Highlights
- Evelyn and Stephanie Mawuli were born in Japan to Ghanaian parents and gained Japanese citizenship in 2009.
- Both sisters have represented Japan in international basketball competitions, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
- Their success story highlights the changing face of Japanese society and the challenges immigrant families face.
Imagine being born to immigrant parents, facing bullying and discrimination, yet rising to represent your adopted country at the Olympic level.
That’s exactly the inspiring journey of Evelyn and Stephanie Mawuli, two sisters who have become trailblazers in Japanese basketball.
Parents Who Supported a Dream
Evelyn and Stephanie Mawuli were born to Ghanaian parents in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
Their mother, Francisca Mawuli, played a crucial role in their upbringing and athletic development.
The sisters’ parents decided to pursue Japanese citizenship in 2009, a choice that would shape their daughters’ futures.
Evelyn recalls the pivotal moment:
“I told my parents that I wanted to play as a part of the Japanese national team in the future. Unlike us who were born and raised in Aichi Prefecture, I think it was a big decision for our parents but they accepted my feelings and decided to acquire Japanese nationality.”
The process wasn’t easy as she explains:
“Although my parents, who had been working in Japan for many years, didn’t have any problems with conversation in Japanese, they had to study a lot for tests about Kanji [Chinese characters adapted in Japanese writing] and write reports in Japanese. I’m really grateful to my parents.”
Childhood and Challenges
Growing up as children of immigrants in Japan presented unique challenges for the Mawuli sisters.
They faced bullying and discrimination, experiences that shaped their resilience and determination.
Evelyn shared her experience with Gendai Business magazine:
“In the future the number of half-Japanese children and children born in Japan with different roots will increase. I want these children to see me. Even if they have a hard time they can change things by themselves.”
Despite these obstacles, the sisters found solace and purpose in basketball.
The sport became a passion and a means of integration and self-expression in Japanese society.
As a result, they are making their parents and nation proud!
Just So You Know
- Evelyn was born in 1995 and is currently 29 years old, while Stephanie was born in 1998 and is 25.
- In 2020, Evelyn set up a sports management company called ‘Circle of Life’ and a sleeve manufacturing business called ‘Laundry Japan GK.’
- Stephanie briefly signed with the WNBA team New York Liberty in 2023 but was waived in May 2024.
- Stephanie is the first-ever player to win medals in both 5×5 and 3×3 basketball at the Asian Games.
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