Ukrainian-born model Carolina Shiino, 26, has been crowned Miss Japan in the 2024 Miss Nippon Grand Prix pageant, sparking controversy and reigniting a debate over Japanese identity. Shiino moved to Japan when she was five years old and has lived there since, becoming a naturalized citizen in 2022.
In her tearful acceptance speech on Monday, Shiino expressed her gratitude for being accepted as Japanese despite facing racial barriers. She mentioned the challenges of being treated differently due to her foreign appearance but emphasized her unwavering confidence in her Japanese identity. Shiino, fluent in Japanese, stated that she hopes to contribute to building a society that respects diversity and is not judgmental about people’s appearances.
However, her crowning has triggered a debate on social media over whether she should represent Japan, with some arguing that she shouldn’t be selected because she isn’t ethnically Japanese, even though she grew up in the country. Others counter this viewpoint, highlighting that her Japanese citizenship qualifies her as Japanese.
In an interview with CNN, Shiino shared her experiences of being repeatedly told that she is not Japanese but emphasized her strong belief in her Japanese identity. She expressed happiness at being recognized and accepted, especially given the challenges she faced.
This isn’t the first time the issue of representation and identity has surfaced in Japanese beauty pageants. In 2015, Ariana Miyamoto became the first biracial person to represent Japan in the Miss Universe contest, sparking debates on whether someone with a mixed racial background should represent the country. Miyamoto, born and raised in Nagasaki to a Japanese mother and an African American father, faced criticism but used her platform to address discrimination against mixed-race individuals.
The controversy surrounding Shiino’s crowning reflects the ongoing discussions in Japan about diversity, identity, and acceptance. The country is experiencing an increase in people with multiracial and multicultural backgrounds due to international marriages and the acceptance of foreign workers. However, tolerance of diversity has been slower to develop.
Carolina Shiino’s journey, from facing racial barriers to being crowned Miss Japan, sheds light on the evolving nature of Japanese identity and the ongoing efforts to foster a more inclusive society. As Japan navigates the complexities of a changing demographic landscape, individuals like Shiino and Miyamoto play a role in challenging stereotypes and promoting acceptance. The debate surrounding Shiino’s representation highlights the need for continued conversations on diversity, citizenship, and what it means to be Japanese in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.