The Nozomi Musembi Takamatsu Issue

High School Running Distance

9 years ago 08/22/2014 2:31pm EDT

16 year old Nozomi Musembi Takamatsu is a rising Japanese star; she is half Kenyan and Japanese. She was the 4th place finisher in the world junior 3000 behind Mary Cain and the two Kenyans. This kid is very good, her 3000 9:02.85 PR would put her 3rd on the U.S. all-time list and she's a year younger than Mary Cain. Like most Japanese distance runners, she rose to prominence in ekiden road races where she holds several high school stage records. Here is the issue, although Takamatsu is a "native born Japanese citizen", there is outrage among some Japanese because certain ekidens are restricted to Japanese citizens. - How much more of a citizen can you be if you were born and raised Japan?

9 years ago 08/22/2014 3:34pm EDT

re: trackcoach

Because to Japanese you are not really Japanese unless you have 100% Japanese blood. My daughter was born in Japan and she would never in a million years be considered Japanese.

On the other hand if you are really successful like Darvish the pitcher, they will definitely take credit for you.

9 years ago 08/22/2014 3:45pm EDT

re: trackcoach

Most countries only accept you if both your parents are citizens and are of native blood. Some countries require that you change your last name to one of theirs before granting citzenship or permanent residency. Some make you change your 1st name, religion, and study/pass religious examinations. Some will allow you to stay without any changes but then you are denied voting rights, subject to restricted movements, disallowed free speech, with zero civil rights, and restrictions on due process. Just be happy that you are American. Most Americans I find do not know how lucky they are.

9 years ago 08/22/2014 3:55pm EDT

re: zatopek3210

zatopek3210 wrote:
Because to Japanese you are not really Japanese unless you have 100% Japanese blood. My daughter was born in Japan and she would never in a million years be considered Japanese.
On the other hand if you are really successful like Darvish the pitcher, they will definitely take credit for you.

Or Koji Murofushi, whose mother is Romanian (or should I say Hungarian from Romania, whatever)...

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The Nozomi Musembi Takamatsu Issue

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