TOKYO (TR) – Miss Todai 2020 Grand Prix winner and current graduate student at the University of Tokyo, Asa Kamiya, is currently staying in Paris. This week, the 24-year-old updated her X account (@AsaKamiya) to reveal the “discrimination” she has endured while in the French capital.
Kamiya, who arrived in late February, posted a photo taken in front of the Eiffel Tower on March 17. The 24-year-old wrote, “This is my fourth week living in Paris. I am keenly aware that I am at the bottom of the Asian caste system.”
She continued, “When I was at the subway ticket gate, I was so scared that I froze up when loud music was played close to my ears. When [others around] saw me like that, they burst out laughing.”
Kamiya added, “Asian discrimination is deeply rooted.”
In response to various opinions on the post generated, she revealed, “The last time I visited Paris, I was almost attacked on the subway, but I chose Paris despite that.”
She went on, “I’m a student, so I use public transportation. Do people who say not to use the subway only use taxis every day?”
パリ生活４週目突入。
アジア人カースト最下位を痛感してます。 pic.twitter.com/3ZMVOpKg8z— 神谷 明采 (@AsaKamiya) March 17, 2025
Kamiya added that she hides her bag under her jacket and walks with her head down so as not to stand out as much as possible.
“I never use my smartphone or AirPods at the station,” she wrote. “That’s why I get attacked and ridiculed! My friends in Japan have the same experience.”
Kamiya commented, “First of all, I think Paris is a really nice city and it’s great to travel and spend time as a ‘guest.’ Generally, everyone is kind and friendly. However, when you are discriminated against, it can be extreme and harsh.”
She wrote that she has experienced discrimination in the past, such as “almost being attacked on the subway, being told there are no card keys at the hotel, and being told there are no seats available even though there are.” She then added, “But even so, I want to gain experience abroad. I don’t want to stay in Japan forever and have my horizons narrowed.”
