In many ways, Miss International Queen is just like any other pageant: finalists parade in evening gowns, swimsuits and national dress, and the winner will perform twelve months of promotional and charity duties. There’s one major difference, though: all the contestants are transgender women, and the top prize includes cosmetic surgery for the winner – if she wants it.
As the world’s largest transgender pageant hits the stage in Thailand (where else!) for its 10th anniversary year, we take a look at this unique contest.

Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Yahoo! Japan finds most alphabetic and katakana words Japanese people want to find out about
Photos from 140 years ago show Tokyo’s skyline was amazing long before the Skytree was ever built
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Tokyo train stations get new Olympic melodies and signage for the Games
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Domino’s releases new “Crispizzaburger” in Japan
Clash of the instant ramen! Taste-testing seven instant noodles on a flavor trip across Kyushu
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japanese movie theater chain’s popcorn earns highest Grand Prix quality certification
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Tokyo train stations get new Olympic melodies and signage for the Games
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Domino’s releases new “Crispizzaburger” in Japan
Clash of the instant ramen! Taste-testing seven instant noodles on a flavor trip across Kyushu
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Competitive karuta manga series Chihayafuru lays all cards on the table with its final chapter
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Godzilla x Evangelion: Eva Unit-02 gets a shot of “G” cells
We try all-you-can-eat raw eggs for 730 yen, turns out to be way better than it sounds
New Sailor Moon art collection is gorgeous, could (but won’t) be used to send mail
Daily Yamazaki is your one-stop lunch senbero stop! 【Japan’s Best Home Senbero】
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo