the only competition in Japan centered around the theme of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this event has garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally. With a star-studded panel including the talented model and Paris Collection participant Kawasaki Kaiya as a special judge, the night showcased eight remarkable finalists, each stepping onto the stage with their unique life experiences and aspirations.

The contestants shared powerful messages about living authentically and embracing one's journey. They each faced various life challenges—divorce, illness, bullying, and infertility—yet boldly stood before the audience, emanating strength and resilience. Their words and expressions resonated profoundly, inspiring everyone present with the mantra, “You can take a new step at any point in life.” This spirit of empowerment cast a wave of inspiration over the audience, leaving a lasting impression.

Grand Prize Winner: Saeko Yamashita

Following a rigorous evaluation, Saeko Yamashita, a 37-year-old welfare facility director, emerged as the Grand Prize winner. Representing Tokyo, Yamashita will advance to the national contest scheduled for October 27, 2025. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, she expressed, “I’m sincerely grateful for having the opportunity to participate in this contest and for being recognized as the Grand Prize winner. As Tokyo’s representative, I will work tirelessly to promote the SDGs at the national level.”

Event Highlights

The evening's program unfolded as follows:

- 17:00 - Opening Ceremony
- 17:02 - Souran Bushi Performance
- 17:06 - Judge Introductions
- 17:09 - Talk Show featuring Tokyo Grand Prix and Hiroe Maruyama
- 17:19 - Speech Evaluations
- 17:29 - Sponsor Introductions
- 17:34 - Stage Performances
- 17:40 - Dress Walk Judging
- 17:50 - Top 3 Q&A Session
- 18:00 - Results Announcement and Grand Prize Decision
- 18:05 - Awards Ceremony
- 18:30 - After Party

One of the highlights was a captivating Souran Bushi performance, which energized the audience and set the tone for a special evening of celebration.

The Finalists

The nine talented finalists were:

- Risa Takahashi (31, Part-time worker)
- Tsubasa Tachiki (34, Seminar Instructor)
- Yuka Vanz (40, Part-time worker)
- Kaori Komaki (38, Company employee)
- Saeko Yamashita (37, Facility director)
- Kana Kohtsubaki (43, Sales)
- Ai Kusumoto (38, Designer)
- Maho Akari (40, Self-Employed)

The Judging Panel

The contest featured an esteemed panel of judges including:

- Kawasaki Kaiya (Talent and Model, Paris Collection)
- Kazunori Kato (Director of Japan-Cambodia Association)
- Soichi Nakajima (Director and Sales Manager of Connections Inc.)
- Kenyu Yang (CEO of Group K)
- Winners of the 2025 Best of Miss Tokyo (Akiko Iwabuchi, Shihoko Hoshino, Mao Yuzuki)

Together, these judges conducted a multi-faceted and rigorously fair evaluation of each finalist’s potential.

Audience Reception

Attendees were overwhelmingly positive about the event, with many expressing, “It was an energetic and wonderful competition,” and “Their determination inspired me.” As the night drew to a close, it was evident that the Mrs.SDGs Japan 2025 contest was not just about beauty, but about celebrating strength, resilience, and sustainability.