A Nigerian woman living in Japan has drawn global attention after sharing an emotional account of the identity challenges faced by Africans and other Black migrants living in foreign societies, even in some of the world’s most developed countries.
In a video posted on Instagram, Adadioramma, widely known as “Naija Girl in Japan”, spoke candidly about the psychological burden of being a non-native in Japan, describing a life marked by subtle exclusions and constant reminders of otherness.
According to her, the challenge is not always about safety, infrastructure, or economic opportunity—but about identity and belonging.
“No matter how developed or beautiful a country is, once you’re not originally from that country, you can never really be free,” she said.
She explained that everyday experiences—from housing to employment to social interaction—can reinforce the feeling of being an outsider. For migrants without permanent residency or citizenship, she noted, these limitations become even more pronounced, restricting both opportunities and personal autonomy.
Adadioramma also highlighted how race complicates identity, even when legal status changes. She recounted how Black people holding Japanese passports are sometimes subjected to suspicion at international airports, as officials struggle to reconcile Japanese nationality with Black identity.
“They feel like Japanese people have to look a certain way,” she said, adding that this perception leaves Black migrants trapped between acceptance and exclusion.
Her reflections suggest that citizenship alone does not guarantee belonging, particularly in societies where nationality is closely tied to ethnicity and appearance. Even naturalization, she argued, does not fully erase the barriers faced by Black residents.
Beyond the legal and social constraints, the video captures the emotional weight of existing in a space where one is constantly reminded—sometimes subtly, sometimes directly—that they are not from “here.”
“There are things that scream to you every day that this is not your country,” she said.
Her story has resonated with many across the African diaspora, sparking conversations about race, identity, and the hidden emotional costs of migration. While developed nations often represent opportunity and stability, Adadioramma’s experience highlights how belonging remains elusive when identity is constantly questioned.
The video has since been widely shared, with many viewers describing her words as a powerful reminder that development does not automatically translate into inclusion—and that for many migrants, the struggle is as much about who they are as where they live. Click here to watch the full Adadioramma’s full Instagram video.
