Mrs. International Pageant Contestants

Mrs. Pan Pacific 2020 International®

Mariko Peeling

People's Choice Award

What's the most sensible thing you've ever heard someone say?
“Just do whatever you want to do”. The one of the best things I have learned from my mother is that we should not treat people or be treated by categories such as gender, race/ethnic and so on. My mother has never told me that I should do some particular things because I am woman. She always sees and respects me as who I am, not as a daughter, woman or any categories.

What gets you excited about life?
The fact that I have the most wonderful family who support me to pursuit my dream. Two years ago I came back to my home town, Japan temporary from US because I wanted to research at the graduate school. Living apart is hard to have a communication we used to do, but he always supports me and cheers me up. So, I just appreciate his love and feeling his love makes me happy!

If you had to teach something what would you teach?
I would like to teach everyone gender issues and discuss their thoughts on those. That is because currently I am studying sociology at the graduate school in Tokyo. Gender Studies in particularly was eye-opening for me and gave me a whole new perspective. Just knowing how Women have been fighting for equal rights historically inspired me and will inspire everyone!

How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?
Age is just a number, so I really do not care how old I am or they are. But that does not mean you don’t need to care about age and behave how you like. If you are mature enough, you have to act like an adult and have common sense and responsibility. My motto is try to be the best version of myself at any age and get more wisdom as much as possible.

What is your idea of a fun date night?
My husband and I both love cats so that we adopted an adorable black cat. So going to the ASPCA to see many animals and to donate are inspiring and make me appreciate organization’s work for animals to find their forever home. The more exiting date is going to a cat show because we could see so many kinds of cats and I love to see how much the owners take care of their cats!