Japan Nude dancer wins Miss Universe

Japan's first Miss Universe victory in nearly 50 years has brought a welcome note of light relief to the country on Tuesday, amid a raft of grim domestic news.

Television stations showed Riyo Mori being crowned winner of the contest in Mexico, beating other finalists from countries such as Brazil and Venezuela.

The 20-year-old dancer is from Shizuoka prefecture, south of Tokyo.

Ms Mori has become only the second Japanese woman to take the top prize at Miss Universe.

Last year Kurara Chibana, another Japanese contestant, came second in the pageant.

The win came after months of preparation by Ms Mori, who said in a recent interview with Metropolis magazine in Tokyo that she had been to France to learn the right mannerisms and interview skills.

A spokeswoman for Shizuoka town hall says employees there are thrilled and are considering how best to celebrate Mori's return home.