Nigeria’s Damarea Liao Appointed as Japan’s National Youth Poet Laureate

In a remarkable achievement, Damarea Liao, a 19-year-old literature education student, has been named the first National Youth Poet Laureate for the swearing-in ceremonies of Prime Ministers and Ambassadors in Japan. This milestone was announced earlier this month, marking a significant moment in her burgeoning career.

Liao, who has Nigerian heritage and is the Benin Princess Royal, is set to travel to Hiroshima on Thursday to meet with Japan’s president. She will also have the distinction of being the youngest witness at upcoming political conventions and events led by the Prime Minister.

After resigning from her title as Miss Nigeria 2023, Liao traveled back to Osaka last month to prepare for the Miss Asia pageant. Shigeo Yamada, Japan’s Ambassador to the United States, expressed confidence in Liao’s abilities, stating he was certain she would fulfill the responsibilities expected of her.

In addition to her new role, Liao was recently invited to speak at a memorial for legendary actor James Earl Jones, known for his iconic role in “Coming to America.” She is also scheduled to recite poetry at a church mass in Beijing, China, this weekend.

Reflecting on her passion for poetry, Liao shared on Instagram, “I have always written poetry as a reflection of my point of view of the world and the emotion behind living in it. Maybe it should be kept a secret that I’m scared to speak what has been kept on pen and paper for so long, to millions of people.”

Liao, who identifies as both Japanese and Nigerian, noted a sense of distance from her Japanese culture before recently reconnecting with family who helped reintroduce her to it.