Akiko Kojima of Japan: 1st Miss Universe from Asia

Before Thailand and the Philippines, Akiko Kojima of Japan won the Miss Universe crown. She was the first Miss Universe from Asia. Although the contest was held in 1959 in Long Beach, California, it was for the 1960 Miss Universe title.

Akiko bested favored candidates from South America and Europe.

In 1961, Akiko visited Manila along with a 61-member/all-Japanese troupe which performed at the Araneta Coliseum from Jan. 23 to 29. She came out on the cover of Philippines Free Press and was interviewed by Joe Quirino, the then top entertainment writer.

She confirmed to JQ that there were negotiations for her to appear in two Filipino movies, but they didn’t push through. Akiko also had offers from Hollywood, ‘But I was afraid I could not tackle the job...’

JQ interviewed Akiko (Ako for short) through an interpreter as her English was limited. She said that Manila had lots of ‘sexy men’ and could fall for one of them, just like the first Miss Universe, Armi Kuusela of Finland who married Virgilio Hilario.

Akiko was a professional model in Tokyo, the second among four children. She said that she really wanted a simple life. ‘To be a lovely wife and to raise a big family.’

In 2007, another Japanese beauty won the Miss Universe crown, Riyo Mori. — RKC