Keio University senior Kanako Date is Japan's representative to the Miss World 2018 competition to be held on China's Hainan Island from Nov. 9 to Dec. 8.
The 21-year-old Date, a descendant of feudal lord Date Masamune, topped a field of 30 finalists, selected from 7,210 applicants, in Tokyo on Tuesday.
"I'm just surprised," Date said. "I believe it (the Miss World contest) will be a world I've never seen. I'll do my best."
Last year's Japanese representative was also a Keio University senior -- Haruka Yamashita.
Asked if she has something in common with her great ancestor, Date said, "I hate to lose. I'm sure he brought his best to whatever he faced. I also have thick eyebrows like him!"
