Japan seeks response from Finland over country’s Miss Universe’s alleged racist gesture controversy

According to the South China Morning PostJapan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara made the demand on Thursday, also mentioning images posted on social media that showed some Finnish lawmakers performing the same gesture.

His remarks came a day after Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo issued an apology to Japan, describing the posts as “insulting” and reaffirming Finland’s commitment to combating racism. Orpo’s apology was shared by Finland’s embassy in Tokyo on social media.

The controversy erupted after an image of Dzafce, who represented Finland at this year’s Miss Universe competition, went viral. The photo showed her pulling back the corners of her eyes, accompanied by a caption that read “eating with a Chinese.” The backlash led to her being stripped of her Miss Universe Finland title.

Dzafce later told local media that she did not intend to offend and said she had been trying to alleviate a headache when the photo was taken, according to the Associated Press. She also said the photo was posted by a friend, who added the caption independently.

Following her dethronement, several members of the far-right Finns Party posted images of themselves performing the similar gesture on social media, apparently in a show of solidarity with Dzafce. The Finns Party is part of Finland’s ruling coalition.

Orpo said the lawmakers’ actions “do not reflect Finland’s values, which emphasize equality and inclusion.”

Finland’s embassies in China and South Korea have also released statements expressing regret over the incident and reiterating the country’s opposition to racism.