Identity and Belonging: Japanese Americans in a Global Context
Have you ever wondered if a fourth-generation Japanese American born and raised in Hawaii, later moving to the West Coast and eventually to Japan, would feel more Japanese or American? This essay explores the complexities of identity for individuals like me, where multiple factors influence the sense of belonging and cultural affiliation.
My Journey and Identity
As a fourth-generation Japanese-American who grew up in Hawaii, lived in various parts of the West Coast, and later moved to Japan for over a decade, I have a unique perspective on cultural identity and belonging. While I have strong connections to both Japanese and American cultures, I undeniably feel more American, and here's why.
My identity is shaped by various factors, including the generational ties, family dynamics, places of residence, age, and life experiences. For instance, my deep connection to American culture is evident in my sense of nationalism and pride. I have always felt that I can fight for America and am defined by its values rather than a sense of ancestral ties to a specific warlord or dynasty.
Living in Japan: A Different Perspective
However, my experiences living in Japan have provided a whole different lens through which to view cultural identity. My move to Japan as an adult, despite my family's American heritage and my upbringing in an English-speaking household, further reinforces my American identity. My identity in Japan is primarily American, as I have never been seen as Japanese, despite my ability to speak the language to a certain proficiency.
It is important to note that this perspective can vary greatly among individuals. For those with different generational ties, family dynamics, or life experiences, their sense of belonging may be different. Some might feel more connected to Japan, especially if they have lived there for extended periods or have strong ties to their Japanese heritage.
Personal Experiences in Japan
Reflecting on my personal journey, I moved to Japan a decade ago and was deeply intrigued by the culture and language. Initially, I hoped to immerse myself in Japanese life completely. However, after several years, I realized that for the majority of people like me, regardless of how much they speak the language or pride themselves on their heritage, they will be considered more American than Japanese. This realization can be a profoundly humbling experience, especially when one wishes to be seen as fully Japanese.
Lessons from an Anonymized Perspective
As someone who moved to Britain from Japan, I can offer a broader perspective on cultural identity and belonging. Born in Chiba, Japan, and spending the first three and a half years of my life there, I had a strong foundation in Japanese culture. However, after moving to Britain and living there for 14 years and 4 months, I developed a strong sense of British identity.
Despite the strong influence of my Japanese upbringing, my natural mannerisms, thoughts, and actions are predominantly Japanese. This is evident in how I prioritize the well-being of others over my own, ensuring that my actions do not negatively affect others. At the same time, I have picked up various British traits, such as complaining about the weather and participating in friendly banter with friends. This blend of Japanese and British traits reflects a compromise and synthesis of the two cultures in my life.
The key takeaway is that identity is complex and multifaceted. It is not solely defined by citizenship or ethnicity but is often shaped by where one is born, where they have lived for extended periods, and the cultures they have immersed themselves in. Therefore, for those living in different countries, their sense of belonging can shift based on their experiences and interactions with different cultures.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the sense of belonging and cultural identity is a deeply personal and complex issue. While I feel more American, my perspective is shaped by a combination of my cultural heritage, personal experiences, and the countries I have lived in. For others, the balance may lean more towards feeling Japanese or British, or even a blend of both, depending on their unique journey.