Carolina Shiino becomes first non-Japanese born winner, prompting discussions on national identity

The Miss Japan Grand Prix pageant in Tokyo recently crowned 26-year-old Ukrainian-born model Carolina Shiino, sparking a polarizing debate surrounding national identity. Shiino, who moved to Japan at the age of five, is the first person not born in Japan to win the prestigious title.

Emotions ran high as Shiino tearfully accepted the crown in Shinjuku, Tokyo, on Monday (22nd January), expressing gratitude for overcoming ‘racial barriers’ she faced in the country. “It has been challenging to be accepted as Japanese,” shared Shiino during her victory speech.

Despite her triumph, Shiino’s win has triggered mixed reactions, with some celebrating her success, while others argue that she does not truly represent Miss Japan due to her lack of Japanese parentage. Online discussions have raised questions about the essence of ‘Japaneseness’ in the context of the pageant.

Critics have expressed concerns about the potential impact on those viewing Shiino as a role model, with comments like, “I think that Japanese people naturally (would) get the wrong message when a European-looking person is called the most beautiful Japanese.”

Organizer Ai Wada, however, defended the judges’ decision, asserting that they had ‘full confidence’ in selecting Shiino as the winner. “She speaks and writes in beautiful and polite Japanese. She is more Japanese than we are,” added Wada.

Shiino, who received Japanese nationality in 2023, previously defended her identity, stating that while she ‘may not look Japanese,’ she had ‘become Japanese’ through her upbringing in the country. Supporters echoed this sentiment after her Miss Japan win, emphasizing her Japanese citizenship.

Carolina Shiino’s victory marks a historic moment in the pageant’s legacy, as she becomes the first non-Japanese born winner and the oldest person to ever clinch the title. The controversy echoes the 2015 competition when Ariana Miyamoto, a biracial woman, was named Miss Japan, provoking discussions on diversity and representation.