TOKYO, Japan – The winner of this year’s Miss Japan pageant, Karolina Shiino, has voluntarily renounced her title after a magazine published an article about her involvement in an affair with a married man. The scandal has ignited a debate about cultural expectations and gender roles in Japan.
Shiino, who was crowned Miss Japan on Jan. 22, faced scrutiny and public criticism after a weekly magazine reported her relationship with a married doctor. The publication initially seemed to confirm the relationship, but later retracted her statement, admitting that she knew about the man’s marital status.
In a message posted on her Instagram, Shiino stated that she offered to give up her crown and resign from her modeling agency, and her offers were accepted. She apologized for the trouble she caused and expressed shock and fear over the report, explaining that her initial statements were not true due to panic.
The Miss Japan organizers announced that Shiino’s renunciation was accepted, and the slot for the 2024 winner would remain empty. They also issued an apology and acknowledged their responsibility for the controversy surrounding Shiino.
The scandal has reignited a discussion about the societal double standard for men and women in extramarital affairs. In Japan’s male-dominated culture, women are publicly chastised more than men in such cases. A similar incident last year involving a famous Japanese actress further emphasizes this disparity.
Despite the controversy, Shiino, who has lived in Japan since the age of 5 and became a naturalized citizen in 2022, maintains a strong sense of Japanese identity. Fluent in Japanese and a successful model, she challenges the traditional notion of Japanese identity based solely on appearance. Her experience sheds light on the complexities of cultural identity and the challenges faced by individuals who do not fit the traditional mold.