Japan had not come that close to winning the crown since 1959, when Akiko Kojima won the first Miss Universe crown for Japan.
The judging panel included Miss Universe Japan national director Ines Ligron, singer Shizuka Kudo, Chiba Lotte Marines baseball manager Bobby Valentine, Miss Universe 2006 runner-up Kurara Chibana, TV personality Girolamo Panzetta, and DJ & TV host Chris Peppler.
Ligron was responsible for the training of former Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori and 1st runner up of 2006 Kurara Chibana.