Arts & Culture

UWF Japan House helps prepare Miss US International for Miss International Competition in Japan

The University of West Florida’s Japan House recently became an important stop for Miss U.S. International and Pensacola-native Alysa Cook. Cook will be competing in Tokyo, Japan and representing the U.S. for the title Miss International. As part of her preparation, she was eager to immerse herself in Japanese culture and deepen her understanding of the rich traditions and values that shape Japan.
Alyssa Cook, Miss U.S. International at the UWF Japan House

“Before I spend a few weeks in Japan, it was my goal to have a better understanding of their culture,” Cook said. “At the Japan House, I was able to dress in a kimono that they provided me and be a part of a tea ceremony; it was absolutely beautiful. It gave me a better understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture and better insight into what to expect.”

Cook said she was able to learn formal greetings and much more about Japanese language, culture, and arts. The Japan House was a partnership between UWF and the Jikei Group of Technical Colleges headed by Dr. Kunihiko Ukifune. The Rainwater family, State of Florida matching grants, supporters in Gero and many others helped to construct Building 71 and the Japan House. This initiative made UWF the only University in Florida with authentic Japanese rooms and gardens on its campus. Honda’s efforts led to the renaming of the Japan House tea room as “Fukutokuan” by the Urasenke Grand Master Zabosai Sen Soshitsu XVI in March 2009.

Cook departed to Tokyo this week to participate in the Miss International Beauty Pageant which will be held on Nov. 12. 

For more information about the Japan House, visit uwf.edu/japan