"Miss Japan 2024 Gives Up Crown Over Reported Affair"

Karolina Shiino, a Ukraine-born model with Japanese citizenship, relinquished her 2024 Miss Japan title following reports of her relationship with a married man, sparking controversy over her foreign roots and Japanese identity. The Miss Japan Association accepted her request and apologized for the disturbances, leaving the top honor vacant for the year. Shiino apologized for the trouble caused and her agency confirmed she continued the relationship after learning of the man's marital status. Her appointment reignited debate over Japanese identity, with polarized views on social media, and the incident has sparked reflection and discussion on the criteria for Miss Japan winners.