Growing up, I never questioned who I was or what I was. I was simply me.
In middle school and high school, I was known as Asian. Everyone knew I had an Asian half to me, and it was never questioned. Upon moving to Japan for college, I was questioned left and right.
Some people had to ask what I was, some people assumed I was full Caucasian, and some people disagreed with me when I told them I was half-Japanese.
A year ago, I went through an identity crisis that left me depressed and more confused than ever. I used to not care what people thought of me, but living in Japan and being doubted has made me feel the need to prove myself.
I have felt the need to prove to strangers something that is already there I have felt the need to prove I am Japanese to people I will never associate with again.
Recently, I have started getting used to being different and not being accepted by my own people (Japanese). I have realized that despite all the problems, confusion, depression, and endless questions I have about my identity, I would much rather be the biracial person I am than a person of only one race.
I love being Japanese and American. I love having two races. I love having parents from two different backgrounds. I love having the best of both worlds. I love being able to be on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. I love having two homes.
Within many students at my school, I have started a trend with the term “hybrid”. It is basically the same as “Hapa”. I am a hybrid, and I am proud. Hybrids are beautiful, exotic, unique, and diverse. Be proud to be a hybrid. Own it.
