Crowned Miss Japan this week, Ukrainian-born Carolina Shiino cried with joy, thankful for the recognition of her identity as Japanese. But her Caucasian look rekindled an old question in a country ...

Karolina Shiino was crowned Miss Japan on Jan. 22, setting off renewed public debate over what it means to be Japanese in a country where homogeneity and conformity are still valued.

Of the five finalists – those representing Japan, South Korea, Brazil, the United States and Venezuela – the first won the Miss Universe 2007 title in a decision that surprised many.