"Controversy Surrounds Crowning of Ukrainian-Born Model as Miss Japan"

The crowning of 26-year-old Ukraine-born model Carolina Shiino as Miss Japan 2024 has sparked debate, with some questioning her victory due to her non-Japanese descent. Shiino, who moved to Japan at the age of five, declared herself to be Japanese in "speech and mind" and aims to promote a culture where people are not judged by their appearance. While some expressed dissatisfaction on social media, the pageant organizer emphasized that Japanese beauty exists in the heart, not just in appearance or blood, prompting a discussion on the concept of Japanese beauty and multiculturalism.