“There have been racial barriers, and it has been challenging to be accepted as Japanese.”

That’s what a tearful Carolina Shiino said in impeccable Japanese after she was crowned Miss Japan on Monday.

The 26-year-old model, who was born in Ukraine, moved to Japan at the age of five and was raised in Nagoya.

She is the first naturalised Japanese citizen to win the pageant, but her victory has re-ignited a debate on what it means to be Japanese.

While some recognised her victory as a “sign of the times”, others have said she does not look like what a “Miss Japan” should.

  • jordanlund@lemmy.worldMEnglish
    25·
    2 years ago

    Removed, rule 5, and yeah, I’m removing the other comment too.

    Rule 5: Keep it civil. It’s OK to say the subject of an article is behaving like a (perjorative, perjorative). It’s NOT OK to say another USER is (perjorative). Strong language is fine, just not directed at other members. Engage in good-faith and with respect!

      • Schmidtster@lemmynsfw.comEnglish
        29·
        2 years ago

        Don’t try to hide white washing by arguing someone is racist for pointing it out lmfao.

        The racist is you, not me or the mod here.

        • FaceDeer@kbin.social
          61·
          2 years ago

          Ah, the classic “I know you are but what am I” comeback. Nothing beats that.