http://blackgirllonghair.com/2015/03/meet-miyamoto-eriana-the-first-afro-asian-crowned-miss-japan/

Miyamoto Eriana is the first Afro Asian to be crowned Miss Japan. The reigning queen will go forth as the first Afro Asian representative of the country in the Miss Universe pageant. Eriana was born to a black American father and a Japanese mother in Nagasaki. Nervous about how this would be received, she even voiced her apprehensiveness on acceptance as a contestant in the pageant:

“I thought ‘I wonder if a hafu like me would be okay’ and had insecurities,”

In case any of you are wondering, “hafu” is the Japanese term for biracial. Although, Eriana made history with her win, there were some very outspoken folks on twitter in Japan who felt she should not represent the country because of her cultural background:

“Because this is Miss Universe Japan, don’t you think hafu are a no-no?”

“It makes me uncomfortable to say she’s representing Japan.”

Some even went so far to proclaim that they desired a “pure blooded Japanese” to represent them.


The Facts: Eriana is a Japanese citizen, born and raised. She briefly studied abroad in the U.S. and has a 5th degree of mastery in Japanese calligraphy. She’s also a licensed motorcyclist. Bonus: She loves Mariah Carey. Who better to represent any country that this talented beauty?

We’re wishing you the best in the Miss Universe pageant, Miyamoto!

Japan was originally populated by Black People and Japanese bear Nigerian names.