Onsite-Studies & Research
YouTube Documentary
by Life Where I’m From
This documentary investigates all facets of "being Japanese," or how individuals define themselves considering their interactions with Japan and its culture. It is challenging since Japanese culture is so rigid and traditional, with a strong emphasis on upholding national pride and the preservation of the entire race. As a result, anyone who doesn't fit the stereotype of a typical Japanese person will likely face some form of prejudice.
The narrator and documentary filmmaker, Greg Lam, identifies 6 types of Japanese in different regions.
AINU
The Hokkaido region is home to the Ainu, an indigenous people of Japan. They are separate from Japanese culture in terms of their spirituality, language, and culture. The Japanese government has historically discriminated against the Ainu and forced them to assimilate, which resulted in the loss of their traditional uniqueness. In recent years, initiatives have been made to uphold Ainu culture and recognise the atrocities that the Ainu people have endured.
Throughout history, the Ainu people have experienced several injustices, including:
01. Land Confiscation
Without offering the Ainu any compensation, the Japanese government confiscated their resources and land.
02. Forced Assimilation
Ainu children were forcibly assimilated by being pulled away from their families and placed in boarding schools where they were made to give up their language and culture.
03. Cultural Suppression
The Ainu people were made to assimilate Japanese culture and were compelled to give up their language, traditions, and religion.
04. Discriminatory Laws
The Ainu people were denied citizenship and were subjected to prejudice in the workplace and other spheres of life.
05. Loss of Heritage
Ainu knowledge and heritage have been lost because of the theft or destruction of numerous cultural artifacts.
The Ainu people and their culture have been negatively impacted by these injustices for a long time.
LANGUAGE
The Ainu people speak their own unique language, which has its own syntax, vocabulary, and accent. Here are some samples of Ainu sentences:
-
"Up ran po!" - This is a greeting, roughly translated to "Hello!"
-
"Ainu mosir kamuy" - This means "The gods of the Ainu"
-
"Kotan kamuy" - This means "The village god".
The Ainu language has been declining in usage, and many younger Ainu people do not speak the language fluently. Efforts are being made to preserve and revitalize the language.
Okinawans
Native to Japan's Okinawa Islands, the Okinawan people. They differ from mainland Japan in terms of culture, language, and history. Karate and other martial arts based on weapons are particularly popular among Okinawans. They also have distinctive dance, music, and cuisine. Okinawa has a long history and was once a sovereign kingdom. It has long been a hub of trade and culture. However, throughout modern history, notably during World War II and the US occupation of Okinawa, Okinawans have experienced prejudice and marginalization. As well as addressing contemporary issues like urbanisation and globalisation, Okinawans today are fighting to maintain their traditions and culture.
LANGUAGE
The northern Ryukyuan language known as Uchinaaguchi, which is spoken on Okinawa, differs noticeably from standard Japanese speech. Here are a few instances:
Here are some phrases in Okinawan language (Uchinaaguchi):
01. "Mīchinī?" (How are you?)
02. "Oyābi ni irasshai" (Welcome)
03. "U naamee ta nuu yaibiiga?" or “Unju nuu ndi ichooibiiga?” (What's your name?)
04. "Ukimisoochii" (Good Morning)
04. "Chuu wuganabira" (Hello, general greeting)
Zainichi Koreans
In Japan, Zainichi Koreans have experienced a variety of forms of discrimination, including:
01. Discrimination in the workplace
Zainichi Koreans have had trouble finding job and have experienced unfair treatment at the office, including receiving lesser pay and being passed over for promotions.
02. Education discrimination
Zainichi Korean students have experienced bullying and exclusion from their peers because of discrimination in the Japanese educational system.
03. Residency restrictions
Zainichi Koreans were subject to residency limitations since they were denied Japanese citizenship and had to carry identity documents that restricted their freedom of movement and their access to essential rights and services.
04. Racism and xenophobia
Zainichi Koreans have experienced extensive racism and xenophobia from the Japanese population, including hate speech and physical violence.
Many Zainichi Koreans have persisted and built solid, thriving communities in Japan despite these obstacles. Some of them have also developed into defenders of both their rights and the rights of other minorities in Japan.
LANGUAGE
Zainichi Koreans are predominantly Korean speakers, but many are also proficient in Japanese. The "Zainichi Korean" that Zainichi Koreans speak is a distinctive form of the Korean language that has been impacted by both Japanese and Korean. As a result of the Zainichi Koreans' distinctive experiences and cultural identity, their language differs from the standard Korean spoken in South and North Korea. Due to younger generations' preference for speaking Japanese, Zainichi Korean has been less common in recent years. Zainichi Korean is, nevertheless, becoming more and more popular, especially among older generations who value it as a significant component of their cultural legacy.
Zainichi Korean is a distinct variation of Korean that uses speech in ways that standard Korean does not. Zainichi Koreans utilise a variety of speech patterns, for instance:
01. Loanwords from Japanese
Zainichi Korean includes many loanwords from Japanese, such as "choushi" (meaning "behavior" in Japanese) which is used instead of the standard Korean word "gyeong-ui."
02. Unique pronunciation
Zainichi Korean has its own unique pronunciation, which is influenced by both Korean and Japanese. For example, the pronunciation of the Korean word "mureup" (meaning "group") is pronounced "murup" in Zainichi Korean.
03. Use of Japanese particles
Zainichi Korean often uses Japanese particles, such as "wa" and "ga," which are not found in standard Korean. Grammatical differences: Zainichi Korean has its own grammatical rules, which are different from those of standard Korean. For example, the subject-object-verb word order used in standard Korean is often reversed in Zainichi Korean.
04. Grammatical differences
Zainichi Korean has its own grammatical rules, which are different from those of standard Korean. For example, the subject-object-verb word order used in standard Korean is often reversed in Zainichi Korean.
Not all Zainichi Koreans speak Zainichi Korean; some may only speak regular Korean or Japanese. Age, education level, and cultural background are only a few of the variables that affect how Zainichi Korean is used.
Nikkei Brazilians
Brazilians who identify as Nikkei are decedents of Japanese immigrants who came to Brazil in the early 20th century, mainly to the states of Sao Paulo and Parana. While keeping some aspects of Japanese culture, they have also assimilated into Brazilian society to form a separate cultural community. Some Nikkei Brazilians have made substantial contributions to the development of their nation and have found success in a variety of spheres, including business, politics, and sports. Despite having experienced prejudice and discrimination in the past, Nikkei Brazilians have upheld a strong sense of community and cultural identity and have continued to play a significant part in Brazil's cultural landscape.
Brazilians of Japanese descent have experienced a variety of bias and discrimination during their history in Brazil. The following are some of the most typical forms of discrimination this community encounters:
01. Racism
Despite having a community of mixed races, Nikkei Brazilians have experienced racial prejudice and discrimination, especially during times of heightened anti-Asian sentiment.
02. Xenophobia
Due to their foreign ancestry, including language obstacles and cultural differences, Japanese immigrants and their descendants have experienced prejudice and discrimination.
03. Economic discrimination
Nikkei Brazilians have experienced economic discrimination, particularly on the job market, where they have been denied employment in several fields and paid less than other workers.
04. Political discrimination
Because of their alleged ties to Japan, a country that was an adversary of Brazil during World War II, Nikkei Brazilians have often been singled out during times of political instability.
Despite these obstacles, the Nikkei population in Brazil has shown tenacity and perseverance and has significantly influenced the growth of the nation.
LANGUAGE
Although the majority of Nikkei Brazilians speak Portuguese, which is the country's official language, many still have a working grasp of Japanese and occasionally use it. As a reflection of the cultural fusion of their background, some Nikkei Brazilians also use a hybrid language known as "Japanese-Brazilian Portuguese," which combines vocabulary and syntax from both Portuguese and Japanese.
Hafu
Half-Japanese, half-people of another ethnicity people are referred to as "hafu" in Japan. Regardless of the other ethnicity involved, people having mixed origin are sometimes referred to as "hafu" in Japan. In Japan, the hafu community is expanding, and the word is being used more frequently as the population of the nation diversifies. In Japan, certain hafu people face difficulties relating to their sense of self and integration into either Japanese or non-Japanese societies. The celebration of diversity is also rising in Japan, and many hafu people are embracing their distinctive ancestry.
People with mixed origin who are hafu in Japan may experience prejudice and difficulties. Such situations include:
01. Racial prejudice
Because they may be seen as "not fitting in" to either group, certain hafu people may experience racial discrimination from both Japanese and non-Japanese communities.
02. Identity problems
Many hafu people have trouble fitting in and negotiating their various cultural identities.
03. Language barriers
If a hafu person's non-Japanese parent speaks another language, they could have trouble getting along with their extended family or adjusting to cultural differences.
04. Stereotyping
Because of their looks, Hafu people may be the target of stereotypes or assumptions, and they may find it difficult to claim their own identities.
It's vital to remember that hafu people suffer discrimination and difficulties in a variety of ways, and that the hafu community is diverse and dynamic. In Japan, there is also a rising appreciation for and celebration of diversity, and a lot of hafu people are embracing their distinctive ancestry.
LANGUAGE
Japanese Hafu people don't speak a particular language. They often speak the native tongue of the nation where they were born, which is typically Japanese. However, some hafu people may also be native speakers of their non-Japanese parent's language or have a strong command of both languages. Hafu people's choice of language(s) might vary depending on several elements, such as their upbringing, cultural background, and personal preferences. Japanese is the most often used language for communication within the hafu community, while some hafu people may also use other languages, like English.
Kikokushijo
Japanese speakers refer to children who have lived outside of Japan for a sizable amount of their upbringing as kikokushijo. It is a term used to describe the struggles these kids experience upon returning to Japan and attempting to fit back into Japanese society, as well as the struggles their families and the Japanese educational system experience. The phrase is frequently used to describe kids who have gone to international schools and have been exposed to other cultures and languages, which makes it difficult for them to fit in with Japan's more conventional and homogeneous culture.
Children from Kikokushijo encounter a variety of challenges upon their return to Japan, some of which include:
01. Cultural adjustment
After been exposed to a more diversified and multicultural environment abroad, they may find it difficult to fit into Japan's more conventional and homogeneous culture.
02. Language barriers
Children who have spoken English or other languages as a first language may find it challenging to adjust to the use of Japanese as the primary language in school and daily life.
03. Language barriers
If a hafu person's non-Japanese parent speaks another language, they could have trouble getting along with their extended family or adjusting to cultural differences.
04. Educational challenges
They could experience difficulties in the strict and standardized Japanese school system. Children from Kikokushijo may have trouble with the curriculum and exams since they frequently involve rote memorization and place a strong emphasis on academics.
05. Social isolation
Due to their varied experiences and cultural origins, these kids may find it challenging to fit in with their friends and may develop social isolation.
06. Rejection of their international experience:
They could also encounter rejection or criticism for their international experiences, which are sometimes perceived as being outside of Japanese culture.
The social and mental health of kikokushijo youngsters can be significantly impacted by these challenges, which can also have an impact on their success and integration in Japan as a whole.
LANGUAGE:
Japanese and the language(s) used in the nation where they resided abroad are common languages spoken by Kikokushijo children. While some kikokushijo may speak multiple languages effortlessly, others might find it difficult to do so. The precise language(s) that kikokushijo speak can change depending on each person's experiences and upbringing.
Children from kikokushijo families frequently grow up speaking English, therefore it's possible that their English skills surpass those of their native tongue. When they return to Japan, where Japanese is the primary language spoken in society and schools, this may present difficulties. Being bilingual, however, can also be a benefit for kikokushijo since it can provide them a distinctive viewpoint and the capacity to interact with others from different cultural backgrounds.
SUMMARY
All these identities and cultures have experienced discrimination because of disclosing their identities. Some have even gone so far as to hide it from others for fear that if people close to them learned, they would be subjected to bullying and isolation. Due to parents not wanting their children to adopt that identity and suffer in a society that does not openly embrace other races like Japan, their language and culture have also severely deteriorated.