Photo= Finalists for Miss Universe Japan - Shiga show their smiles at a press conference (Prefectural Office, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture)

In order to select the most beautiful woman in Shiga Prefecture, "Miss Universe Japan - Shiga" will take place on December 1, at Biwako Hall in Uchidehama, Otsu City. Seventeen women will be in the contest, not only competing for appearance, but also for inner beauty.

The 17 women, including university students, company employees, and models, ranging in age from 20 to 26, have already passed the interview for the primary screening. They will undergo a public audition, in which they will walk in a dress and swimsuit, and give a speech. The winner will compete in the national competition next March, with an eye toward the worldwide pageant next autumn.

Since 2011, Miss Universe Japan has held qualifiers in 47 Prefectures. The first qualifier in Shiga Prefecture was held last year, but it was small in size. Thus, this year's pageant is the first full-scale competition.

Contestant Ayaka Hagiwara, a Ritsumeikan University sophomore from Imajuku debuting in this contest and from Moriyama City, said with a smile, "I hope the contest will give this area a boost. I'd like to convey the good points of Shiga Prefecture to all of Japan and the world."

The contest will start at 3:00 p.m. Admission tickets cost 4,000 yen, and are sold on-line via "e+." For details, contact the organizer, "EF Consulting Godo Gaisha," at 077-566-2444 (Inquiries in Japanese only).