In a surprising turn of events, a Ukrainian-born model has been crowned Miss Japan 2024, sparking a heated debate on social media regarding the criteria for the prestigious title. According to a report in The Independent, 26-year-old Carolina Shiino, who hails from Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, became the first naturalized Japanese citizen to win the Miss Japan Gran Prix pageant held in Tokyo on Monday.

Born in Ukraine and moving to Japan at the age of five with her mother following her remarriage to a Japanese man, Shiino has declared herself to be Japanese in "speech and mind." She aimed to challenge societal barriers and promote a culture where people are not judged solely by their appearance.

Despite Shiino's victory, many netizens expressed their unhappiness with the decision on social media. Questions were raised regarding the eligibility of a non-Japanese individual to be titled "Miss Japan." One user remarked, "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." Another person commented, "If she were born Russian, she wouldn't have won. Not a chance. Obviously, the criteria is now a political decision. What a sad day for Japan."

The backlash prompted Ai Wada, the organizer of the Miss Japan Gran Prix pageant, to address the controversy. Wada emphasized that Japanese beauty should not be solely based on appearance or bloodline, but rather on the beauty that resides in one's heart. She added, "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." The organizer also encouraged the public to reflect on the concept of Japanese beauty.

Carolina Shiino's win as Miss Japan 2024 has ignited a broader discussion on multiculturalism and the meaning of Japanese identity in contemporary society. The controversy has shed light on the challenges individuals face in being accepted as Japanese, regardless of their background. As Japan continues to diversify, it is evident that the criteria for such pageants will be called into question, forcing society to reevaluate preconceived notions of national identity and beauty.

Ultimately, the debate surrounding Shiino's victory serves as a reminder that the definition of beauty goes beyond physical appearance, and Japan, like many other countries, must embrace the values of inclusivity and diversity.