Apparently, there’s a “Miss Kumamoto” pageant. I’m not interested in “Miss” things unless they’re followed by “-ter Donuts,” but I gave the article a look. The winner was a 20-year old from Uto, Tanoue Chika, close in age to my daughter. She’s now our representative to the “Miss Universe Japan” pageant, a name which only makes sense if you really understand Japan.
Miss Tanoue studies ballet in Tokyo and was quoted as saying, “I didn’t understand the attractiveness of my hometown until I left it, something I want to convey.” My daughter will return soon from her California college with American boyfriend in tow; she can’t wait to be home. You can take the girl out of Higo but never the Higo out of the girl. Photo: Ariake mudflats with Miss Tanoue in the foreground. - William
