Nigerian author and filmmaker Onyeka Nwelue has revealed how Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka played a key role in helping him secure permanent residency in Japan.
Nwelue disclosed this in a series of posts shared on his X handle on Sunday, where he expressed gratitude to Soyinka for standing as his guarantor during the process.
He said: “With the support of the greatest literary mind in Africa, I have become a resident of the greatest nation on earth, Japan.
“I remain indebted to this man till my last day on earth.”
Reflecting on his personal journey, Nwelue added: “My father realised quite early that there is another man who could do for me, the things he couldn’t do for me.
“He didn’t fight it.
“He accepted his fate.”
According to the writer, a major part of the process was a formal letter written and signed by Soyinka in April 2025, where the Nobel Laureate introduced him to Japanese authorities and vouched for his character.
Soyinka wrote: “It is with great pleasure that I introduce the novelist and film director, Mr. Onyeka Nwelue, as a bona fide visitor to Japan in promotion of his artistic preoccupations.
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“I stand guarantor for his stated mission in Japan, and his compliance with Japanese laws and socio-cultural norms.”
He added: “I have collaborated with him on a number of projects and affirm him to be a responsible individual and committed professional.”
The playwright also highlighted the cultural value of the visit.
He said: “I know that his visit will enhance the existing ties that already exist between Japan and Nigeria in the cultural field, bringing the young generation writers and artists in productive knowledge of one another’s histories, and contemporary artistic developments.”
In another post, Nwelue said people should acknowledge support while benefactors are still alive.
He said: “I talk about all the good things you have done for me, when you are alive.
“Dead people don’t read tributes.”
The author also recalled how Soyinka helped promote his book, The Beginning of Everything Colourful, by posing with a copy of it at his home.
He said: “To help promote my book, ‘The Beginning of Everything Colourful,’ Professor Wole Soyinka, in his home, posed for my photographer.
“He doesn’t do this and doesn’t write blurbs for others as well. He found the writing lush and special.”
Nwelue explained that the book, which centres on Japan, strengthened his engagement with the Japanese Embassy in Abuja and deepened his connection with the country.
He said: “It was well received, and I am glad to have it usher me fully into Japan.”
He also shared a video clip showing the moment he signed documents as part of the process to become a resident in Japan, describing it as a major milestone after years of literary and cultural engagement.
