Scott Fujita, a white NFL player who feels culturally Japanese

Did you know that one of the tallest linebackers in the NFL is named Scott Fujita? He's a white guy who was adopted by a Japanese-American father (who, by the way, was born in an internment camp). He's never been to Japan, but he celebrates Oshogatsu and Children's Day, eats with chopsticks, and has Japanese grandparents in California who grow bonsai trees. I just think it's interesting and probably pretty unusual story.

More info via The Japan Times and Wikipedia.

Comments

[Anna Ikeda]

I think it's funny. But it's mostly people like him, who have a very superficial view of Japan and Japanese culture, that tend to feel "Japanese at heart". And since when having 2 young kids was an obstacle for travel? Me thinks he avoids visiting Japan, because knows full well just how silly his statements are.

[cortana]

Remember, he may not be able to go on a trip like that as easily as you might think. Kids may be in school, and if so, when they're out of school in summer, he's in training camp, and can't leave.

[vagrant]

I don't know Scott Fujita personally, so I don't know if he has a "...very superficial view..", but I'm going to figure his father, regardless of the generations, has provided him with a better understanding of Japan and Japanese culture than any average American. Culture is a learned trait, not innate.

Anyways, it is odd to see Fujita on the back of a uniform in the NFL. Gambatte Fujita-san! They're the underdog by five points.

[Michael Drake]

I'm sorry, all this and has never been to Japan? Surprising!

[ninjagin]

When I was in Japan, I read about a guy who moved there 20 years ago, reads, writes and speaks fluent Japanese, changed his name, became a naturalized citizen, and yet is not (nor will he ever be) considered by his friends, neighbors or co-workers, Japanese. That's just the way it is. If you're white, you're never going to be Japanese, no matter how you feel. He should go there, and visit a lot (I'm trying to plan another trip myself, as it's a wonderful place) but I think he knows that he'll always be an outsider.

[josephbbl]

@Anna Ikeda:

You realize you just called another person--a stranger--a name based solely on an article written by another person. Both are people whom you've never met. It's obvious to many that is "superficial" from looking in the mirror, or "immaturity" from not.