Miss International (officially titled The International Beauty Pageant) was created in Long Beach, California, USA in 1960 after the departure of the Miss Universe pageant to Miami Beach.

Hosted in Long Beach until 1967, the pageant moved to Japan from 1968–1970, being hosted each year in the same city as the Expo '70. In 1971 and 1972 it was held in Long Beach again, but since that time it has been held annually in Japan.

Also called a "Festival of Beauty" and even the "Olympics of Beauty", this pageant is not based on looks alone. Contestants are expected to serve as "Ambassadors of Peace and Beauty", showing tenderness, benevolence, friendship, beauty, intelligence, ability to take action, and, most importantly, a great international sensibility.