Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on June 2013

As the founder of Runway for Hope, Sena Vafa uses the popularity of fashion events in Tokyo to raise awareness on the plight of refugees in Japan. We caught up with Mr. Vafa ahead of the Miss Bride of the World Japan Final beauty pageant, which takes place June 29 at Hollywood Hall in Roppongi Hills. The winner of the contest will go on to represent Japan and compete against finalists from over 60 countries in Taiwan this October—all vying to be the next Miss Bride of the World.

How did you come to be in Japan?
A Japanese partner.

What is the biggest refugee issue inside Japan?
Mainly the treatment of Myanmar refugees. I must say, though, that we have shifted our attention to the displaced people and children in Tohoku.

How can readers help?
By connecting with and supporting us at Runway for Hope or via our Facebook page.

Tell us a little about Runway for Hope…
Runway for Hope is a non-profit organization based in Japan dedicated to raising awareness about refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other related issues. We are a team of professionals and experts committed to helping make this problem better by using fashion and beauty as a vehicle for change—through the use of fashion runways and by inviting talented designers, models, and artists from all over the world to collaborate and unite in order to support this cause.

What is the connection between refugee issues and runways?
A: There is no connection, per se. Fashion and runway are very entertaining and eye-catching with lots of color—in fact, out motto is “Make Life Colorful!”. It’s mostly a vehicle to grab people’s attention.

What are some other projects you are involved with?
We have collaborated with some major brands for the delivery of goods to the victims and orphans in Tohoku over the past two years. Three of the major international beauty pageants in Japan (Miss Bride of Japan, Miss Supranational Japan and Miss Bikini Universe Japan) are affiliated with us to raise the awareness in this matter.

What is the Bride of the World contest? And Miss Bride of Japan?
Bride Of The World is recognized as one of the major international beauty pageant organizations that focuses on a bridal theme and carries a strong emphasis on raising those standards in today’s society. The modern woman is not defined as beautiful by her outward features alone. Modern women display charm in form and most importantly—character. The Miss Bride of Japan event is affiliated with Bride of the World by selecting a qualified delegate of good health and fine moral character who possesses intelligence, beauty, physical fitness, personal style, poise and charisma to compete for the world title.

Miss Bride of the World Japan
June 29, Hollywood Hall, Roppongi Hills
4pm-8:30pm
For more information on attending the Miss Bride of Japan contest, please contact: bow@runway-hope.org