Tokyo 2020 - ‘No one will be prouder than me’ to represent Japan at Olympics - Naomi Osaka
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Updated 08/04/2021 at 12:31 GMT
The world tennis number two has been reflecting on her Japanese identity, memories and how it has shaped her as a person as she looks ahead to competing at the Tokyo Olympics this summer. Osaka began her year in style, winning the Australian Open to take her Grand Slam tally to four titles.
Naomi Osaka says no one will be prouder to represent Japan at the Olympics than her
Image credit: Getty Images
Naomi Osaka says Japan is her “heart and soul” and that “no one will be prouder” than her to represent the country at this summer’s Olympics in Tokyo.
The world tennis number two began the season in spectacular style, winning the Australian Open to claim her fourth Grand Slam title.
Osaka, whose mother is Japanese and father is from Haiti, has spent most of her life in the US, but has been reflecting on her upbringing, Japanese influences and memories in a series for Nikkei Asia.
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In the piece, written by herself directly to fans, Osaka talks about her love of the cuisine, fashion and culture, as well as the huge impact her parents have had on her career.
“I give credit equally to all those cultures for shaping me into the person I am today”, she said.
I credit my Japanese side for my discipline, good manners, cleanliness and sense of style. My mom's work ethic, working two jobs a day to support my tennis, has rubbed off on me too.
“My American side has allowed me to be more open-minded and progressive. And my Haitian side has given me the courage to push through when things get tough.
Japan is such an important part of my life and my makeup. I am proud of who I am and no one will be prouder than me when I compete for Japan in the Olympics later this year - hopefully with your full support!
Osaka once again stated that she is reluctant to speak in Japanese in public, as she is concerned her pronunciation will be picked apart, but said she has a full understanding listening to it and still speaks the language to her mum, sister and physio.
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She also revealed her passion for karaoke, though admits she is not the best singer, and reading manga.
“I love the food and so many of my favourite restaurants in the world are in Japan”, she said.
“My favourite things to eat are sushi, katsudon (pork cutlets on rice), chirashi don (sushi in a bowl) and yakiniku (barbecued meat).
“(Sister) Mari and I also like to sneak out for karaoke -- though we are not especially good singers! We sing Nicki Minaj, Rihanna and Anaconda.
As far as I can remember, our household was an eclectic mix of cultures and influences -- Japanese, Haitian and American.
"We thought it was normal, it was our normal, but on reflection, I guess it's kind of rare. For example, we would eat a lot of Japanese meals prepared by my mom and always with chopsticks.
“We had to take our shoes off at the door and we learned to bow rather than shake hands where appropriate.”
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