Japanese Miss Earth contestant uses Google Translate in interview

According to Dan Tri, contestants attended an event on Nov. 5 in the Philippines, where this year’s pageant is hosted. When Furukawa received an English question, she typed her answers into Google Translate and played the responses aloud, puzzling the audience and eliciting laughter from some.

Miss Earth 2024 Japanese contestant Ann Furukawa. Photo courtesy of Furukawa's Instagram

Furukawa’s reliance on translation software sparked debate on beauty forums. Some criticized her approach as lacking sensitivity, while others blamed the organizers for not providing an interpreter.

Miss Earth organizers have previously faced scrutiny over preparation issues. In 2022, the pageant was criticized for a simplistic stage setup with poor lighting, which forced contestants to perform the swimsuit segment barefoot due to safety concerns.

This year, similar issues persisted, with viewers noting the inadequate stage and the use of plastic chairs at an outdoor event instead of formal seating arrangements.

Missosology, a beauty pageant website, reported that Ann Furukawa, 21, is a Japanese university student crowned Miss Earth Japan 2024 in September. The site suggested she has a chance of placing in the top 20 of Miss Earth 2024.

Miss Earth, once considered one of the top six international beauty pageants, was recently removed from this list by Global Beauties due to ongoing organizational challenges. This year’s pageant, held in the Philippines, will conclude on Nov. 9 in Manila, with Albania’s Drita Ziri passing on the crown. However, the competition has garnered less media attention than other events like Miss Universe and Miss International.

Fifteen countries withdrew from the 2024 contest, citing difficulties in organizing national competitions. While side events have been held, they have struggled to attract significant public interest.