Yoshikawa’s win comes a year after another bi-racial contestant was crowned Miss Universe Japan, creating a similar sort of stir. “Before Ariana, haafu (those born with one Japanese parent) girls couldn’t represent Japan”, said the 22-year-old who is a certified elephant trainer and kick boxing enthusiast.
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The pageant victor, also an avid kick-boxer and qualified elephant trainer, said that she hoped to change perceptions.
Yoshikawa’s victory was reportedly discouraged by several critics who felt that a “pure” Japanese should represent their country at the beauty pageant, leading to outrage on social media on racial inequality. Born in Tokyo, she spent a few years of her childhood in the U.S. and India, before returning to Japan at age 10.
“Yes, I’m half-Indian and people are asking me about my ‘purity, ‘” Yoshikawa said in an interview with Agence France-Presse. “I didn’t challenge it until this day”. She explains that she is Japanese and has spent most of her life living in Japan, but she adds that she’s part Indian and she’s equally proud of her Indian heritage. “She is bilingual and worldwide, she is a totally suitable person represent Japan on the world stage”, said Morikawa.
“What is the point of holding a pageant like this now? But that does not mean I’m not Japanese”.
“It’s like we’re saying a pure Japanese face can’t be a victor”, said one user. “Also, it was one of the best years of my life because I got to see, learn and feel about the incredible country I have in half of me”, said a beaming Priyanka.
“I don’t know Ariana in person, but I’ve been a big fan of her”. Now, as India.com reports, Yoshikawa shows gratitude toward Ariana for being the first to break that barrier and for taking the harshest backlash in relation to who might be eligible for the Miss Japan title.
“Before Ariana, haafu girls couldn’t represent Japan”.
Ms Yoshikawa, like Ms Miyamoto, was bullied, after returning to Japan aged 10 following three years in Sacramento in the U.S. and a further year in India. Priyanka put things in perspective for “haafu” kids, “We’ve been struggling and it hurts”.
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“Like if they touched me they would be touching something bad”. Now, as Miss Japan, she hopes to show the rest of the world that she’s deserving of the Miss Japan title, and with a little luck, the Miss Universe tiara. “A confident woman has the power to make real change, starting in her local community with the potential to reach a global audience”. “I want to build a home for them back there and my father is already setting up meetings for that”, she said, repeating her comments to judges who crowned her.
