by Janene Mascarella

What’s it like to be titled The Queen of the Universe? Gorgeous Sayo Harris may soon find out. She’s poised to compete for The Queen of the Universe Pageant USA 2013 (which sounds like the kind of title you’d have to defend with a magic sword). Sayo has been in the states for three short years and in that time she has been featured in several magazines, TV shows and now a seasoned model.

Miss Japan? Do we ever!

Her martial arts skills landed her a starring role, as an assassin in the upcoming thriller Misfire.  She is using her celebrity to inspire underprivileged youth in the Japanese community. She also can be seen starring alongside Michael Madsen in the Horror Film, Forest of the Living Dead.  She is fluent in Japanese and English, a karate expert and a huge animal advocate. She’s sweet, strong and smart and we love her.

MCD: What’s it like to carry the title of “Miss Japan”?

Sayo: I feel very honored to represent my own country. Having the title allows me to get myself involved in charity work, helping others and be a role model for women everywhere. It is a dream come true for me, as one of my goals is to be an influential person.

Here it is: the only time wishing you were a purple scarf is the manliest possible reaction to something

MCD: Are you single? The guys will love it if you’re single.

Sayo: I’m happily single.

MCD: What’s a major difference between dating here and dating in Japan?

Sayo: I think here, a lot of women are wondering if their guy considers them as official girlfriends or not. In Japan it’s more black and white, less gray area.

MCD: How long have you been living in the US and what do you like about best?

Sayo: I’ve been living in the states for 5 years, Los Angeles and New York City. What I like about the US is freedom. More people follow their heart, passion and dreams and I feel very inspired.

MCD: You get to play some exciting movie roles. What’s your fave type of character to portray?

Sayo: Someone who is unexpectedly different than how she is perceived, or someone who has a flip side. I think it’s intriguing and makes it more fun to figure out why the character behaves the way she does. Also I look for vulnerability in every character. No matter how “cool” or “evil” the character is, there’s got to be vulnerability and humanity.

MCD: Surprise us with something!

Sayo: I may come across girly and feminine but actually have more boyish personality. Also I’m a HUGE car enthusiast, I know about cars more than most guys do!

MCD: What’s the most exciting thing in the pipeline for you?

Sayo: I am representing Miss Japan for The Queen of the Universe Pageant.

Here she is again, but in more detail because: obviously

MCD: Ooh, we want to watch!

Sayo: It will be held at Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, CA in Dec 2012. There will be 2000+ people in the audience including high profile guests and celebrity judges.  More details will be announced soon and I am currently seeking sponsors for the pageant.

Go show Sayo some love at her website, IMDB page, Facebook fan page, or Twitter handle.

James Maciariello

Janene Mascarella is a lifestyle writer whose work has appeared in The Washington Post, CNNMoney, American Way, Self, Glamour, Cooking Light, Women’s Health, Woman’s Day, Bella, Mint.com, Currency, Parenting, Parents, Family Circle, American Baby, AOL Travel, and iVillage. Visit her website or follow her on Twitter @MrsWrite.

Check out our other girl crush interviews, like this one with the lovely Leilani Dowding. –>