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Ukraine-born beauty queen triggers debate on what it means to be Japanese
The debate over Karolina Shiino’s victory in a Miss Japan contest is not as simple as it seems.
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Ms Karolina Shiino's (centre) unexpected victory in a contest that, most years, passes little-noticed has sparked a debate on “Japanese-ness” – one that is less simple than you might think.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Gearoid Reidy
The Ukrainian-born winner of a Miss Japan contest has reawakened a long-simmering question on the archipelago: What does it mean to be Japanese?
Ms Karolina Shiino, the 26-year-old winner of the 2024 competition, moved to the country when she was five and became a citizen in 2023. Her unexpected victory in a contest that, most years, passes little-noticed has sparked a debate on “Japanese-ness” – one that is less simple than you might think.
