Growing Up as a Half Japanese in Japan and America

🇯🇵Growing up as a half Japanese in Japan and America comes with unique challenges and identity struggles.

🌍Both individuals feel a sense of foreignness in their respective countries and have difficulty fitting into one distinct cultural identity.

🤔Societal expectations regarding appearance and behavior create a constant need for self-definition as a half Japanese.

🤝Meeting other half Japanese individuals provides a sense of community and understanding.

💬Language plays a significant role in how one is perceived as Japanese, regardless of citizenship or cultural understanding.

Do they feel more Japanese or American?

—Both individuals express a sense of fluidity in their cultural identity, feeling more Japanese in America and more foreign in Japan.

Do they face any discrimination or prejudice?

—While both individuals have had positive experiences, they acknowledge the existence of certain stereotypes and biases towards mixed-race individuals.

Do they plan on living in Japan long-term?

—One individual expresses a desire to settle down in Japan, while the other is open to the possibility but also considers the comfort and safety of Japan as a deciding factor.

How do they navigate societal expectations of appearance?

—They discuss the challenges of fitting into a beauty standard that predominantly favors lighter-skinned half Japanese individuals.

What role does language play in their identity?

—Language proficiency is often used as a measure of 'Japanese-ness,' leading to experiences of being praised or questioned based on language abilities.

00:00The interview focuses on the experiences of two individuals who grew up as half Japanese, one in Japan and one in America.

02:27They discuss the challenges of navigating their identity and feeling like they don't fully belong in either country.

06:59The individuals share their experiences of facing stereotypes and biases as mixed-race individuals.

09:39They talk about the societal expectations of appearance and the impact it has on their sense of identity.

13:10The individuals discuss the role of language in their identity and the expectations placed on them based on their language abilities.

16:29They share their thoughts on their future plans and how they envision their lives in Japan and America.