Miss Japan's Ukrainian Background Sparks Discussion on Japanese Identity
TOKYO - Carolina Shiino, a Ukrainian-born model, was recently crowned Miss Japan, igniting a conversation about the meaning of Japanese identity in a country that values homogeneity and conformity. While grateful for the recognition of her Japanese identity, Shiino's Caucasian appearance has raised questions about what it truly means to be Japanese.
Having lived in Japan since the age of 5 and becoming a naturalized citizen in 2022, Shiino, now 26, strongly identifies as Japanese despite her non-Japanese look. In her tearful acceptance speech, she expressed her joy and acknowledged the racial barriers she has faced. She hopes to contribute to a society that embraces diversity and refrains from judging people based on their appearance.
However, her victory has sparked a debate about whether she should represent Japan. Some individuals on social media argued that choosing a Miss Japan without any Japanese blood, even if she grew up in the country, was inappropriate. Others supported Shiino's win, emphasizing that her Japanese citizenship makes her Japanese.
Japan is witnessing an increase in its multiracial and multicultural population due to international marriages and the acceptance of foreign workers as the country grapples with an aging and declining population. However, the acceptance of diversity in Japan has been slow to progress.
Chiaki Horan, a biracial television personality, shared her own experiences on a news program, highlighting that despite being born in Japan and holding Japanese nationality, she frequently faces questions about her Japanese identity. She noted the existence of individuals who believe that Japanese-ness requires purity of blood, emphasizing the need for understanding and acceptance of people with diverse roots.
Shiino is not the first to encounter such discussions surrounding Japanese identity. Ariana Miyamoto, who has a Japanese mother and an African American father, faced criticism when she represented Japan in the Miss Universe pageant in 2015. Similarly, tennis star Naomi Osaka faced backlash from nationalists on social media for not being "pure Japanese" when she lit the Olympic cauldron at the Tokyo Games in 2021, despite receiving warm support from many others.
Shiino herself experienced challenges growing up due to the disconnect between how she was treated based on her foreign appearance and her unwavering belief in her Japanese identity. However, her modeling career has given her confidence, allowing her to embrace her uniqueness while firmly affirming her Japanese heritage.
News Agencies