"Identity Debate: Ukrainian-Born Miss Japan Redefines Japaneseness"
Ukrainian-born Carolina Shiino, who was crowned Miss Japan, has sparked a debate over what it means to be Japanese in a country where homogeneity and conformity are valued. Despite facing criticism for her non-Japanese appearance, Shiino, who became a naturalized citizen in 2022, expressed gratitude for being accepted as Japanese and hopes to promote a society that respects diversity. Her crowning reignited discussions about representation and acceptance of individuals with multicultural backgrounds in Japan, echoing similar controversies involving biracial individuals like Ariana Miyamoto and tennis star Naomi Osaka.
