Keingo Sato made headlines eight years ago when he searched for — and eventually was reunited with — his long-lost Japanese father. Now 17, he is in the spotlight again after a major transformation.
A first-year public health student at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok, the Thai-Japanese student from Phichit was one of six contestants seeking the crown in the Miss Queen Contest 2018, a pageant for transgender students.
Keingo, known as “Nong Sakura” drew cheers for a performance based on the Japanese cartoon Doraemon, and was second runner-up in the contest. Afterward, she expressed delight at being able to demonstrate talent and ability on the stage.
“I am happy to show my ability and potential. All contestants want to be crowned, but we don’t come for competition, but for friendship and relationships as university students. After finishing my studies, I want to be a public health official,” said Keingo.
In 2010, Keingo attracted national attention when he began searching for his father at Wat Tha Luang in Phichit after the death of his mother, Thipmontha.
Before she passed away, his mother had told him that his father would come back to Wat Tha Luang, where she and her husband shared good memories.
The boy, holding up a photo of his dad, repeatedly approached groups of Japanese tourists visiting the temple and showed them the photo.
After months of waiting, his dream came true when he was reunited with Katzumi Sato, who flew to Thailand to meet his son in October that year.
During childhood, Keingo played footfall and other sports like all schoolboys. While studying at high school, he began to discover his true identity and his desire to dress like girls. He later underwent cosmetic surgery on his nose, eyes and forehead. He has not yet undergone gender reassignment surgery.
(Photo from Keingo Sato Facebook page)
Keingo in 2010. (File photo)