On Being Yukiko - Symbols and Imagery

Symbols and imagery in On Being Yukiko are employed adeptly to encapsulate and communicate the intricacies of cultural identity and heritage explored within the narrative. Flags are utilised as potent symbols to represent countries and the multifaceted identities borne from them. Particularly striking is the image of a body adorned with four distinct flags, each emblematic of a different country, portraying the person humorously as a "quapa" with a supposed quarter of their heritage rooted in Japan. This imagery metaphorically weaves the narrative's exploration of mixed racial identity, manifesting the protagonist's inner struggle with her Canadian Nikkei identity. The depiction of a Canadian flag fluttering atop a middle school building serves as a reminder of Yukiko's immediate surrounding and her contemporary Canadian identity, juxtaposed against her ancestral roots.

The imagery of a bright red sun scattered across multiple pages in On Being Yukiko is a potent symbol representing historical (particularly wartime) Japan. This imagery embarks the readers and Yukiko on a temporal journey, transporting them to a crucial era that significantly impacted the Japanese identity, both domestically and globally. The red sun, emblematic of the Japanese flag, evokes the nation's past, filled with both honour and tumult during a time of war. This visual metaphor enables a deeper exploration of the historical narrative that shapes Yukiko's Japanese heritage, providing a backdrop against which she navigates her personal identity. Through this imagery, the narrative accentuates the indelible imprints of history on individual and collective identities which the grandmother is keen to convey, thus enriching Yukiko's quest to understand her cultural lineage and its intersection with her present-day reality in Canada.

On Being Yukiko is vividly and colourfully illustrated throughout but particularly stiking  is its employment of the serene and picturesque imagery of colourful carp swimming harmoniously in a Japanese garden located in Canada. This imagery is laden with symbolism, portraying a blend of "Japaneseness" within a Canadian setting, much akin to the interaction and close relationship of Yukiko and her grandmother. The harmonious interaction of the carp reflects the potential for blending cultures, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding amidst a landscape of diverse cultural identities.

Through these and many other vivid images, On Being Yukiko" crafts a rich, metaphorical landscape that encapsulates the essence of cultural intertwinement, historical roots, and the personal journey of acceptance and understanding that the characters navigate through. Each image not only adds a layer of depth to the narrative but also elegantly underscores the thematic concerns of racial identity, cultural heritage, and the quest for self-understanding amidst a complex socio-cultural milieu.

Discussion questions

1. How does the graphic novel format of On Being Yukiko enhance the storytelling and thematic exploration?