Emi Matsushima, 30

Model (German-Japanese)

I have to say I'm quite surprised about a multiracial person winning such big titles two years in a row now. But as a multiracial person — a hāfu — myself, I think it's great that Priyanka won the title to represent Japan. I've always thought that Japan should be more open minded and less discriminating towards multiracial people. Why does there even need to be a label to separate us? I hope that this will be a further step towards changing people's perceptions.

Masumi Shimonaka, 32

Translator (Japanese)