Watanabe, the “Miss Universe” contestant from Japan, is under fire for wearing the imperial dress

 

The image of the Miss Universe 2021 contest, Yuri Watanabe, has sparked criticism in Japan.

80 contestants from all over the world participated in the 70th Miss Universe pageant held on December 13 in Eilat, Israel.
In Japan, attention focused on Yuri Watanabe, who appeared before the audience in national costumes in the “late kimono” considered a symbol of the imperial family.

Users considered this image an insult to Japanese culture. Some have condemned tattoos on the skin of a mannequin, which is considered a taboo in Japan. Others decided that showing the world the “kimono of the departed” with the symbols of the imperial house could be considered an insult to the patriotic feelings of the citizens.

The Japanese racer’s dress was designed by Israeli designer Aviad Arik. According to him, Watanabe’s portrait was made in honor of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Israel and was intended to “honor the amazing fashion culture of Japan’s Harajuku region” and “to honor the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest “Nita”, which venerates Japanese culture. According to critics, he showed The designer loves Japanese culture without understanding it.