REIGNING US Open champion Yuka Saso yesterday confirmed reports that she has begun the process of acquiring Japanese citizenship and thanked her Filipino and Japanese supporters “for respecting my choice.”
In a statement, she said: “I am a Filipina, born in the Philippines to a Japanese father and Filipino mother. I was raised in both Japan and the Philippines. I am immensely proud of my dual heritage and that will never change.
“Under Japanese law, prior to turning 22 years old, I have to choose between Japanese and Filipino citizenship. I will be turning 22 years old on 20 June 2022 and, after much thought and consultation with my family, friends, and advisors, I have begun the process of acquiring Japanese citizenship.
“Thank you for respecting my choice. I am grateful to both my Filipino and Japanese supporters. I would not have achieved anything in my career without your support. I look forward to making you proud as I continue with my professional golfing career.
“Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
“Nihon no minasama kore kara mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu! ( To everyone in Japan, thank you for your continued support!)
International Container Services Inc,, the biggest supporter of Saso, supported her decision, saying: “Our support for her goes beyond her citizenship preference because of her outstanding talent and achievements.
“Yuka Saso was born and raised in the Philippines and will always be a Filipino. But being a global golf star, it is more convenient to be a Japanese citizen, and unfortunately Japan law does not allow dual citizenship,” it added.
The Bulacan-born Saso, 20, has been a protégé of the junior program of ICTSI, a brainchild of ICSTI chief, businessman-sportsman and golf enthusiast Enrique Razon, and has remained the golfer’s biggest supporter in her local and international campaigns.
Saso emerged as one of the country’s sports heroes in 2021 with her incredible come-from-behind victory in the 76th US Women’s Open from June 3 to 6 at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, tying South Korean Inbee Park as the youngest winner of the prestigious champion at 19.
Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino thanked Saso for having represented the country in major global competitions with a flourish and expressed belief that despite her decision to embrace Japanese citizenship, “she remains a Filipino by heart.”
PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez said he fully understood Saso’s decision, saying “that is her right.
“There are big international golf competitions in Japan, a rich country. It would have been different if we have those.”
“She was born here in the Philippines so by heart she represents both,” Tolentino said the day after Saso told Japanese media that she will opt for her father’s nationality when she turns 22 in two years.
“I would like to thank her personally for representing our country for the past years,” Tolentino said. “Her personal business decision will develop her more as a person and athlete … carrying a Japanese passport for every international tournament helps a lot, imagine no visa needed.”
Tolentino added: “Health care and social benefits, too, plus the big sponsorships from Japan.”
Saso, the reigning US Women’s Open champion Saso announced on Wednesday her decision to choose Japanese citizenship when she turns 22 on June 20, 2023.
Japanese laws allow its people with dual citizenship to choose their nationality when they turn 22.
Saso was born to a Japanese father and a Filipino mother from San Ildefonso, Bulacan.
“I chose Japan because of its nationality law,” Saso told Japanese media on Wednesday. “I have in my heart that I am both Japanese and Filipino no matter which one I choose.”
“I am full of gratitude for being able to play in Japan again,” said Saso, a two-time winner in the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour.
