Carolina Shiino, the briefly titled Miss Japan 2024, has been forced to abdicate her crown following disclosures of her involvement with a married man. Born in Ukraine and later naturalized as a Japanese citizen, Shiino’s win in late January 2024 sparked a dispute, not fully embraced by a notable segment of the Japanese populace. The Japanese media, notably a tabloid that disclosed her extramarital relationship with a married doctor and influencer, played a vital role in the unravelling of her title.
The Miss Japan competition organizers initially supported Shiino, noting she was unaware of her boyfriend’s marital status. Nevertheless, the situation took a turn when Shiino confessed to misleading the public and the organizers about her knowledge of the affair. This admission led to the immediate revocation of her Miss Japan title.
Shiino issued an apology, mentioning fear and panic as reasons for her initial secrecy and voicing remorse for the trouble caused and the betrayal of her supporters’ trust.
In an unprecedented move, the organizers decided not to pass the Miss Japan title to any runner-up, opting instead to wait for the next election to begin afresh and move past the incident. This episode also ends the debate over Shiino’s eligibility based on her origins, which had been a point of contention since her coronation on January 22. Despite being naturalized just last year and not being of Japanese descent, her win had already sparked a discussion about nationality and identity in a country known for its stringent views on racial purity.
The controversy around Shiino’s win and the ensuing fallout reflect broader societal debates in Japan over identity, inclusivity, and the changing norms of beauty and representation. Her case, much like that of Ariana Miyamoto in 2015, highlights the challenges faced by people who defy traditional expectations in conservative societies.