At an exciting event last Monday, Ukrainianborn and naturalized Japanese model Carolina Shiino was crowned Miss Japan 2024. At 26, Shiino is the first naturalized citizen to win the competition.
However, this victory sparked heated debates about what it means to be Japanese. Some people viewed her coronation as a sign of the progress of the times, while others argued that she did not look like the “typical Miss Japan.”
A victory of historical significance
This achievement by Shiino comes almost ten years after Ariana Miyamoto became the first mixedrace woman to be crowned Miss Japan in 2015. Born to a Japanese mother and an AfricanAmerican father, Miyamoto faced controversy at the time over whether she, a person of mixed ethnicity, should be eligible to win the competition. Now, the fact that Shiino has no Japanese ancestry has caused an uproar on social media.
Some comments questioned the legitimacy of her victory and claimed that the choice of the Ukrainianborn model could be a political act. Others argue that Shiino's victory would send a “wrong message” to others in the country.
Reaction of the competition organization
Ai Wada, the organizer of the Miss Japan Grand Prix pageant, defended the jury's choice, claiming Shiino was chosen with “full conviction.”
“She speaks and writes Japanese beautifully and politely.The“Wada explained. “She is more Japanese than us“.
Shiino celebrates the victory
Responding to the criticism, Shiino expressed her gratitude for the recognition. She mentioned that she considers herself Japanese, even though she doesn't look Japanese because she grew up in the country.
In an emotional announcement on Instagram, Shiino shared: “Being recognized as a Japanese woman in this competition fills me with gratitude.“.
From now on
Shiino's victory marks a historic moment for Japan in terms of diversity and inclusion. Although this is controversial for some, some see it as an important step towards promoting acceptance of differences in the traditionally homogeneous country.