1. Overview
Nakajima Isileli (中島 イシレリNakajima IsileliJapanese, born 9 July 1989), formerly known as Isileli Vakauta (イシレリ・ヴァカウタIsileli VakautaJapanese), is a Tongan-born Japanese rugby union player. He primarily plays as a prop but is also versatile in playing as a lock and number eight. Nakajima represents the Japan national team internationally and plays for Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan Rugby League One. A key aspect of his identity and public persona is his decision to naturalize as a Japanese citizen and adopt his wife's surname, a choice that reflects his deep respect for his adopted home and challenges traditional patriarchal norms.
2. Early Life and Background
Nakajima Isileli's journey into rugby and his eventual move to Japan began in his formative years, laying the groundwork for his distinguished career.
2.1. Childhood and Education
Born in Vaioala, Tonga, Nakajima Isileli started playing rugby at the age of 15. As a teenager, he moved to Japan after being scouted by a Japanese university coach. Following his graduation from Liahona High School in 2008, he enrolled at Ryutsu Keizai University. He completed his university education in 2012.
2.2. Introduction to Rugby
Nakajima was introduced to rugby at 15 years old. His talent was recognized early, leading to him being scouted by a Japanese university coach while still a teenager. This pivotal moment facilitated his relocation to Japan, where he continued his development in the sport at Ryutsu Keizai University.
3. Career
Nakajima Isileli's professional rugby career spans significant periods with Japanese clubs and notable appearances on the international stage, including the Rugby World Cup.
3.1. Club Career
After graduating from Ryutsu Keizai University in 2012, Nakajima joined NEC Green Rockets. He made his official debut in the Japan Rugby Top League on August 23, 2014, coming on as a substitute in a match against Kubota Spears. In 2015, he transferred to Kobe Steel Steelers. His contributions to the team were recognized when he was appointed vice-captain of the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in 2022.
3.2. International Career
Nakajima Isileli has been a significant presence in international rugby for Japan. He has been selected for the Japan A representative squad and the Tonga Samurai XV squad. He earned his first cap for the Japan national team on November 3, 2018, making his debut as a substitute against New Zealand in the 2018 Lipovitan D Challenge Cup. As of November 14, 2021, he has accumulated nine caps for Japan. His international career highlight includes his selection for the Japanese squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which was held in Japan for the first time, marking a historic event for Asia.
3.3. Positions and Play Style
Nakajima Isileli is known for his versatility on the rugby field, capable of playing in multiple positions within the forward pack. His primary position is prop (PR), a key role in the scrum. Additionally, he has played as a lock (LO), contributing to lineouts and general play, and as a number eight (NO8), which involves linking the forwards and backs and making powerful runs. This positional flexibility underscores his adaptability and value to his teams.
4. Personal Life
Beyond his achievements on the rugby field, Nakajima Isileli's personal life reflects a deep connection to Japan and a progressive stance on identity and family.
4.1. Naturalization and Surname Choice
Born in Tonga, Isileli Vakauta made the significant decision to naturalize as a Japanese citizen in August 2015. Following his naturalization, he initially registered his name as Nakajima Vakauta Isileli. However, from the 2017-2018 season, he officially changed his registered name to Nakajima Isileli, adopting his Japanese wife's surname. This choice was deeply personal, motivated by both his respect and love for his wife and his adopted home, and partly as a deliberate defiance of the patriarchal norms prevalent in his home country. He and his wife have two sons.
5. Assessment and Awards
Nakajima Isileli's career has been marked by notable achievements and recognition within the Japanese rugby community.
5.1. Awards and Honors
His performance during the 2018-19 season earned him a place in the Top League Best 15, a prestigious recognition for outstanding players in Japan's premier rugby competition.
5.2. Criticism and Controversy
No information regarding specific criticisms or controversies related to Nakajima Isileli's career or actions was provided in the source data.
6. Impact
Nakajima Isileli's career and personal choices have had a notable impact, particularly through his representation of Japan and his stance on personal identity. His decision to naturalize and adopt his wife's surname stands out as a powerful statement, challenging traditional patriarchal conventions and demonstrating a profound commitment to his adopted country and family. As a Tongan-born player representing Japan in major tournaments like the 2019 Rugby World Cup, he embodies the diverse and evolving nature of Japanese rugby, inspiring others and contributing to the sport's growing appeal in Asia.