Japan’s Marina Kishira was named winner of the Miss Earth 2010 National Costume competition on Saturday.

Appearing in a black gown with images of flowers and water on the back and holding a fan with the image of the Japanese flag, the Japanese beauty impressed the judges and the 6,000-strong audience with her notable performance.

The 23-year-old girl said her costume was inspired by the tattoo art of Japan, and she wanted to convey the images of Japan’s blooming fresh flowers and murmuring water flows.

The Japanese beauty also won Miss Sea Links City, taking home a prize of US$5,000. In addition, she received a five-year voucher to enjoy vacations at the Sea Links City resort.

The other contestants who made it to the top five in the National Costume competition were from Mexico, Brazil, South Africa and Ecuador.

All the beauties of the Miss Earth 2010 pageant on Sunday planted trees in Phan Thiet as part of environmental awareness raising activities.

They will take part in the ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) and evening gown contests in the resort town of Nha Trang on November 17.

The Miss Earth 2010 Coronation Night will be held at 8:00 to 10:00 in the evening on December 4, 2010 on Nha Trang’s Vinpearl Island; and will be televised live on international and local channels including Star World, VTV (VTV1 and VTV4), ABS-CBN Philippines and networks from more than 50 countries.