She’s Ayaka Kojima, 22, Miss Saipan Photogenic of Japan.
She plays a very important role in promoting the CNMI as a tourist destination in Japan, according to Ayako Matsumoto, vice president of Pacific Eagle Enterprises Inc. and business development manager of Flame Tree TV/Visitors Channel.
Pacific Eagle arranged for Ayaka’s stay on Saipan and her participation in the Liberation Day parade.
“I am glad to be the 2011 Miss Saipan Photogenic of Japan,” Ayaka said. “I am doing my best to promote Saipan in the Japanese market, because Saipan has many beautiful spots, blue ocean and blue skies. Visiting Saipan makes me happy and relaxed.”
Ayaka was featured in the 20-page Liberation Day program.
Yesterday, before leaving Saipan she met Mayor Donald G. Flores who invited her to join the celebration.
Matsumoto said Ayaka enjoyed the Liberation Day parade and was excited to be back on Saipan.
Watanabe Wedding sponsored the dress worn by Ayaka during the parade.
Ayaka’s visit was also made possible by the Marianas Visitors Authority and the mayor’s office of Saipan.
In Japan, an annual event is held to select Miss Saipan Photogenic of Japan.
Chiaki Nagumo, MVA ambassador of tourism in Japan, sponsored this year’s selection.
Matsumoto said Nagumo, who has a talent production company and lots of connection with Japan’s celebrities, wanted to help promote Saipan in the Japanese market.
She said they were excited to be part of the Liberation Day festivities.
For next year’s celebration, she said, they will bring in another Miss Saipan Photogenic of Japan.
The mayor’s office executive secretary Vinycia Seman, also the Liberation Day Queen committee chairwoman, said they appreciate that somebody from Japan is helping promote Saipan as a tourist destination.
