Asuka Talks Dealing With Racism Against Asians In United States

Asuka was already a pro wrestling star in Japan prior to making her way to the USA, but her success in WWE put her on another level. Now she can be a role model for others, and that’s something she takes seriously. That doesn’t mean it has been an easy road to travel.

Asuka is after the RAW Women’s Title once again, and she might pull it down at WrestleMania Backlash. That will involve taking out Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair as well, no easy task in the slightest.

ET Canada recently spoke to Asuka were she discussed how important it is to be a role model for Asian fans. She bet on herself and took a lot of chances. The Empress Of Tomorrow can now show others that they can achieve their dreams as well.

I want to say to Asian girls, don’t give up on your dreams! When I was 16, I wanted to be a WWE superstar. One day I asked my mom can I be a WWE superstar, and she said, ‘No, you have to go college! I also told my high school teacher, ‘I want to be a WWE superstar.’ She laughed and said, ‘Don’t be silly.’ I was shocked. I had no choice. I gave up on my dream once. I went to college and after graduating from college, I started training. I couldn’t give up on my dream.”

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“My friends gave me confidence, ‘You can do it, you can do it!’ I called a wrestling company in Tokyo. I left my hometown of Osaka, Japan. Now I am a WWE superstar. Don’t give up on your dream!”

“I had a problem, but I want to entertain people. It’s my goal. My mother told me I have to fight again. There has been a visible uptick in violence and hate speech against Asian people. How does it make you feel to see and hear about these terrible acts? I hate it! I hate it! I don’t understand. It’s a waste of time to be hateful. Why people attack other people? We are people, right?”

Asuka was also asked about her experiences dealing with racism. She then took the opportunity to share a story that happened recently, at around the start of the pandemic.

Yes, I have only one experience with racism. It was around the time when COVID-19 started spreading. In America, I was at the airport. A woman came towards me. When she noticed me, she covered her mouth with her hand and ran away from me. I was shocked. It never happened before COVD-19. Oh my gosh. I didn’t understand. I was shocked.

Asuka gave advice for non-Asian people who want to support Asian communities. She said that it’s important to understand the culture. If people would educate themselves a little bit more than the world would certainly be a better place.

The RAW Women’s Champion also suggested that people get into Japanese culture like “anime and manga, cards and video games” as well as Asian foods.

You can check out the entire video from E Canada below!