Japan’s Hafu: Why does being mixed race feel so foreign?

On Tuesday, September 29 at 19:30 GMT:
In Japan, the term “Hafu”, or “half” in English, refers to biracial or mixed-race citizens.  While Japan is a predominantly homogenous society (the 2018 census noted that 98 percent of the population was ethnically Japanese) 2019 figures from the health ministry say one out of every 30 children born had one non-Japanese parent – with this demographic on the rise.

Japan has a very limited immigration system. In 2019, only 2.3 percent of the population were registered as immigrants – a far lower percentage than most developed nations. But policies introduced by Japan’s former PM Shinzo Abe to create new visa categories for foreign workers last year could see these numbers shift.

Japan’s Hafu confront a range of reactions at home – some say casual racism is rife and the ability to feel accepted as “fully Japanese” is a struggle. However, others say that being Hafu is glamourised in Japan – as the beauty industry and pop culture increasingly promote images of mixed-race people.

On this episode of The Stream, we discuss the stigmas and celebrations facing Japan’s Hafu as well as examine the country’s increasingly diverse society. Join the conversation.

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:
Megumi Nishikura, @MegumiNishikura
Documentary producer and director
meguminishikura.com

Mitzi Uehara Carter, @gritsnsushi
Anthropology Professor, Florida International University
fiu.edu

Tetsuro Miyazaki, @Hafu2Hafu
Photographer
hafu2hafu.org