A printable worksheet for news-based English conversation classes.
Date: 2025/09/21
Difficulty: Intermediate B1
PDF: Grandmother makes history in Miss Universe Japan
| contestant • | • competitor |
| pageant • | • last stage |
| generations • | • age groups |
| encouragement • | • category |
| division • | • competition |
| finals • | • motivation |
| contestant | competitor |
| pageant | competition |
| generations | age groups |
| encouragement | motivation |
| division | category |
| finals | last stage |
Junko Sakai, a 66-year-old grandmother, made history as the oldest contestant in the Miss Universe Japan pageant. She wore a sparkling pink dress and high heels, saying, "I was the star. It was my moment." Sakai entered the contest to inspire older generations and found a new goal on Japan's Respect-for-the-Aged Day.
Sakai, who raised four children, decided to join the contest after her husband's encouragement. She won the Mrs. Universe Japan division for those 60 and older. Sakai trained hard with younger contestants, facing challenges like remembering dance steps.
Even though she didn't reach the finals, Sakai now teaches high-heel walking. She wants to show that people can shine at any age. "I want people to believe they can truly shine in their 60s and beyond," she said.
| A: | Did you see that 66-year-old woman in Miss Universe Japan? |
| B: | Yes, I did. She looked very confident. |
| A: | You should try something like that too! |
| B: | Oh, don't be silly. I'm too old for that. |
| A: | No way. She proved age doesn't matter! |
| B: | Hmm… maybe I should think about it then. |