Analysing the Layers of Identity

What are the layers of Nikkei cultural identity?

Cultural identity is complex and multifaceted, reflecting the dynamic and interconnected aspects of an individual's social and personal life. Cultural identity for people of Japanese descent, like any other cultural group, is influenced by various layers, including:

1. Individual Identity: This pertains to the individual's personal values, beliefs, experiences, and behavior. These can be influenced by personal interests, education, experiences, and personal relationships.

2. Family Identity: The family is a critical part of Nikkei culture. Nikkei often hold traditional values and expectations, which can greatly influence an individual's identity. The family unit, kinship, family roles, and responsibilities play an important role.

3. Social Identity: This layer of cultural identity includes the influences of friends, colleagues, and the broader community. The individual's behavior can be molded by social norms, peer influence, societal expectations, and the desire to fit in or stand out.

4. Historical Identity: The historical context of Japan, such as its feudal past, WWII, the postwar economic boom, and more recent history, can affect a person's cultural identity. This can also include regional histories, as different areas of Japan have unique historical events and cultural practices.

5. National Identity: This includes a sense of belonging to the homeland (Japanese) nation or host country nation, which is influenced by factors such as language, traditions, holidays, arts, and shared national experiences. The concept of 'Nihonjinron', or theories/discussions of the uniqueness of Japanese culture, can play a role in national identity, especially for earlier generations of Nikkei.

6. Ethnic Identity: For earlier generations of Nikkei, ethnic identity often aligned with national identity, as Japan is a relatively homogenous society. However, there are distinct ethnic groups even within Japan such as the Ainu and Ryukyuan people, and there's also the complex identity of Japanese people living abroad, such as the Nikkei in North and South America.

7. Global Identity: In today's interconnected world, exposure to global culture, media, and ideas can also shape a person's cultural identity. This is especially true for younger generations and those with a high level of international exposure.

8. Professional Identity: Work and profession have a significant role in Nikkei identity. The influence of one's professional role and work environment, including factors like corporate culture, professional ethics, and the societal perception of different occupations, can shape aspects of cultural identity.

9. Religious and Spiritual Identity: Japan has a unique religious landscape that includes Shinto, Buddhism, and a small percentage of other religions. Religion in host countries, particularly Christianity, can also shape Nikkei identity. Religious beliefs and practices, as well as spiritual traditions such as Zen or martial arts philosophies, can shape an individual's cultural identity. Religion in host countries, particularly Christianity, can also shape Nikkei identity.

Cultural identity is deeply personal and varies significantly from person to person. It's also dynamic, changing and evolving throughout a person's life. The above layers offer a broad framework, but every Nikkei's individual experience of these layers will be different.

How do Nikkei negotiate tensions in their belonging between their homeland and host country?

The way individuals in the Japanese diaspora negotiate tensions in their belonging between their homeland and host country can vary greatly, as it depends on a range of factors, including the individual's personal experiences, upbringing, the specifics of the host country, the length of time they have lived outside of Japan, their generational status (first-generation immigrant, second-generation, etc.), and more.

Nevertheless, several general themes or strategies can be identified:

Dual Identity: Many people in the Japanese diaspora cultivate a dual identity. They may, for example, continue to uphold Japanese traditions, speak the Japanese language at home, and maintain strong ties to Japan, while also integrating into their host country and adopting aspects of the host country's culture.

Integration: Some may focus on integrating into the society of their host country, including learning the language, adopting the local customs, and participating in community activities. This doesn't necessarily mean they abandon their Japanese heritage; instead, they incorporate elements of both cultures into their identity.

Transnationalism: Some people may maintain strong connections with Japan, frequently travel back and forth between the host country and Japan, and participate in both societies. This strategy often involves a high level of engagement with both cultures and can help to mitigate feelings of cultural dislocation.

Selective Adaptation: Others may choose to adapt selectively to their host culture, adopting some aspects of the culture while resisting others. This approach allows them to maintain a sense of cultural distinctiveness while also fitting into their new environment to some extent.

Assimilation: In some cases, individuals may attempt to fully assimilate into the host country's culture, which could include adopting the host country's language as their primary language, fully embracing local customs and traditions, and potentially distancing themselves from their Japanese roots.

Negotiating Identity through Generations: For those who have children in the host country, navigating cultural identity can involve complex negotiations. For instance, some might seek to instill strong Japanese cultural values and practices in their children to maintain the cultural heritage, while also wanting them to fit into and succeed in their host society.

The negotiation of tensions between belonging to their homeland and host country is a complex and personal process. It often involves a great deal of adaptation and can be influenced by numerous factors, including personal experiences, societal attitudes, and the policies of the host country towards immigrants and multiculturalism.