Amid this controversy, weekly magazine Shūkan Bunshun reported that Shiino was having an affair with a married doctor. Shiino initially denied the accusations, but eventually confirmed that they were true.
On Monday, Shiino announced on Instagram that she was relinquishing the title, apologizing “for the huge trouble I have caused and for betraying those who supported me.”
The Miss Japan Association confirmed Shiino had declined the award “due to personal reasons” and that the title would remain vacant.
“We take seriously our responsibility for the series of disturbances,” the association said in a statement. “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused to our sponsors, judges, and stakeholders who have supported the tournament.”