Interview with The 58th ”Miss Uneme”：What is your ambition for the future?

The 58th “Miss Uneme” Contestants Announced

The six contestants for the 58th “Miss Uneme” competition (2022) have officially been selected.

These six representatives will participate in the Uneme Odori Nagashi, one of Koriyama’s most iconic summer events. Through this traditional dance festival, they will help bring energy and excitement to the city.

In addition, they will take part in promotional campaigns both within and outside Fukushima Prefecture, sharing the charm and attractions of Koriyama with a wider audience.

 

Question
①What made you apply to the “Miss Uneme” competition?
②What is your ambition for the future?

◆Riona Sato

 

 

①It has only been a year since I moved to Koriyama. I first learned about this festival from a colleague, and I was inspired to apply because I want to share how wonderful this prefecture truly is through this competition.

②Koriyama is home to delicious cuisine and beautiful scenery. I would love to take an active role in promoting the city and helping more people discover its many attractions.

◆Yuka Nishimura

 

 

①I am currently a fourth-year university student in Tokyo. I decided to take on this challenge because I realized I wanted to contribute to my hometown in any way I could.

②I hope to learn more about Koriyama — including the things I may not yet know about my own city — and share its wonderful spots with as many people as possible. I’m also looking forward to enjoying the entire experience along the way.

◆Natsumi Okano

 

 

①I took part in the Uneme Festival every year throughout my school days. I was always amazed by the beautiful and elegant dances performed by Miss Uneme, and I began to dream of becoming one of them someday.

②I have lived in Koriyama all my life, and I truly want to help energize the city. It has been three years since the festival was last held, and I hope to come together with the other Miss Uneme representatives and the people of Koriyama to make this year’s festival a great success.

There are still many places in Koriyama that I have yet to visit, and I would love to discover them and share their charm with people both inside and outside the prefecture.

◆Kanon Sato

 

 

①My mother has always encouraged me to become Miss Uneme. Now that I am in my second year of university and have a little more time, I decided to take on this challenge.

②After leaving Koriyama to live on my own, I came to realize just how special this prefecture truly is. I hope to share its appeal with future generations, and I will do my very best to represent it with pride.

◆Mao Tomita

 

 

①I was born and raised in Koriyama, but I was surprised to realize that I couldn’t confidently explain the charm of my hometown. That’s why I want to learn more about the city, connect with many people, and do my best to share its wonderful qualities.

②I believe there are still many hidden attractions in Koriyama that people don’t yet know about. Once the effects of the coronavirus fully subside, I hope many visitors will come to experience the city — especially its rich natural surroundings, which are perfect for outdoor activities.

◆Konoka Kuwashima

 

 

①I applied for the “Miss Uneme” competition because I want to gain more confidence by overcoming my fear of speaking in front of people. I see this as a valuable opportunity for personal growth.

②It has been three years since the festival was last held, and having previously been involved as a staff member rather than a participant, I feel a strong desire to help revive the Uneme Festival. This time, I hope to contribute in a new role and help make the event a great success.

 

What Is “Miss Uneme”?

“Miss Uneme” are the official ambassadors and heroines of the Uneme Festival, Koriyama’s most popular summer event.

Selected representatives serve for one year, during which they take part in major festival activities and represent the city at various official occasions.

Even after their term ends, former Miss Uneme members continue to play active roles in public relations activities. These include participating in official events hosted by the City of Koriyama and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, visiting Nara City — Koriyama’s sister city — and attending tourism promotion campaigns across Japan.

Through these activities, Miss Uneme representatives help share the charm and culture of Koriyama with a wider audience.