Sara Chiba

Sara Chiba, 21, Miss Grand Japan 2026, from Aichi, Japan.

I was raised as the eldest of five children by a single mother. Growing up, I faced financial challenges that taught me the importance of family, resilience, and supporting one another. With both Japanese and Filipino roots, I also developed a deep respect for cultural diversity and human connection.

For more than 13 years, martial arts have been at the heart of my life. I hold a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Shorinji Kempo and a 3rd Dan in Kendo. I placed 6th at the Tokai Shorinji Kempo Championship and won a women’s collegiate Kendo competition in California while studying in the United States.

I am currently majoring in English Communication at university and earned a scholarship to study abroad in the United States.

Through martial arts, I learned that true strength is not about hurting others, but about protecting them.

As Miss Grand Japan, I aim to empower women and children through self-defense education while supporting underprivileged children with access to food and educational opportunities.

My dream is to become an internationally recognized action actress and model, using my influence to inspire others and create a positive social impact.

Stop the War and Violence

STRENGTH TO PROTECT

My “Stop the War and Violence” campaign is called “STRENGTH TO PROTECT.”

Through more than 13 years of Shorinji Kempo and Kendo, I learned that true strength is not about hurting others. It is about protecting them.

I have already taught self-defense to children and elderly people in Japan, and as Miss Grand Japan, I want to expand this mission, especially for women and children.

My goal is not simply to teach people how to fight. I want to share the deeper values of Japanese martial arts—respect, discipline, compassion, and self-control—while giving people the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves.

I believe that while we may not be able to stop every war alone, each of us can choose kindness over violence, dialogue over aggression, and protection over harm.

For me, strength is not about how many people you can defeat. It is about how many people you can protect.

That is the message I want to bring from Japan to the world.

The 4Bs

To me, the 4Bs represent strength, compassion, intelligence, and purpose.

BODY is the strength and discipline I have built through more than 13 years of martial arts—strength I want to use to protect and empower others.

BEAUTY is more than appearance. I believe true beauty comes from kindness, compassion, and respect for others.

BRAIN is the willingness to keep learning and growing. My academic achievements and study-abroad experience have taught me the value of discipline and curiosity.

BUSINESS is about turning influence into impact. My goal is to build an international career and use my platform to empower women and children.

Together, I believe the 4Bs represent the woman I want to be: strong, compassionate, intelligent, and able to create positive change.