Foreign-born Miss Japan sparks debate

STORY: Ukrainian-born Miss Japan has triggered a debate on what it means to be Japanese

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Karolina Shiino has lived in Japan for more than 20 years and is a naturalized citizen

(Karolina Shiino, Miss Japan 2024)

"I live as a Japanese person, but I have to say there have been racial barriers which meant there were many instances where I wasn't accepted. I'm just filled with so much gratitude that I have really been accepted as a Japanese person today."

Japan has further opened its doors to foreigners as a way to reverse its declining birthrate

Several people on social media question whether Shiino is truly the face of Japan

Others say she has the right to represent the country she belongs to

"I believe the Japanese spirit doesn't manifest itself in the body but rather in the soul. I hope to continue passing on the true Japanese spirit to create a society that respects who people are without passing judgement on appearances."