The crowning of 26-year-old Ukraine-born model, Carolina Shiino, as Miss Japan 2024 has ignited a heated debate on social media and beyond. The controversy stems from Shiino being a naturalized Japanese citizen, with critics questioning how “Miss Japan” could be awarded to someone not of Japanese descent.
Originally from Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Shiino moved to Japan at the age of five following her mother’s remarriage to a Japanese man. In a speech at the Miss Japan Gran Prix pageant in Tokyo on Monday, she declared herself to be Japanese in “speech and mind,” expressing her goal to establish a culture where people are not judged by their appearance.
“I’ve had to face barriers that often prevent me from being accepted as Japanese, so I am filled with gratitude to be recognized at this competition as a Japanese person,” stated Shiino during her speech.
However, her victory has triggered skepticism and criticism on social media platforms. Many individuals have raised concerns about the choice of Miss Japan not having ethnic connections to the country.
“As a non-Japanese person living in Japan, I also think that the choice of someone with no ethnic connection to Japan is beyond ridiculous,” remarked a user on social media.
Critics argue that assessing “Japaneseness” based on roots and emphasizing a purely Japanese bloodline could hinder the promotion of multiculturalism in the country.
“If people keep assessing Japaneseness based on roots and see only those with pure Japanese blood as their own, instead of embracing multiculturalism, Japan will run out of Japanese people,” commented another user on X.
Some social media users expressed concern that labeling a European-looking person as the most beautiful Japanese might convey the wrong message. One person stated, “I think that Japanese people naturally (would) get the wrong message when a European-looking person is called the most beautiful Japanese.”
In response to the controversy, Ai Wada, the organizer of the pageant, emphasized a broader definition of Japanese beauty. “Following today’s result, there is one thing I am convinced of… Japanese beauty exists not in the appearance, not in the blood, but it exists firmly in our heart,” said Wada.
The debate surrounding Shiino’s victory opens up discussions about the evolving concept of Japanese identity, embracing diversity, and challenging traditional notions of beauty and nationality. As the discourse unfolds, it prompts reflection on what Japanese beauty truly represents in a multicultural society.
Sources By Agencies
