Newly crowned Miss Japan proud of Indian roots, has ties to Sacramento
The newly crowned Miss World Japan is hardly a typical Japanese woman. Being half-Indian is only a part of that.
Priyanka Yoshikawa, who was crowned Monday, has a certificate in elephant training, teaches English to children, enjoys kickboxing and volunteers as a translator at medical meetings.
The 22-year-old returned to Japan at age 10 following three years in Sacramento and a further year in India, according to the Bangkok Post.
Yoshikawa attended Sacramento Waldorf school, according to Kymberlyrenee Gamboa, who posted the news to Facebook.
Yoshikawa attended the school from 2000 to 2003.
She is preparing for the worldwide pageant in Washington, D.C., in November.
Being fitted for a couture gown is part of the program, but fashion plays a small role in Yoshikawa's life.
She told The Associated Press on Wednesday she has ambitions: Go to Bollywood, while pursuing her goal of building children's homes in India.
Yoshikawa, who has an Indian father and a Japanese mother, grew up mostly in Japan but spent one year in India and the three years in America.
- The Associated Press contributed to this report
This story was originally published September 7, 2016 at 7:59 AM with the headline "Newly crowned Miss Japan proud of Indian roots, has ties to Sacramento."