The Rise of Nanayew Sanul Aning: A Ghanaian in the Heart of Japan

In the vibrant streets of Tokyo’s Akasaka district, Nanayew Sanul Aning, affectionately known as Pop, stands at 1.92 meters tall and is the epitome of a Ghanaian success story in Japan. From humble beginnings as a street vendor in Accra to becoming a well-known personality in the Japanese show business, Pop’s journey is a testament to resilience and cultural fusion. In this exclusive interview, we learn more about his life and his extraordinary journey to success as he grapples with the nuances of identity and acceptance in a foreign country.

Pop’s Tokyo Arrival

Nanayew Sanul Aning’s odyssey began in 1989 when he arrived in Tokyo, a city very different from the streets of Accra where he was born. With a family connection through his sister’s marriage to a Japanese man, Aning found himself in a new world where he initially struggled with the language and cultural nuances. His entry into Japanese society was marked by a comical yet challenging experience at Narita Airport, where a forgotten pick-up led him to rely on his limited Japanese, resulting in an amusing intersection of cultures.

Undeterred, Aning completed a two-year Japanese course at Waseda University wearing a distinctive padded jacket reminiscent of popcorn, earning him the nickname “Pop”. His passion for singing opened unexpected doors for him when he joined a karaoke bar in Ueno, which eventually brought him into the spotlight as a foreign singer on Japanese television. Aning’s exceptional talent and likable personality quickly made him a sought-after figure in the entertainment industry.

Aning’s Resilience in Japan

Reflecting on his identity as an African in Japan, Aning recalls a few instances of discrimination. While he acknowledges that Japan is inherently suspicious of outsiders, he emphasizes that he was generally well-received. One notable exception was an encounter in Shibuya where he was confronted with derogatory words, which led to an altercation on the street. But such incidents have not dampened his love for Japan, where he has felt at home for 28 years.

Aning’s journey goes beyond the boundaries of show business. After more than two decades of living in Japan, he was granted Japanese citizenship, a remarkable achievement given Japan’s reluctance to recognize dual citizenship. Now, he easily communicates in the Japanese language and, from time to time, visits Japanese online casinos not to earn money but just to entertain. To learn more, see Casinonavi’s homepage. Although he has renounced his Ghanaian citizenship, Aning sees himself as a bridge between Africa and Japan, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

Bridge Between Africa and Japan

Aning is the founder of Bayside, a management company that represents around 500 foreign actors and models and continues to shape the image of diversity in the Japanese media. His recent collaboration with Seven Bank, a major player in international money transfer, underscores his commitment to promoting positive change. Aning’s outreach to the African community in Japan and his vision of a future where Afro-Japanese people contribute to the political landscape underscores his commitment to social progress.

In a poignant moment, Aning reveals the irony that for many Japanese, Ghana is synonymous with chocolate, yet the economic realities behind this association remain daunting. As the second largest producer of cocoa in the world, Ghana struggles to reap adequate benefits from the trade dynamic. Aning envisions a future where he can use his experience and influence to address such inequalities and even expresses a desire to influence Ghanaian policy positively.

Conclusion

The story of Nanayew Sanul Aning is a compelling chronicle of resilience and success against a backdrop of cultural adaptation. His journey from street vendor to Japanese television star epitomizes the harmonious fusion of the Ghanaian spirit with Japanese culture. Aning continues to break boundaries in show business and advocacy, and his commitment to promoting diversity and bridging continents is a beacon of inspiration for Ghanaians and the global community.