Hiro Nishiuchi, a model who won the runner-up at the 2014 Miss Universe Japan pageant, is currently expanding her horizons in various fields, appearing in dramas and stage productions as an actress and variety show host. Her love of sports also leads her to participate in marathons and triathlons. Her healthy and attractive personality has led her to serve as a Tanita image model and to share health and beauty information as a radio DJ. She also enjoys an active side, traveling solo around the world in her free time. She also works as a navigator for the Philippine Department of Tourism, promoting the Philippines' vibrant and diverse scene. This beautiful, strong, resilient, and independent model of a modern woman, Nishiuchi shared her daily life responsibilities and the secret to her radiant smile.


■Q&A with Hiro Nishiuchi
Q. Please tell us about your recent activities.

I've been getting more opportunities to appear in commercials and TV variety shows, which is very fulfilling. It's fun to perform on stage, because I get to play a different version of myself. I'm also an active person, so I enjoy participating in sporting events like marathons and triathlons.

Q. How would you describe your personality in one word?

I think I'm competitive. I'm not competitive with others, but I always think to myself, "I can do better."

Q. What's your charm point or favorite part?

My rectus abdominis. I've got a little more definition. Actually, I keep a picture of my ideal body part stuck up on the mirror in my room to motivate myself. I'm still not quite there, but I'm happy that I'm getting closer to my goal.

Q. What time do you cherish?

I love spending time in bookstores. I've found so much meaning in their words. When I travel, a book is one of the things I always take with me. I feel so fulfilled when I go into a bookstore with a cafe attached. I'm very happy when I buy a book I like after reading a lot and go home.

Q. What book have you read recently?

I like beauty books, travel books, self-help books for business people, and leadership books. I also read essays by successful people. My travels have also inspired me to live a simpler life, so I read "The French Don't Own Ten Outfits: Secrets to Improving the Quality of Life Learned in Paris" (by Jennifer L. Scott, translated by Akiko Kanzaki, published by Yamato Shobo). I found it very interesting.

Q. How do you refresh yourself when you're feeling down?

I run. When I listen to my favorite music while running, I can go on a fantasy trip. If I listen to Hawaiian music and apply coconut-scented body cream, I feel like I'm in Hawaii! It's a way to escape the frustrations of everyday life.

Q. How should I deal with a big obstacle?

Instead of forgetting and letting go of that stress, try to swallow it and transform it into something positive. Once you've properly reflected on it, you'll be able to move forward positively, thinking, "Next time, I'll just have to do my best!"

Q. What do you need to make your life shine?

Keep some leeway. Even on busy mornings, decorating your breakfast cutely and taking photos, or making other small changes to your time can make each day shine.

Q. What keeps you able to continue challenging yourself so energetically?

When you can't do something, just say, "Oh well," and look forward. It's important to let go, too. I think the key to staying mentally strong is to avoid letting stress build up.

Q. How do you make your dreams come true?

When I was a child, my father told me, "If you write something down, it will definitely come true." I still keep a list of things I want to do. Roughly speaking, I write down everything on a piece of paper, from what I'm going to do tomorrow to what I want to challenge myself to do this year. I feel like checking them off one by one is helping me realize my dreams. My long-term goal is to get a job that involves the world. I'm currently studying English conversation, and eventually I'd like to be able to speak three or four languages.


-- In part 2/3, we asked her about how her travels changed her values and the turning point that marked her life.