1v1 with Nahomi “Naho” Kawasumi

As we’re approaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Night at the stadium, what elements of your culture are you most proud to share with your Gotham FC teammates and fans?

I was born and raised in Japan, but if you ask me about “my culture,” it’s a bit difficult to answer. But after I went outside [to the U.S.], I realized how “Japanese” I am. I didn’t notice it when I was in Japan, but I felt that it’s a very Japanese thing to be uptight and extremely organized. I feel very Japanese for paying attention to every detail or the expression of “reading the room”. If you ask me if I’m proud of these things, it’s a bit of a different story. But after coming here, I found it wonderful how laid-back the people are. If I had to think of one thing that I’m proud ofJapanese culture is that Japanese people cherish/respect food.