The Japanese queen and princesses of Seattle at the end of the May 4 event. (Photo from JQSOW)
Christine Kimiko Ito was crowned the Japanese Queen of Washington on May 4. Ito also received the title of Miss Tomodachi, which means “friend” in Japanese, through a vote by her fellow participants. The titles comes with a scholarship presented by the Seattle-Kobe Sister City Association.
Ito also received a scholarship from the Seattle Chapter Japanese American Citizens League for her academic achievements. Ito tied for the community scholarship presented by the Japanese Community Service of Seattle with Aspasea McKenna.
Ito will advance to the 2013 Seafair Scholarship Program for Women.
The Japanese Queen Scholarship of Washington also presented the Terry Nakano Service Award at the event to Jerry and Sharon Okubo and family. Another honor from the evening went to three individuals within JQSOW. The Nikkei Spirit Award was presented to Tiffany Furuta, director of judging; Julie Hamasaki, visual and print editor; and Jana Yamada, training supervisor. (end)