Beauty queen's kimono upsets Japanese tastes

Japan's finalist for the Miss Universe pageant has modified her costume after triggering a storm of protest with her outfit a black leather kimono so short it exposed her hot-pink underwear (see pic).

The blog of Emiri Miyasaka (25), who is set to represent her country at the contest in the Bahamas this month, was flooded with indignant comments over the daring creation which also featured lacy garter belts.

Many said the outfit, first unveiled on a catwalk at a Tokyo media conference last month, was crass and sleazy.

"We are just surprised by the harsh comments from many people," said a staff member at IBG Japan, the fashion and entertainment company which organises the Japanese part of the Miss Universe competition.

The company now says Miyasaka will wear a less revealing design in the Miss Universe events leading up to the August 23 finals.