"Identity Debate Ignited as Ukrainian-Born Model Wins Miss Japan"

Ukrainian-born model Karolina Shiino won the Miss Japan pageant, sparking a debate on cultural identity and beauty standards in Japan. As a naturalized citizen who has lived in Japan since she was 5, Shiino hopes her win will change perceptions of who can be considered Japanese. While some support her victory, others question whether someone without Japanese ancestry can represent the country's beauty ideals. This controversy comes almost 10 years after the first biracial contestant was crowned Miss Universe Japan, highlighting ongoing discussions about diversity and representation in beauty pageants.