Winner of Miss Universe Japan 2024, Kaya Chakrabortty, visited her alma mater, Michigan State University, on Nov. 13. Chakrabortty was joined by students, faculty and local supporters to celebrate her victory and discuss beauty standards in Japan.
The Asian Studies Center and the College of Arts and Letters collaborated to set up and host the event in the International Center. To open the evening, organizers interviewed Chakrabortty about her time in the pageant and her thoughts on beauty standards. This was followed by a Q&A with the audience and a reception.
One of the Japanese beauty standards discussed was the Kawaii aesthetic. Some identifying features of this aesthetic are cute and exaggerated features, while also being smaller and quieter. Whereas the United States has a beauty standard associated with bombshell looks and confidence. Chakrabortty talked about finding a balance between the two beauty standards during her time in the pageant, which was both rewarding and tricky.
“I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, so it’s not really the ideal place for someone with my ethnic origin, and we weren’t really seen in the media as much,” Chakrabortty said. “So it was really hard for me to guide what beauty is, because in Japan, the standards are completely different from the standards of Indian or Bangladesh.”
Chakrabortty talked about how such a large part of her identity is the fact that she is a person of mixed Japanese and Bangladeshi heritage. Although deciding to enter the Miss Universe pageant in Japan, she still brought elements from Bangladeshi culture into her time competing. Including entering the contest with her Bangladeshi last name, as well as wearing traditional clothing and makeup.
“During my tenure with my organization, they preferred me to be strong and independent, to show that Japanese women do have voices,” Chakrabortty said. “Former Miss Universe Japan’s also had to represent the same image because we were there for women empowerment, and how empowering would it be to have someone who didn’t speak for themselves and didn’t stand up for what they believed was right.”
Chakrabortty talked about how there were women of all ages coming together to not only compete in the beauty pageant, but with an advocacy of something that they are personally fighting for. Recalling that anyone in any walk of life is able to participate was extremely empowering. Although each of the women was there to win it all, the support that they showed towards the other candidates was inspiring and beautiful. This was something that stood out to attendees.
“It was interesting to hear just how tight-knit and understanding all of the people in this universe are,” games and interactive media senior Isabella Debl said. “And I think that part kind of stood out the most, even if I came here for something else.”
Attendees created insightful conversations during the Q&A portion of the night. This allowed them to learn more about Japanese culture and the reality of pageantry.
“I really do enjoy Japanese culture and stuff, and recently was invited to go to Japan,” Debl said. “I’m very fashion-oriented and I love the music and the genres there, especially their VK, so I thought learning more about the beauty standards in Japan would definitely help when I go over there at some point.”
Even attendees who didn’t know what to expect were able to come out having learned a little more about the culture.
“I thought it would be a nice thing to attend after my math exam, and it ended up being quite insightful,” mechanical engineering sophomore Vedika Pillai said. “I did enjoy hearing her speak, and I now know a lot more about her and Japanese culture in general, and I’m really glad I went.”
Shortly after the conclusion of the panel and Q&A, there was a small reception that allowed attendees to share some sushi and personally chat with Chakrabortty.
“My roommate is half Japanese, and she’s learning the language, so her teacher recommended this to her,” Pillai said. “She showed it to me, and it was quite exciting for both of us that someone so esteemed would visit our campus.”
Support student media!
Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
Discussion
Share and discuss “Miss Universe Japan 2024 visits Michigan State University ” on social media.
AloJapan.com