Ukraine-Born Miss Japan Winner Relinquishes Prize after Magazine Exposes Affair with Married Man

Ukraine-born winner of the Miss Japan beauty pageant, Karolina Shiino, gave up her crown this week after a Japanese tabloid reported that she had an affair with a married man.

She was crowned Miss Japan two weeks ago but her victory has been shrouded by controversy with many questioning her win due to her heritage. While some welcomed Karolina’s – a naturalised Japanese citizen – victory, others highlighted that she did not represent traditional Japanese beauty ideals.

Amid the ongoing controversy, a local magazine published an article alleging an affair. Japanese magazine Shukan Bunshun reported that Karolina Shiino had engaged in a relationship with a married influencer and doctor. The man in question is yet to make a public statement.

Miss Japan organisers initially defended Karolina and said she did not know that she was in an affair with a married man. But on Monday, the organisers told local news media outlets that the winner confessed to knowing about the man’s marriage and family.

She issued an apology for being misleading after which the Miss Japan Association accepted her title resignation. She apologised to her fans and the general public in a statement on Monday.

Karolina Shiino said she acted out of fear and panic in response to the report. “I am truly sorry for the huge trouble I have caused and for betraying those who supported me,” Karolina Shiino said.

Even though there were several runner-ups, the Miss Japan title will now remain vacant for the rest of the year. Karolina was crowned champion on January 22 and became the first person of European descent to be given the honour.

Karolina Shiino was born in Ukraine and moved with her mother to Japan when she was five years old and took her step-father’s Japanese last name. She speaks and writes fluent Japanese and became a naturalised citizen in 2022.

“I had not been accepted as Japanese many times, but I am filled with gratitude to have been recognized as Japanese today,” she said in her speech after being crowned winner of the competition.