Miss Universe Japan faces backlash for 'not being Japanese enough'

By May Jesaro (@KiptuiMay)

Japan Miss Universe contestant, Ariana Miyamoto, is facing backlash at home after winning the beauty pageant.

Ariana has been criticized by fans for not being Japanese enough to represent their country. The beauty is half Japanese and half African-American, and is the first mixed race contestant in the pageant.

Miyamota was at first hesitant to accept the crown as she was skeptical about “whether or not it would be okay for half-Japanese like her to represent Japan”, reports International Business Times.

Some social media uses went on to comment on her Japanese blood saying their country deserves “pure-blooded Japanese”. Another said. “Because this is Miss Universe Japan, don’t you think hafu (half- Japanese) are a no-no?”