Watch Hafu

Hafu is a 2013 documentary that explores the experiences of half-Japanese individuals living in modern-day Japan. Directed by Megumi Nishikura and Lara Perez Takagi, the film features interviews with a diverse group of people who have one Japanese parent and one non-Japanese parent. The film begins by introducing several of the interviewees and providing some background on their family histories. We meet David Yano, who grew up in the United States but has now moved to Japan to reconnect with his Japanese roots. We also meet Edward Sumoto, whose mother is Japanese and whose father is African-American. Other interviewees include Megumi Nishikura herself, who is half-Japanese and half-Irish, and Fusae Miyamoto, who is half-Japanese and half-Korean.

Throughout the film, we see how these individuals navigate the complexities of their dual identities. Many of them feel a sense of belonging neither in Japan nor in their other country of origin. They speak about feeling like outsiders, being discriminated against, and struggling to fit in. Some of them also discuss the pressure they feel to conform to Japanese cultural norms and expectations.

One of the recurring themes of the film is the idea of "hafu," which is a Japanese term used to refer to people who are half-Japanese. The term is often used in a casual or derogatory way, and some of the interviewees express discomfort with it. They feel like it reduces their complex identities to a simple label and implies that they are not fully Japanese or fully whatever their other ethnicity is.

The film also explores issues related to family and relationships. We hear from interviewees who are in interracial relationships and who face challenges related to cultural differences and family expectations. We also hear from those who have children and who worry about passing on their dual identity to the next generation.

Overall, Hafu is a nuanced and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the experiences of half-Japanese people in Japan. It does not shy away from difficult topics like discrimination and identity struggles, but it also highlights the resilience and strength of the people who share their stories. Whether or not you are familiar with the Japanese cultural context, this film is sure to spark important conversations and encourage greater empathy for those who have been marginalized due to their mixed identities.