“To Give Everything I Have Here” — Hanazono Kintetsu Liners, Sanaila Waqa

“This is important to me and to our family. When I think about that, I can't just leave it to others. I want to do as much as I can by myself. I've been moving forward little by little like that since I was a child. Yes, I believe that all difficulties are challenges.”

Sanaila Waqa, the pillar of the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners who hails from Fiji, laughed while shaking his large frame. He arrived in Japan in 2017, and his life in Japan is soon entering its tenth year. As an athlete, and as a father supporting his wife and three children. I took a quiet look at the profile of Waqa, who continues to take on challenges.

Towards the destination of excitement

A giant man, 202 cm tall and weighing 125 kg, appeared after walking through the clubhouse door. The pressure he exerted was immense. If I met him on the pitch, I would surely faint. Waqa extended a large hand and showed a smile, saying, “Nice to meet you.” His soft, gentle expression conveyed his good character. His nickname is “Junior.” One could feel the reason why Waqa is loved by those around him from that name alone.

Born in Fiji, he moved to New Zealand due to his father's work. He started playing rugby in high school and quickly began to stand out. While receiving offers from multiple teams, he became interested in Japan's NEC Green Rockets (currently NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu).
　
“I had an image of Japan as a very advanced country. I wanted to play in Japan. I couldn't imagine what life would be like, but I was excited. It was my wife who pushed me, saying, ‘Let's go.’”

He first arrived in Japan in March 2017 and was surprised by the view of the skyscrapers from the train window as he headed into Tokyo from Haneda Airport. The cityscape he had never seen before, the unknown food, the difficult Japanese language—everything was fresh to Waqa.

I don't run away from 'I don't understand'

“Regarding my relationship with Japanese people, there were no particular problems. Fiji also has a culture of respecting older people, you see. That part was the same as in Japan. The food was also no problem. All Japanese food is delicious.

What I struggled with was the Japanese language and Japanese administrative procedures. There were so many things I didn't understand. So, I went to the city office myself and asked about various things. ‘What should I do for this procedure? Where can I apply for this?’ I asked.”

The staff must have been surprised by the giant man who suddenly appeared at the city office. It is said that the staff treated Waqa, who was full of anxiety while performing his first procedures in broken Japanese, with great care.

“Everyone was kind. They explained the parts I didn't understand over and over again. If there was someone knowledgeable among my teammates, I would sometimes learn how to do things from them. I grew to like Japan and the Japanese people more and more. That feeling hasn't changed even now.”

In 2020, he transferred to the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners and moved his base from the Kanto region to the Kansai region. A new team and a life in a new city began.

What I can do, what I cannot do. Everything is for my precious family

A new start. It comes as a set with a vast amount of paperwork. What is most important to Waqa is the existence of his ‘family.’ As an athlete and at the same time as a father, there were mountains of procedures for his children's schools, nursery schools, medical care, and welfare. There were countless procedures for his family to live with peace of mind.

“Because I had the experience of doing it myself before, I felt I would be okay this time too. Of course, there are still many parts I don't understand. I am moving forward little by little while learning from the staff.”

I love the city of Osaka. If I ask for directions, everyone kindly tells me. There are wonderful people, delicious food, and many fun places. When I realized, ‘I want to live here for a long time,’ I wanted a new home where my family could live happily. The conditions were high doors so Waqa wouldn't hit his head, and a detached house where the children could live freely.

“I thought about renting a house. But it is a high hurdle for a foreigner to rent a house in Japan. For that, the existence of a specialist who deeply understands us foreigners and has professional knowledge was necessary. It is also important to leave things that should be relied upon to people who can be relied upon. With the help of many people, my whole family is living happily now.”

The fulfillment in his private life also appears in his play. His selfless play for the team was recognized, and in 2022, he fulfilled his dream of wearing the cherry blossom jersey as a member of the Japan national team.

The challenge never ends

His Japanese skills improve day by day, and Waqa's teachers are his adorable children. Newly learned Japanese flies around the house every day. His favorite place is the neighborhood park, and when time permits, he goes out to play with his children. Spending plenty of time with his family is, for Waqa, a precious time to step away from rugby and heal his mind and body.

"I want to run hard and hit hard. I want to fight with a focus on my running ability and collisions (the moments of intense impact)."

When asked about his play, his gentle father's eyes shifted to those of an athlete. He aims for the best performance and, ultimately, the team's victory. It is said that Waqa, who possesses both special size and power, receives offers from other countries and teams almost every year.

"I am turning down all offers for now. Because of my wife (laughs). She really likes Japan. Of course, I also consider Japan my second home. And I still want to continue playing for this team. I want to finish my career in Japan. I want to give my all in Japan."

Hanazono Kintetsu Liners, Sanaila Waqa. His challenge in Japan is still ongoing.

[Editor's Note] Toward a society where foreign athletes can call Japan their 'second home'

The 'language barrier,' 'administrative procedures,' and 'hurdles in renting a house' that Waqa spoke of are common challenges faced by all top foreign athletes living in Japan and their families.

While Waqa was able to overcome these with his inherent strength and the support of those around him, there are not a few athletes who suffer disadvantages due to not knowing about Japan's complex systems.

We at Pink Rose provide total support with specialized knowledge to develop living infrastructure so that top foreign athletes do not 'lose out due to lack of knowledge.' (Interview cooperation: Akito Iwamoto)

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