One of the most notable changes to Japan’s once-homogenous sports scene over the last decade has been the rising prominence of multiracial athletes, a change that was spotlighted at the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony by Naomi Osaka and Rui Hachimura.
With Osaka taking center stage lighting the cauldron at the opening ceremony and Hachimura carrying the Japanese flag alongside wrestler Yui Susaki — not to mention a 583-athlete delegation that includes a significant number of athletes from various backgrounds — the shift is becoming increasingly obvious.
“Undoubtedly the greatest athletic achievement and honor I will ever have in my life,” Osaka tweeted after the opening ceremony. “I have no words to describe the feelings I have right now but I do know I am currently filled with gratefulness and thankfulness.”