Born and Raised in the US But Ethnically Japanese

Overview

The video is an interview-style segment where Takashi asks Japanese people who were born and raised in the United States (and are now living in Japan) about identity, culture shock, daily life, work, and whether they plan to return to America.

Main themes and viewpoints

Identity as Japanese American (often “American mindset”)

• Multiple interviewees describe feeling American culturally in how they think, speak, and express emotions, even if they are ethnically Japanese.
• Several say their identity feels strongly tied to environment:
  • In the U.S., they felt “Japanese.”
  • Living in Japan makes them feel more American.

Growing up in the U.S.: mostly Japanese at home, but not always in everyday life

• Some had Japanese households, including:
  • Japanese language at home
  • Japanese traditions
  • Japanese school on weekends
• Others grew up in very mixed or predominantly non-Japanese settings, sometimes being the only Asian/Japanese student in class.
  • This created insecurity about appearance/fit, even without overt bullying.
• Many report that the U.S. experience was not strongly shaped by discrimination, especially in more diverse areas (e.g., California, Hawaii).
• Identity awareness often increased during high school/college when the terms “Nikkei/Nik” became more familiar.

Culture shock and adaptation in Japan

• Interviewees commonly mention adjusting to social norms such as timekeeping (being late is treated more seriously than in California).
• Communication differences are highlighted, especially around emotional expression:
  • Some Americans feel Japanese people suppress feelings, which can lead to misunderstandings when they (the interviewees) are more direct.
• Several discuss:
  • Impostor syndrome
  • sadness early on—feeling Japanese by blood but treated as “different” due to language, speaking style, and thought patterns.

Work and practical life in Japan

• Language barriers affect everyday tasks (e.g., banks, paperwork, Japanese-only processes), and some find working in Japanese companies more difficult.
• One person notes that working in research/biotech in Japan may require high-level Japanese proficiency because regulations are complex and technical (especially in healthcare).
• Others feel Japan can still be rewarding:
  • overcoming language and cultural gaps
  • making progress feel meaningful

Community in Tokyo: international vs. Japanese-dominant circles

• Many describe their Tokyo social environment as mixed or international, often building close friendships through work or other foreigners with similar backgrounds.
• Some say they connect more easily with:
  • other westernized Japanese people
  • people open to foreign culture
• They also report that Japanese coworkers can be friendly and patient.

Future plans: not necessarily “permanent,” but often leaning toward staying longer

Opinions vary:

• Some say they might return to the U.S. later (often California) for lifestyle familiarity and work opportunities.
• Others suggest they could see themselves living in Japan long-term or even “for life,” while still acknowledging it can be difficult.
• Several are open to living between countries depending on career and family needs.

Regarding children:

• One recurring idea is that Japan offers strong safety and social support (less risk of catastrophic costs if a child gets sick).
• Still, they are unsure where they would raise kids:
  • some want children to learn about multiple cultures, not just one.

Advertising note included in subtitles

• The middle of the transcript includes a promotion for a Japanese language learning site (prepi).
• It claims faster improvement using native instructors and offers a discount.

Presenters or contributors

• Takashi (interviewer/host)
• Marissa (interviewee)
• Kai (interviewee)
• Kay (interviewee)
• Kuden (interviewee)
• Meg (interviewee)
• Barrett (interviewee)
• Shelby (interviewee)