January 15th Miss World joins Julia Morley for anniversary ceremony in Tokyo

After exploring Tokyo during the day, Miss World, Kaiane Aldorino, joined Julia Morley, Chairman of Miss World, to attend the 5th Anniversary Gala for Variety Club Japan. Julia Morley is International President of Variety, the children's charity, and was guest of honour, presenting awards at the celebration.

Kaiane was overwhelmed by the welcome she received, including a giant poster made by a Japanese fan. She posed for many photographs and was interviewed by Japan's national media outside the event.

During the evening, there was a five year history presentation and congratulations offered to Kaiane. Entertainment was provided by Japanese singer, Izumi Kitahara.

Julia Morley commented "I believe Variety Club Japan, the latest branch worldwide, can take pride in its tireless actions."

Variety Club Japan has approximately 200 members, and regularly hosts wheelchair sports events and camps for children in track and field, basketball and tennis, training future athletes in the Paralympic games.

Kaiane said "It was amazing to see Eruza again, we were friends at Miss World 2009. When I come to Japan again she has promised to show me around Tokyo and teach me about Japanese culture. This is my first time visiting Japan. I went to Takanawa Shinto Shrine, and a passer-by showed me the procedure for temple worship. Japanese people are so kind."

Eruza Sasaki, who represented Japan at Miss World 2009, commented "Yesterday, I was so excited I could not sleep. I couldn't have imagined in my wildest dreams Kaiane and I would have the pleasure of meeting again."

When Japan's 2010 Miss World representitive, Hiroko Matsunaga, saw the reigning Miss World, she was overwhelmed by her appearance, saying "She shines with an aura". Although she had studied English at school, when Miss World was speaking she lamented that she "didn't understand very well". However, she pledged to brush up on her English conversation skills and take pride in her preparation for the 60th Miss World Finals in Vietnam, starting in October this year.

Masaaki Chiba, Chief Barker of Variety Club Japan has competed in three Paralympic games since Barcelona 1992. He said "Though we have still some way to go, we are doing are very best to raise our stature. We want to convey the wonder of sport to the next generation of children who have these obstacles, something that we have seen first hand."