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Naomi Osaka giving up U.S. citizenship to play for Japan at 2020 Olympics
- Thread starter WrenchNinja
- Start date
Honestly I feel bad that she ever had to pick between the two. Wish every country let you have dual citizenship.
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If she continues to play well then she is solid. But if her games don't go well she will be denounced instantly. But at the end of the day, she will probably live in US so hopefully she can shield herself from most toxic parts of possible hatered.
You can. Japan doesn't allow dual citizenship.
What I found somewhat nice and reassuring was that A LOT of people in Japan were heavily criticizing those comedians for their terribly racist comments, sending messages of support to Osaka, and talking about how and why those remarks are unacceptable towards black or half-black people. I was surprised by the reaction and was expecting mostly "I don't see anything wrong with what those comedians said" comments.
Why does Japan do this? Is it a nationalistic thing? Another reason to hate nationalism I suppose.
You'd think Japan would be like the US letting their citizens keep both.
You'd think Japan would be like the US letting their citizens keep both.
Lmao I can't believe I didn't catch that. Shit now I'm imagining how hype it would be if you legit had to duel for a citizenship
It's harder now but will probably be better long term for her and other half japanese if she plans to use her status to pushback and make a difference.
Uh most Japanese people I know like her a lot.
Same with Rui Hachimura and Aska Cambridge. They're all over media.
Heard she was rejected in Japan when she was young, being half japanese half american. Finally it seems she carved her place.
She speaks and understands Japanese but she has stated she isnt confident with speaking it all the time.
Hm, the cutoff point for having to choose for those with dual citizenship in Japan is two years higher than I thought (I remembered incorrectly since I had assumed it was 20, which is the age when one officially becomes an adult there).
I already suspected that she had to deal with discrimination back in Japan as a result of being mixed (those examples cited were quite unfortunate). Can respect the choice if it's what she truly wants, though.
I already suspected that she had to deal with discrimination back in Japan as a result of being mixed (those examples cited were quite unfortunate). Can respect the choice if it's what she truly wants, though.
They're culturally Japanese though and speak the language fluently given that they've predominantly lived in Japan. She's going to have a hell of a time penetrating Japan's racism and Xenophobia as someone whose culturally American and isn't proficient at Japanese.
You can. The article is talking nonsense. Even if Japan doesn't allow dual citizenship, her complying with Japanese law and choosing Japanese Citizenship doesn't necessarily mean she's no longer a citizen of the U.S. It just means the Japanese Government recognizes her as only being a Japanese Citizen.
She already represents Japan and, as far as I know, she has done all her career. It's ridiculous that Japanese law dictates she has to give up US citizenship now she's turning 22 but it's not like she just decided on a whim to represent Japan instead.
Seems like she may be doing a good job of it as it appears that the blow back of what those comedians said was strong enough that not only did they apologize for it, but their management did as well
She can't suddenly start playing for the US in tennis. It'd be a mess. She has to play for Japan for the rest of her life which isn't that bad tbh.
Yep. She's a really good tennis player but it will also be much easier to qualify for Olympic tennis under Team Japan than it would be for Team US with the competition. Japan also gets to automatically compete in everything since they're host country.
Again, that's not clear. The article doesn't state whether it requires individuals such as herself to actually formally renounce their former citizenship according to the laws of their State or whether they must simply choose under Japanese law to only be considered a Japanese Citizen. Unless she formally renounces her U.S. citizenship through the requirements under U.S. law, she will still remain a U.S. citizen, even if Japan doesn't recognize her dual citizenship.
Maybe if they introduce that unique US taxation rule that allows them to tax citizens earnings made while living abroad they might consider it.
Giving up citizen status is a stupid requirement for countries to have over a sport - of all things.
The only reason sports is part of the discussion is because of the timing. Everybody with Japanese citizenship and one other, athletes and non-athletes, needs to decide by 22.
I wonder if she'd actually do it or just fake it. Specifically, she would have to fill out some forms at a US consulate including an oath of renunciation, but the US consulate wouldn't "tell" Japan she did that, that kind of info isn't shared between governments usually. She could walk in, drink some soda and sign autographs for an hour, and walk out and its all the same as far as Japan knows.
but yeah this seems like a very japanese specific thing, there are tons of US olympic athletes who hold multiple citizenships just like many other countries, its very common for US based athletes as well to compete for other countries. The only rule the Olympic committee has is that the athlete must be a citizen of the country they are competing for, they don't have any rules about dual citizenship etc.
but yeah this seems like a very japanese specific thing, there are tons of US olympic athletes who hold multiple citizenships just like many other countries, its very common for US based athletes as well to compete for other countries. The only rule the Olympic committee has is that the athlete must be a citizen of the country they are competing for, they don't have any rules about dual citizenship etc.
It's Japan law anyway. most likely US still recognizes her as a dual citizen.
She already speaks a little Japanese and is studying it like mad. Japanese shows are constantly covering her "new phrase of the week" or whatever. Like she'll pick up a new Japanese phrase, use it in a interview, and the media goes nuts.
edit. maybe I'll just post this instead: https://features.japantimes.co.jp/dualcitizenship/
Dual citizenship in Japan
A "don't ask,
don't tell" policy
leaves many
in the dark
so while they haven't enforced the laws, they can actually revoke your Japanese nationality if you have dual citizenship.
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Sounds rough, man. There's still a lot of work to do, it seems.
Atta girl! Shitty comedians stay losing.
Aren't those mainly people who would otherwise not make the US team? I thought Osaka would be able to make it but I'm not up to date with tennis rankings or anything.
You can, I know plenty of people with dual citizenship, one of them being the US. In fact one of our ex Presidents here in Peru had to give up dual citizenship because people were giving him shit for that.
My son is a triple citizen. When he turns 22, technically he'd have to choose between being Japanese or French and American. The Japanese government apparently doesn't really check these things so I think we'll just not say anything.
They don't, and the law technically only requires "an effort be made to forfeit foreign citizenship." "Effort" is not clearly defined, so it's easy to operate with multiple citizenships as long as you don't aspire to be a public figure or politician or something.
I think that actually works in her favor. It's kind of like the uncanny valley. If you're a minority born in Japan you have it very rough, you act 99% Japanese but they won't ever get over your appearance. You're a Japanese person that does not fit in. If you're culturally American and are trying to add some Japanese flavor, then you are a curiosity and they appreciate you taking an interest. But otoh you will always be a side show and never actually considered Japanese.
Kiiind of. I just went through it last year, I only get to keep my Spanish nationality because Spain is cool with it
Money is probably a big part of her decision. If she does well, she has a huge opportunity for Japanese sponsorship.
There is a Japanese male player (Kei Nishikori) who makes more money than Nadal from sponsorships.
Good for her. The USTA didn't see much potential in her when she was younger; even Chris Evert didn't invite her to her academy to train until Naomi was 18. By that time though, she was already representing Japan. So sounds like Japan was the best choice for her.
Sure, there are rules.
Unless you can make them a shit ton of money through marketing and promotion.
That being said, I don't have a problem with this.
What? She was born in Japan to a Japanese mother and has been a citizen of the country (I assume) since birth.