The ``56th Miss Japan Contest 2024'' was held in Tokyo on the 22nd, and model Carolina Shiino (26) won the grand prize.

Mr. Shiino was born in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, and began living in Japan with her Ukrainian mother at the age of five. She won out of 12 finalists and said, ``It was like a dream, and I couldn't stop crying the moment my name was called.There are also racial barriers, but I am filled with gratitude that I was recognized as Japanese this time.'' I cried tears of joy.

She declared that her hope for the future was ``to become a dignified woman who values the spirit of harmony,'' and before she knew it, she was able to speak Japanese.``I have lived as a Japanese all my life. I want to make it," she emphasized.

Ukraine, where I spent my childhood and have fond memories of my grandparents, is still in a difficult situation as the war with Russia continues. ``When I first saw the news (of the war), I was shocked,'' she said, adding, ``It's not really about other people. We have to be interested.'' She said with a growing sense of crisis.