We Ask Former Miss Universe Japan Finalist Miku Takahashi About the Future of Travel Five Years from Now

What I Learned About Self-Reflection Through My Journey to Miss Universe

Explorer Squad: I understand that the Miss Universe pageant places importance not only on physical beauty but also on inner qualities such as intelligence, expressiveness, and personal charm, and that social contribution activities as well as interest in and contributions to the local community are also evaluated. What prompted you to enter the Miss Universe pageant, Ms. Takahashi?

Takahashi: I decided to compete in Miss Universe when I was a freshman in high school. While my mother’s influence had sparked my interest in other countries, I also have a straightforward personality and found it difficult to navigate Japan’s unique “follow the crowd” culture. That’s why I chose to attend a high school with a strong international focus, where I could study English and a second foreign language in depth. It was right around my first year of high school when my mother told me that Japan’s representative had won the Miss Universe pageant. I made up my mind then and there, thinking, “I’m going to do this!” and I’ve been nurturing that dream ever since. Since I was passionate about lacrosse during my school days, I waited until I entered the workforce to apply.

Explorer Squad: Is there anything you realized or felt as a result of taking on this challenge?

Takahashi: I think the general public tends to view beauty pageants as competitions focused on physical beauty, but at the world championship level, it’s like a “microcosm of the world.” I began to see how participants from economically growing countries are strong because they have the financial backing to invest in their preparation, and I also came to understand the flow of money within the beauty pageant industry in Japan itself. So, I feel it wasn’t just a chance to refine myself, but also a great opportunity to learn about the world.

Explorer Squad: After competing in the pageant, you started working in nutrition based on DNA analysis, right? Why did you focus on the field of nutrition?

Takahashi: There are countless health and beauty methods out there, but I think what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. I tried all sorts of things during my two years of training to become Miss Universe. Some things were incredibly effective, and I’m glad I tried them, but there were also plenty of things that everyone says are good but just didn’t seem to work for me. So, when I wondered why some people get results and others don’t, I heard that “because our DNA is different, what works for us is different,” and it really clicked for me.
That’s why I’m so glad I started studying nutrition—it’s allowed me to understand, even when I’m abroad and my environment changes, which foods make me feel unwell and which ones keep me feeling energetic. Traveling is fun, but it’s tiring, and I think you can’t fully enjoy it if you’re not in good shape. But now I can enjoy my trips 100%, so I’m really glad I discovered this field of study.

When traveling, I want to blend in with the local culture

Explorer Squad: You mentioned that your mother’s influence sparked your interest in foreign countries from a young age. What is your main purpose when traveling these days?

Takahashi: When I visit a country different from Japan, I place great importance on experiencing the local way of life. While I do love staying at nice hotels, I tend to prioritize experiences—like staying in private homes—that allow me to immerse myself in the local culture as much as possible.

Explorer: Why do you place such importance on experiencing local life?

Takahashi: I think the biggest reason, originally, was probably that I didn’t want to be looked down on as a tourist (laughs). I felt that way when
I competed in beauty pageants, and I felt it when I did a homestay in Spain as a high school student. No matter how hard you try, once you step outside of Japan, you’re still Japanese. People might think we’re naive about safety, and carrying a big suitcase can even make you a target for pickpockets. So I think it all started with a desire to blend in properly and not be underestimated.
Also, I personally love experiencing and understanding other cultures, so I get excited about immersing myself in the local scene and going to the same shops the locals go to. I do visit the major tourist spots, but I also go to places that aren’t well-known or even places where I wonder, “Is it okay to go in here?” And when I stumble upon a place where I think, “This is so delicious!”—that’s when I really feel it’s worth it.

The important thing is to get to know yourself better

Explorer Squad: Mr. Takahashi, you’re married with a family now—has your travel style changed since your single days?

Takahashi: The fact that I don’t travel unless I have a specific purpose hasn’t changed at all. Ultimately, I still focus on what I want to experience myself… but recently, when I went abroad with my daughter for the first time, I started thinking about “what my daughter thinks” and “what kind of experiences I can give her.” I think that’s where my values have shifted since becoming a parent.Even if we’re having the same experience, and I’m having a great time, if it’s painful for someone else, it won’t become a happy memory, right? I’ve started thinking a lot more about how other people who are sharing the same experience feel, not just myself.

Explorer Squad: It’s wonderful to see how the education and values you received from your mother are being passed on to your daughter. Do you notice any changes in travel styles around you, Ms. Takahashi?

Takahashi: Overseas, I feel there’s a growing trend where individuals or very small companies are offering completely private tours tailored exclusively for a single person. I think we’ll see more Japanese people using these services in the future, and I imagine the so-called upper class will be the ones taking these kinds of trips.

Explorer Squad: Proposing a tailor-made trip designed exclusively for one person feels similar to suggesting beauty or health regimens based on DNA analysis. Is there anything you prioritize when making personalized recommendations?

Takahashi: Even if it’s not fully bespoke, I think a certain level of personalization is becoming necessary. Even in my work with DNA, saying “This is good for you” resonates more than “This is good for everyone.” However, when communicating with clients, I prioritize not giving them more than they’re looking for. I think clients can sometimes become overwhelmed by too much information and stop thinking. Since we have the knowledge, we’re tempted to tell them, “You should do this, and you should do that,” but I’m very conscious of providing only the information they need right now.

Explorer Squad: The travel industry faces the same challenge when it comes to information overload. Also, while information is abundant in the travel industry, there are many cases where quantitative data like DNA isn’t being utilized effectively, and I feel that providing personalized information isn’t progressing as smoothly as it could.

Takahashi: It’s the same with DNA, but perhaps there are simply many people out there who don’t understand themselves. Even when I’m teaching at beauty pageants, I get the impression that many people can’t answer when I ask, “What do you like?” “What do you dislike?” or “What gets you excited?” When it comes to travel, I know I prefer enjoying local experiences over following a set tour itinerary, so I choose those kinds of trips. But if you don’t know what you like, I don’t think the option of staying in a vacation rental would even occur to you in the first place. Of course, I think it’s perfectly fine to travel based on motivations like, “This place seems to be trending right now, so I want to go,” or “My friend went and said it was great, so I want to try it too.” But if you truly know yourself and have a clear sense of purpose—understanding what you’re seeking from your trip—and can then choose between “Should I go on a tour?” or “Should I arrange everything myself? ”and “Should I go on a tour, or arrange everything myself?” I think the satisfaction you get from a single trip would be much higher.
That’s why I believe it’s incredibly important for guests to understand what they truly want to do—and to know themselves—when choosing a trip.
 

The “Seed” We Found on This Exploration

During this exploration, I discovered that “getting to know yourself opens up new possibilities for enjoying travel even more.” Many people might feel that while they think they know themselves best, they actually don’t understand themselves as well as they’d like.

With future advancements in technology, such as AI, we can expect personalized information delivery to accelerate across all fields. Before that becomes the norm, taking the time to reflect on and confront what you truly love and seek right now might lead you to discover a different kind of travel experience—or even a different way of life.