What a great story. And Kanoa is lucky that he is bilingual because of his parents. He is living out his Dad's dream and the fact that he could get a silver medal surfing in Japan must have been very emotional for him and his Dad.
Most surfers like 80% a bilingual, as a surfer, we travel all the time, we just don’t stick to one sea or one beach naaaaah and we have a huge community
As an Asian American, I completely understand and respect Kanoa’s decision to represent Japan. Of course I’m sure he loves the US and it’s his home, but there is so much meaning and pride in being able to acknowledge and represent his family and heritage in competition. Like his dad said, it’s a like a fairytale to have his son complete this arc of his family’s story. Maybe one day he will want to represent the US in competition, but for now, it’s so much more impactful for him to represent Japan.
I agree with you 100% , I'm also AA, and born n raised in HAWAII, surfing since 6 grade, and playing in it late 50s, the Pacific Ocean was our play ground and still going .! Mahalo and aloha and GOD bless you and stay safe!
As an Asian-Adoptee, I fully support his decision. The cards were in his favor (the support) and he made the decision for himself!! Now he’s won Sliver for the 2021 Olympics!!
I moved with the saying, "Kanoa will complete the arc." I am Japanese born and lived up in japan, I even didint know the word Asian-Adoptee, so I might not be fully able to understand the difficulties that yours and Kanoa's family have felt, but I want to say thank you to the whole of you that you wish to represent Japanese.
Look at it from another perspective: How much do Americans in US view Kanoa as an American as they see themselves as an American vs how much do Japanese in Japan view Kanoa as Japanese as they see themselves as Japanese? I bet Japanese view Kanoa as Japanese more than Americans see him as an American. That's why his decision was the correct one.
i'd say the exact opposite. he's pure american to me. yes his ethnicity is japanese and so is his parents' culture but he grew up in an american environment surrounded by american culture to me he's american
We aren't living in the 60's when only white people were considered "true" Americans. If you're born and raised in America, your nationality is American by default regardless of what race or ethnicity you are.
no he's more american to japanese people and to american people, he is japanese american. so, he's more representative to americans than japanese BUT if he's good at something, he represents japan. It is indeed complicated.
@@jasmithyantro9680 Your 100% Correct! BUT, for those people still living in the 1950's, looking at the latest census, white people are soon going to be the minority. Then, who will they think of as "true" americans then?
5:12 -Ok. I finally get it. Good luck Kanoa. Wasn't too sure about this at first. After seeing this, I'm actually rooting for you, AND I CAN'T BELIEVE I JUST SAID THAT!!!
hes sooo hot. i think it is very cool he chose to represent Japan! plus, itll honestly prolly help his prospects, csuse the USA has sooooooo many prosurfers, and from what im aware of, considerably/relatively less in Nippon/Nihon (yeah, i got fancy wit it)
一宮住みなのにオリンピックは画面越しだったけど、以前に志田でお見かけしたことあります！新選組の弟子と(昔の良いところもあった)やくざの血筋だったんだ、なんかすごいｗ I watched the Olympics games on the Internet streaming though I live in Ichinomiya. But I've seen you in Shida before! He's a descendant of the Shinsengumi and a (some of the good old days) Yakuza, something amazing!
I saw you at Huntington Beach twice I live in Long Beach and I go to Huntington A lot to serve I was gonna say hi to you but I was too nervous I wish I did
Who,why, shameful? What ever happened to this shamefulness? Olympics is a great world, universal sports for all mankind to be together with competition and the unity of sports of all man woman. Its the OLYMPICS! Respect!
Kanoa’s family moved to America so that Kanoa would be born in America and be able to take advantage of all the opportunities. The whole purpose was to make him a pro surfer. So Kanoa was coached and trained and sponsored by all the best America could offer but then decided he’d rather represent Japan, disrespecting the country and people who made him what he is. Seems like a betrayal to me. I wonder what his samurai ancestors would think.
@@MK-su6eg Yes that is true but doesn’t relate to Kanoa. He’s not a foreign athlete, he was born in California and lived there his entire life. He is an icon in Japan and and has an insane amount of sponsors, no doubt influencing his decision.
@@rzadigi wasn't he born in Japan and family moved to Hawaii and to California, and eventually became citizens of America and possibly have dual citizenship? Most Olympic athletes from foriegn countries were trained in, by, American colleges and universities, then represent their original birthplace. IT'S EXACTLY THE SAME.
@@tiesvanlieshout2856 I agree 100%, negativity and again sports is special, and surfing, only a true surfer knows that feeling. No others can compare to the unique experience that nature can relate to riding a energy from mother natures fury to a coordinated dance of expression. To harsh to say the least, aloha from Hawaii, !birthplace of surfing. Thanks again.
What a great story. And Kanoa is lucky that he is bilingual because of his parents. He is living out his Dad's dream and the fact that he could get a silver medal surfing in Japan must have been very emotional for him and his Dad.
Most surfers like 80% a bilingual, as a surfer, we travel all the time, we just don’t stick to one sea or one beach naaaaah and we have a huge community
he speaks portuguese too
As an Asian American, I completely understand and respect Kanoa’s decision to represent Japan. Of course I’m sure he loves the US and it’s his home, but there is so much meaning and pride in being able to acknowledge and represent his family and heritage in competition. Like his dad said, it’s a like a fairytale to have his son complete this arc of his family’s story. Maybe one day he will want to represent the US in competition, but for now, it’s so much more impactful for him to represent Japan.
Good one 🙏
I agree with you 100% , I'm also AA, and born n raised in HAWAII, surfing since 6 grade, and playing in it late 50s, the Pacific Ocean was our play ground and still going .! Mahalo and aloha and GOD bless you and stay safe!
As an Asian-Adoptee, I fully support his decision. The cards were in his favor (the support) and he made the decision for himself!! Now he’s won Sliver for the 2021 Olympics!!
I moved with the saying, "Kanoa will complete the arc." I am Japanese born and lived up in japan, I even didint know the word Asian-Adoptee, so I might not be fully able to understand the difficulties that yours and Kanoa's family have felt, but I want to say thank you to the whole of you that you wish to represent Japanese.
As I am Japanese as well, I will always support Kanoa and I believe in him. Kanoa’ s surf is awesome and beautiful❣️🏄♂️✨ Good luck Kanoa🌟
Yeahhh. 🏄
To see so much passion from the individual and support from the family, I am really jealous.
Look at it from another perspective: How much do Americans in US view Kanoa as an American as they see themselves as an American vs how much do Japanese in Japan view Kanoa as Japanese as they see themselves as Japanese? I bet Japanese view Kanoa as Japanese more than Americans see him as an American. That's why his decision was the correct one.
i'd say the exact opposite. he's pure american to me. yes his ethnicity is japanese and so is his parents' culture but he grew up in an american environment surrounded by american culture to me he's american
We aren't living in the 60's when only white people were considered "true" Americans. If you're born and raised in America, your nationality is American by default regardless of what race or ethnicity you are.
no he's more american to japanese people and to american people, he is japanese american. so, he's more representative to americans than japanese BUT if he's good at something, he represents japan. It is indeed complicated.
@@jasmithyantro9680 Your 100% Correct! BUT, for those people still living in the 1950's, looking at the latest census, white people are soon going to be the minority. Then, who will they think of as "true" americans then?
カノアさんや、キヌアさんは、本当に自然体で、genuine って言葉そのもの
I would do exactly what he is doing if it was me. Good on him.
So proud of you and your family!
Keep it up!!
ホントに尊敬します!（家族👪も）
これからも頑張れ!!
Didn’t know Kanoa has Shinsengumi warrior blood. No wonder how passionate he is to win. I seriously wish more Japanese surfers compete at CT.
Aloha....🏄
5:12 -Ok. I finally get it. Good luck Kanoa. Wasn't too sure about this at first. After seeing this, I'm actually rooting for you, AND I CAN'T BELIEVE I JUST SAID THAT!!!
Yeahhh. 🏄
カノア頑張ってね👍 なるほど凄い DNA なんだね。サムライサーファー🏄♂️
Yeahhh. 🏄
the kid kanoa was talking to at 2:55 is also named kanoa haha
really nice piece!! well done
Yeahhh.....🏄
hes sooo hot. i think it is very cool he chose to represent Japan! plus, itll honestly prolly help his prospects, csuse the USA has sooooooo many prosurfers, and from what im aware of, considerably/relatively less in Nippon/Nihon (yeah, i got fancy wit it)
Yeahhh. 🏄
U reallry fancy!
Awesomeness cool yeeeeeeeaaaahhhhh!!!!!
Great....!!!!...🏄
no doubt!! you gonna get the gold-medal.
Yeahhh. 🏄
The dad's hair is so nice.
一宮住みなのにオリンピックは画面越しだったけど、以前に志田でお見かけしたことあります！新選組の弟子と(昔の良いところもあった)やくざの血筋だったんだ、なんかすごいｗ
I watched the Olympics games on the Internet streaming though I live in Ichinomiya. But I've seen you in Shida before! He's a descendant of the Shinsengumi and a (some of the good old days) Yakuza, something amazing!
I just want to surf with him. He is so cute
Courage and good lucky
Heeeecccckkk yeeeeeaaaahhhh!!!!!!!
Tatakae !
So Epic!
He should stay....forever...aloha🤙
Aloha....🏄
fucking love kanoa
Wish he was on the US team. Maybe next Olympics 😁
Yeahhh. 🏄
I saw you at Huntington Beach twice I live in Long Beach and I go to Huntington A lot to serve I was gonna say hi to you but I was too nervous I wish I did
海、大好きです。あたしは、昔ながら、よっととか、ブギいボウドやってました。頑張ってくださいね。
😎
😳💓💓💓🥺
Was he born in Japan tho?
Water
I don't like how he dies his hair to look European. Come on man that black hair looks good too ! Just my opinion though.
he doesnt do it to look European
He dye his hair to look hot 😂😂😂😂
Agree. Chloe Kim does the same thing.
HIS VICTORY AGAINST GABRIEL MEDINA IN THE SEMI-FINAL OF THE OLYMPICS WAS SHAMEFUL.
Who,why, shameful? What ever happened to this shamefulness? Olympics is a great world, universal sports for all mankind to be together with competition and the unity of sports of all man woman. Its the OLYMPICS! Respect!
Kanoa’s family moved to America so that Kanoa would be born in America and be able to take advantage of all the opportunities. The whole purpose was to make him a pro surfer. So Kanoa was coached and trained and sponsored by all the best America could offer but then decided he’d rather represent Japan, disrespecting the country and people who made him what he is. Seems like a betrayal to me. I wonder what his samurai ancestors would think.
thats a bit harsh
But it’s also the truth
@@MK-su6eg Yes that is true but doesn’t relate to Kanoa. He’s not a foreign athlete, he was born in California and lived there his entire life.
He is an icon in Japan and and has an insane amount of sponsors, no doubt influencing his decision.
@@rzadigi wasn't he born in Japan and family moved to Hawaii and to California, and eventually became citizens of America and possibly have dual citizenship? Most Olympic athletes from foriegn countries were trained in, by, American colleges and universities, then represent their original birthplace. IT'S EXACTLY THE SAME.
@@tiesvanlieshout2856 I agree 100%, negativity and again sports is special, and surfing, only a true surfer knows that feeling. No others can compare to the unique experience that nature can relate to riding a energy from mother natures fury to a coordinated dance of expression. To harsh to say the least, aloha from Hawaii, !birthplace of surfing. Thanks again.
gggggggggggggggggg
gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg