A Ukrainian-born woman who won Miss Japan has relinquished her title after reports of an affair with a married man.
Carolina Chino won the beauty pageant just two weeks ago. It sparked a public controversy in Japan On her heritage.
Opinions were divided in the country, with some welcoming her crowning as a symbol of diversity, while others accused the competition of favoring “Western beauty standards.”
Amid the controversy that arose, the Japanese magazine Shukan Bunshun published an article in which it accused her of having an affair with a married influencer and a doctor.
The man in question has not yet commented publicly on the allegations.
Photo: Instagram/@carolina0824
In its initial response to the report last week, the Miss Japan Association defended Ms. Shino, saying she was not aware of the man's marriage.
However, pageant organizers said on Monday that the queen admitted knowing about the man's marital status and apologized for misleading the organization.
Then she resigned her crown.
Ms. Chino also apologized to her fans and the public in a statement, saying her actions were driven by fear and panic in response to the report.
“I am truly sorry for the huge problems I have caused and for the betrayal of those who supported me,” she said.
The Miss Japan title will remain vacant for a year until the next competition.
Shino with other prize winners at the competition in Tokyo. Photo: Miss Japan Association – Reuters
Ms Chenot won the competition on January 22, and is the first person of European descent to take the crown.
She was born in Ukraine before moving with her mother to Japan when she was five and taking her Japanese stepfather's last name.
She is fluent in spoken and written Japanese and became a naturalized citizen in 2022.
