Riyo Mori Japanese model and TV presenter, beauty pageant winner Date of Birth: 24.12.1986 Country: Japan

Biography of Rie Mori

Rie Mori is a Japanese model and television presenter. She was born on December 24, 1986, in Shizuoka, Japan. From the age of four, Rie Mori began dancing and pursued her passion for ballet. She studied at Quinte Ballet School in Canada, Centennial Secondary School in Belleville, and Mount Douglas Secondary School in Victoria.

On May 28, 2007, Mori was crowned Miss Universe, succeeding Zuleyka Rivera. As the representative of Japan, she traveled to Mexico City for the competition after several weeks of preparations and events. Mori advanced to the top fifteen semifinalists, impressing the judges with her performance in the swimsuit competition and evening gown segment, where she wore a kimono-style dress from Gucci's spring-summer collection.

In the final round, Nina Garcia, the editor of Elle magazine, asked Mori to share a life lesson she learned during her childhood. Mori spoke about her experience of being surrounded by dance teachers and their students, which taught her to be happy, calm, and have a positive outlook on life. She expressed her desire to pass on these skills to future generations.

Mori became the second Japanese woman to win the Miss Universe title, following Akiko Kojima in 1959. She also became the eleventh Asian woman to achieve this honor. Her success and popularity greatly benefitted her philanthropic activities.

Mori traveled to various countries, including Indonesia, Spain, the Bahamas, St. Kitts and Nevis, China, Mexico, Canada, Germany, Vietnam, France, Monaco, San Marino, Russia, and Italy, while also making frequent visits back home to Japan. She also had the opportunity to visit multiple cities in the United States.

On July 14, 2008, Mori crowned her successor, Dayana Mendoza from Venezuela, with a tiara worth $120,000. In subsequent interviews, Mori expressed her desire to open an international dance school in Tokyo and participate in the American TV series "Heroes." She also appeared in Donald Trump's reality show "Pageant Place" alongside Rachel Smith, Katie Blair, and Hilary Cruz, which aired on October 10, 2007, with eight episodes.

In 2010, Mori appeared on Jessica Simpson's show "The Prince of Beauty," where she showcased the beauty standards of Japan.