[VIDEO] ‘Yes, I speak Igbo’: Japanese-Nigerian woman wows netizens with fluent Igbo

A captivating video showcasing a Japanese-Nigerian woman speaking fluent Igbo has taken the internet by storm, earning widespread praise and admiration online. The content creator, Katy Igwe, known as Ada Igbo, shared the vlog featuring her conversation with another woman who identified herself as Ada Amaka, also from Imo State but living in Japan.

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Yes, I speak Igbo. I even prepare cassava.

The encounter occurred at an African and Caribbean festival in Japan. When asked if she spoke Igbo, Ada Amaka responded with impressive fluency, even mentioning her ability to prepare traditional dishes like cassava. She shared that her father strongly encourages her to embrace her Igbo identity, insisting she proudly represent herself as an Igbo woman when visiting Nigeria.

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You know, my dad, he doesn’t allow me to, like, tell people that I’m from Japan, that kind of thing. If I go to Nigeria, he expects me to tell people I am an Igbo woman. He wants me to stand my ground and proudly own my identity as an Igbo woman.

Ada Amaka also discussed her favorite Nigerian meals, including Oha and Egusi soups, and her proficiency in preparing dishes like jollof and fried rice. Igwe, visibly impressed, commented on how the interaction helped her understand the surprise people often show when she speaks Igbo, noting the rarity of such fluency among those with mixed heritage living abroad. The video emphasizes the importance of maintaining cultural roots and language, even when raised in a different environment.

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But I finally understand why, when I end up speaking small Igbo, they are shocked. Because me, I’m so shocked that she’s speaking like this fluent… She speaks Japanese, too… So now I finally understand why people are always like, ‘I’m hearing my people, but I’m not seeing my people.’

The viral video has sparked positive reactions across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Many users commended the parents of both women for instilling a strong sense of cultural identity and ensuring the preservation of their native language. The interaction serves as a heartwarming example of heritage preservation and cultural pride within the Nigerian diaspora.

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I am loving it because all of their parents did well to ensure they speak the language. Love it so well.