Naomi Osaka is a Japanese citizen.
Naomi Osaka was born in Osaka, Japan, to a Japanese mother and a Haitian father, giving her eligibility for both Japanese and U.S. citizenship at birth due to her later residence in the United States
. For most of her early life, she held dual citizenship in Japan and the U.S., but under Japan’s Nationality Act, individuals with dual citizenship must choose one nationality before turning 22
. In October 2019, shortly before her 22nd birthday, Osaka relinquished her U.S. citizenship to comply with Japanese law and maintain her Japanese nationality
Background and Context
Osaka’s decision to represent Japan in tennis was influenced by her upbringing and family ties. Although she moved to the U.S. at age three and trained there, she grew up in a household with strong Japanese cultural influence and has always identified closely with her Japanese heritage
. Her parents initially decided she would compete for Japan, and she has represented Japan internationally since her teenage years
By holding Japanese citizenship, Osaka was able to compete for Japan in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and continues to represent Japan in professional tennis
. Despite living in the U.S. and owning property there, her legal nationality remains Japanese, reflecting both her birthplace and cultural identity
The Real Reason Naomi Osaka Gave Up Her US Citizenship
Naomi Osaka - Wikipedia
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