Grandmother makes history in Miss Universe Japan

Nick's ESL News Lessons

A printable worksheet for news-based English conversation classes.

Date: 2025/09/21

Difficulty: Intermediate B1

PDF: Grandmother makes history in Miss Universe Japan

Vocabulary Match

contestant •• competitor
pageant •• last stage
generations •• age groups
encouragement •• category
division •• competition
finals •• motivation

Vocabulary Answers

contestantcompetitor
pageantcompetition
generationsage groups
encouragementmotivation
divisioncategory
finalslast stage

Article

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.

Quiz

  1. How old is Junko Sakai?
  2. What did Junko Sakai wear during the pageant?
  3. Why did Sakai enter the contest?
  4. What does Sakai teach now?

Quiz Answers (examples)

  1. Junko Sakai is 66 years old.
  2. She wore a sparkling pink dress and high heels.
  3. She entered the contest to inspire older generations.
  4. Sakai now teaches high-heel walking.

Conversation

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.

Discussion

  1. Have you ever been in a show or contest?
  2. How can people stay active when they get older?
  3. What is something new you would like to learn?
  4. Can you walk in high-heels?

Source Material

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/16030377


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