I Am From Japan | Being Indian in Japan vs. America | Born and Raised in Tokyo | ft. Ameya

Ameya was a University Student at Temple in Tokyo, Japan. Her parents are both Indian, but she was born and raised in Japan, being taught both English and Japanese by her mother. Listen to her story on how she began a life in Tokyo, then moving to India, Singapore, then the United States at age 14, before finally coming back to Japan and realizing just how unique her background is and can inspire others.
🔥Ameya's Instagram🔥
/ itsameyab
Other places Ameya is on:
VICE JAPAN➡ • Best Date Spots in Sen...
0:00 Casual talk while setting up
1:12 Introduction to Ameya (born in Tokyo)
3:27 Ameya's Indian Parents
5:39 Learning Japanese first, before English
6:31 Speaking Japanese outside of international school
7:27 Swimming Class - Getting bullied / Japan's bullying problem
12:20 Being in Advanced Level Japanese class at school - "You don't belong here"
13:06 Moved to Mumbai, India. Did you feel Japanese?
15:39 Moved to Singapore at age 11
16:45 Decided to move to Los Angeles at age 14
18:09 Heard more Japanese in KPOP than anything. Losing Japanese ability
18:39 Felt more American during high school. STUCK with the LA accent lol
19:49 American microaggressions vs. Japanese Bullying
22:07 Indians are the "Forgotten" Asians. Ameya is not Asian even though she is from Japan. Ironic
24:05 Failing math in college, dad gets mad, go BACK to Japan
27:24 Doing photography of fashion model Rola ローラ (half Bangladeshi Japanese model)
28:26 Does Ameya think of herself as Japanese?
31:21 Is it difficult to get a job in Japan as an Indian girl?
33:30 Do you see microaggressions now in Japan?
34:35 Being Naked at the pool or public bath house - Being talked about while NAKED
36:40 Complimented for her GOOD looks
38:41 Final encouraging thoughts for being Japanese but not really
40:29 ENDING - LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE
Go Fund Me to help me book studio space and camera/audio equipment for the next interviews planned.
gf.me/u/yzhskw
🔥Download HelloTalk to start language exchanging to improve your Japanese, or any other language
Use this link to download, so the sponsor will know I sent you. Plz lol
➡brc.hellotalk.com/maxD
✖️Support the Channel on Patreon✖️
/ maxd
Max D. Second Channel➡Topics: Anime, Games, and Friends
• REACTING to IGN's TOP ...
--------------------------------
🔥SOCIAL MEDIA and DISCORD🔥
Instagram 👉 / maxthemn (Most updated)
Facebook👉 / maxcapopage (reposts from Insta)
Twitter👉 / maxtatsuro (Current event topics and memes here)
Discord Chat👉 / discord
Twitch 👉 / maxthemasterninja

[@rajeshbispott4261]

Why does his name have to be Raj LMAO

[@MaxDCapo]

This one got me too lmao (21:22)

[@yugiohsc]

Because SRK was named Raj in so many movies I think. The early 90s were a time

[@yashask3898]

In big bang theory there's an indian character called raj and he was going to marry a indian girl. He's American friend told that the Indian girl looked like a storybook character called princess Panchali

[@rajeshbispott4261]

Sharat Chandra I agree with this statement 😂

[@nuclear9977]

Lol Raj Naam to suna hi hoga. Typical cliche of sharukh khan movies.

[@ForTomorrowToday]

When she said she loved Japan so much and Japan did not love her back, I felt that.

[@pakistanimominjapan1947]

Only gaijens can understand her pain😏

[@daitoushoutou]

Experiences differ. Max D. Capo has interviewed Tiffany Rachel, as has Ranzo from The Black Experience Japan and Nobita from Japan on KZbin. Tiffany, who was born and raised in a small rural community in Japan to Black American parents, says she first experienced discrimination in the United States.

[@budgiecat9039]

@@daitoushoutou Different people different experiences, not everyone's experience will be the same of course

[@romonshakra9381]

@@hiruki8 really, the cauc-Asian are not native to this country and they will never be no matter how many generations are born in America they still are Germanic Anglos whose ancestors came originally from central Asia the Hindu Kush mountains.

[@romonshakra9381]

@@hiruki8 Then those who know that these Germanic Anglos(pink albinos) are just the only 8 or 9 percent of the entire population of the world.

[@akinoshimo]

Lovely intelligent young woman with a strong positive attitude. very articulate in both English and Japanese...

[@akinoshimo]

@Rugved Risbud nope ....

[@deowrat]

akinoshimo disagree

[@clichepuff2010]

She is sooo AMAZING!!!

[@akinoshimo]

@Rugved Risbud Very good! the username comes from a Haiku written by Matsuo Basho hundreds of years ago, it means Autumn Frost: "Should I hold it in my hand -- It would melt in burning tears --- Autumn Frost" 「手に取らば消えん涙ぞ熱き秋の霜」

[@lyta6626]

Doesn’t matter. She is not cute. It mean nothing in Asian country haha.

[@KianSheik]

crazy how her mannerisms are a mix of US, japanese and indian cultures, such a cool identity

[@shenanigans4177]

Indian? Nope. She behaves like a typical Indian American and there are no qualms about it. A little bit of Japanese influence creeps in while she speaks Japanese but her body language for the most part is American.

[@KianSheik]

@@shenanigans4177 You disagreed with me and then explained how what I said was true. Indian American *is* a mixture of Indian and American mannerisms. Maybe not to an Indian, but to a non-Indian I see the way she moves her hands sometimes is neither Japanese nor American. It's more how my Indian American friends do, and how their parents do a lot.

[@clichepuff2010]

Agreed!!

[@KianSheik]

@El Malakh Feo I didn't say she wasn't American lol why are people trying to deny her Indian-ness? She's Indian, she's Japanese, and she's American.

[@trippgio9981]

@El Malakh Feo either way it’s a interesting identity dont get jealous lol

[@dylanthomas7443]

When we came to Canada from India my youngest daughter was just 10 and she got bullied like crazy. All we had to do was report it as bullying. All hell broke loose, everybody got apologetic and the bullying stopped. I am so glad we reported it. So the rule is don't even think just report it and call it "bullying"!!

[@yoongs3878]

When was this ?

[@dylanthomas7443]

@@yoongs3878 2002. The funny thing is that as a new immigrant its the other Indian kids who are the culprits. The white kids were great including the teachers who are so dedicated to their work.

[@randolphpinkle4482]

In Japan, they'd wholeheartedly agree that the behavior was shameful and that they'll do everything possible to rectify it, but nothing much would change.

[@aizac91]

@@dylanthomas7443 because the Indians who bullied your child suddenly thinks they’re Canadian-European people since they’ve leave there longer than your child. As a southeast asian, I’ve seen this. The non-European ethnic group that loves in Western nations after sometime they’ll start to think they’re ethnically European too; and then look down at their non-Euro counterparts. It is funny to me, when people who are outside European origin/background suddenly think they’re “white” because they live in the West. Shows how insecure the non-Euro group is.

[@cactuscoolersunrise]

She and I met the first semester that I went to Temple - pretty cool that you got to interview her. We fell out of touch but I hope she’s doing well. Keep up the cool interviews. 👍🏼

[@MaxDCapo]

The Tokyo international scene is a small world! Hope you’re doing good too Cristina, haven’t seen you in a while but hope you’re crushin it in JP ;)

[@ameya8995]

hi lmao, I do remember you めちゃ懐かしいじゃん。I hope you are doing well Cristina!

[@yoongs3878]

Is NOBODY talking about how she graduated college at 19!

[@sanchitipatil]

That is possible if one does diploma kind of course after 10th grade

[@wubb.a]

Their education system is different chill.

[@sanchitipatil]

@@wubb.a hmm

[@stephanietanniss]

I think she started college @ 19 if I remember she said she’s been back in Tokyo for 5 years and this is her first year as a working woman after she was 8 she spent 9 years abroad meaning she did her uni in Tokyo I’m guessing (we’ll not guessing description says where she went) but that doesn’t take away from her inspiring life and accomplishments just pointing out I think she meant started school when she meant moved back to Tokyo

[@yoongs3878]

@@wubb.a nope she went to an american university in Japan - branch campus of Temple university

[@Argon135]

I was born in India but I was raised in Japan for the first 7 years of my life before moving to NY and I'm sitting here wondering how the hell I didn't learn a bit of Japanese during that time. I even went to Kumon, swimming lessons, gymnastics, and carpentry lessons all in Japanese. This girl is built different. Also, whenever I tell someone in America that I'm a Japanese citizen, it always takes them some time to process.

[@yoongs3878]

so you actually have japanese citizenship?

[@Argon135]

@@yoongs3878 yeah.

[@Colmbaz]

Ashish Roddam Do you have a parent that had Japanese citizenship when you were born?

[@Argon135]

@@Colmbaz nope. My father got it after I was born.

[@Sinnedx]

Language as long as there is an outlet to practice it constantly will help you remember. If there was no outlet for you to practice then you’ve probably just forgot it. If you know you used to speak it, then you should be able to pick up the language easily. Just make sure you have some way to always practice and you shouldn’t forget it.

[@MJruling]

What the 'children' did to her is outright punishable. Children spitting on other children ?? Their parents weren't doing their jobs. It is shameful and each of them must apologise to her. This is happening in one of the biggest growing capitals of the world.

[@maynk7096]

Homogenous populations tend to be racists as Humans are racists by nature. Especially, kids are the purest of humans whom are usually unaware of the consequences of their actions. It's the matter of how good their parents in parenting the morals and values in their kids.

[@baileyhallkuro]

Maynk humans are racist by nature??? i feel like racism is taught by society/families :/ no one is born racist thats a very ignorant thing to say

[@swalgo7686]

@@baileyhallkuro no he is kinda right, due to evolution we tend to be racist naturally, we tend to group with people who look similar to us.

[@hikari11fly]

I’m not surprised, my friend who was Japanese Peruvian got bullied a lot in Japan. Once she was in the restroom and some girls threw a bucket full of water to her and she didn’t do anything. She actually has lots of Japanese Asian features but she still got bullied for being Peruvian :(

[@NightcorEDM]

If you go to Endia you'll see lots of dirty disgusting stinky slums

[@InvisibleRen]

I had completely repressed the memory of being bullied. Not a lick in my diary. And then about the 3rd time I read the entry about wanting to die, I remembered. So yeah, as a kid, there's stuff that's so traumatic you don't even want to write it down.

[@Berries20]

I'm so sorry. I feel bad for myself too because I never wrote about the ongoing bullying in middle school either, but as an adult reading old diaries where I talked about hating going to school kind of tells it

[@HalloMoose]

Sameeeeeeee I’m really shocked how we repressed it so much we forget it. Until we read it and it all comes back. :(

[@Sam-ux4kw]

Same here. It took a lot of time to come to terms with what was happening to me.

[@nisemono1625]

Oo I repressed my memory so deep I can't remember anything except the fact that I hated my parents for putting me in boarding school

[@Holycryptonite47]

Man at only 19 she has travelled more than I ever will. Rip poor me.

[@atharvakolvankar4753]

Lol you can travel when the pandemics over I guess

[@willb.4141]

Atharva Kolvankar it’s about the money

[@Kinos141]

Don't be too hard on yourself. I have a friend who travelled as a kid because of his dad's job. It's not great on kids. The poor guy still has moving boxes even though he's been at his place for over 5 years. He's always ready to go because he never had any roots.

[@productplacement39]

This isn't really uncommon because children of diplomats end up traveling with their families when the parents get station in different countries. I'm sure there are a lot of children of Japanese diplomats who've traveled to several different countries with their parents.

[@yoongs3878]

she wasnt traveliing for fun, she was moving all over the world with her parents because of her dad's IT job.

[@TruthTeller89]

I grew up in a remote location in Himalayas and never knew racism. Then I decided to see the outside world and I think we mountain people are much more progressive

[@Dim.g0v]

Were you a part of the ingroup?

[@prihaps]

@@Dim.g0v 🤣

[@neiladlington950]

You don't know the degree of your racism (yes, I said your racism) until your country has a visible percentage of people who visibly don't look or sound like you, living there full time and permanently. To say otherwise is naive.

[@yolarola6261]

there is a biological to reason to back up wyour thought! mountain people are so nice and non racist because of the c02 in the air. Im not joking even, thismakes people more happy

[@ameya8995]

damn maybe I will move to the Himalayas next. Are there any job openings for directors there?

[@tanveersingh5423]

I can't believe i wrote a lengthy paragraph full of praise and admiration on a video that showed japanese schools and what values they impart on kids, and how kids are so sweet and grateful...just few hours ago... And now i am here, thanks to recommendation... WTF....

[@MaxDCapo]

Lmaooo Well this video shouldn't contradict that! Both things exist.

[@venkatesh6296]

She seems like a nice and fun person to be around.

[@gracedsouza9067]

She's so humble and seems like she could have fun hanging out with literally anyone :))

[@ameya8995]

tbh I am a hikkikomori but thank you

[@user-kt5ff8rz6m]

@@ameya8995 you are so beautiful

[@clichepuff2010]

I'm an Indian and I just sat here watched her being soooo AMAZING!! Like I want to be friends with her!! She is super cool!

[@sai_lahari9999]

Related, she's cool actually I wanna talk to her

[@utubch]

I'm glad to have watched this, and really appreciate you making videos like these. I'm Japanese, now living in India with my Indian husband, who lived in Japan for over 12 years. The points in the section from 28:26 do resonate with us, because despite being fluent in Japanese, having Japanese family, lived in Japanese inaka (countryside) as well as the city, travelled all over the country and sometimes knowing more than me about Japanese culture, my husband was always treated as an outsider - even in central Tokyo - just because of his appearance. He was, and would remain, a "gaikokujin", even if he naturalized as Japanese. This was not always through aggression or direct negativity (although that did happen too), but even in subtle ways, he was always reminded that he would never feel at home there. Japanese society is on the whole very polite on the outside, but negative feelings from rude behaviour or bad manners are not as insidious as the repeated feeling that one is eternally, almost anywhere, being judged and categorized in a different group just on the basis of one's appearance, however politely. That was one of several reasons why we decided to leave Tokyo - our son would grow up there, identify himself as Japanese, yet because of his appearance he would always be made to feel different. As an adult who grew up elsewhere, my husband could reason away some of this. But it's much more difficult for a child. Ameya seems like a really nice person, I'm so sorry that she had to experience such horrid racial prejudice both as a child and even as an adult, and credit to her for the way she reacts to it.

[@aashi_5742]

how is it in india?

[@krsubramanian6637]

Really nice for you to acknowledge this trait in fellow countrymen. We in india respect Japanese and hardly any Japanese company officials would have reason to complain about Indians personally...but why is this superiority complex in Japanese inherent

[@darkcastle1489]

You have betrayed your racial lineage and bloodline by giving yourself to an Indian man. Being Asian, if my daughter married a Indian, I will never accept that. It is the same if you ask if men find dark coloured women sexually attractive. The answer is a resounding no. It is always important to keep biodiversity diversified.

[@harikrish2255]

@@darkcastle1489 Wholy crap. What do you know about bloodline. Do you know the real Indian history before Muslim/European invasion. Do you know who runs global companies in west. Do you know what is the future of Japan vs INdia.. Get lost idiot

[@seyeonyaseec]

Darkcastle You sound like a true idiot. How dare you tell this person that they betrayed their racial lineage? Love is love!! Don’t spew your hate just because you don’t appreciate other races that want to learn people’s culture and heritage. You are one of those old timers who think that this is the Middle Ages when it’s not. We’re in 2020 for God’s sake. Race shouldn’t matter anymore just because the close minded people say so

[@shekharveera8979]

Ameya is way more mature for her age compared to many around! She'll do great no matter what she does or where she goes next!!! Awesome girl!!

[@spicymangooo]

Third culture kids are usually so humble and so mature because they have to be. I really liked listening to Ameya’s story too.

[@tanyakirilina941]

Half Indian / Half Russian here. This was a great interview guys! And it resonated on so many levels. There’s a comfort in hearing the experiences of those who similarly grew in with an ethnicity that’s different from that of the country they were born or raised - particularly when that country is more homogeneous and less familiar with ethnic /cultural diversity. I’ve a half sister who’s 100% Indian, born and raised in Moscow, and she had similar experiences to Ameya growing up. People usually assume she’s a tourist and ask why her Russian is so good . Yet she’s the most chilled out person I know .... I guess you have to be or you’d go crazy.

[@tanyakirilina941]

Saturn it’s also about context and belonging on the part of the recipient. If one is persistently questioned about their origins it can subtly wear away at their patience and sense of home - especially if they’ve no context of what others perceive should be their ‘home’. Naturally there’s lots of kind intentioned curious people who spot a distinct physical difference in a homogeneous society but there’s also those who spot the difference and then insist getting the answer they want to hear. The ‘ahhhh moment’ only arrives when their bias is confirmed. In the case of my sister it’s when she says ‘my parents are Indian’ thus stripping her of her proclaimed Russian identity in their eyes. Naturally there’s outright bigots too who say things in passing assuming she does not speak Russian. And then there’s the way some people dismiss her when we walk into a shop or restaurant, they’ll immediately ask me what she wants to eat and so on. I don’t think this is done out of malice ... but I guess having grown up seeing it her whole life, I can feel how those things can be frustrating, even if I experienced them by proxy. She’s like oil in water - emerged yet can’t fully be a part of it.

[@brickmedusa]

@@tanyakirilina941 you speak any indian language

[@tanyakirilina941]

brick medusa 6080 I understand Hindi and Gujarati but don’t speak either too well.

[@brickmedusa]

@@tanyakirilina941you've ever been to india then?? Was it weird for your father to marry a Russian like your grandparents were fine with that?? Just curious

[@ameya8995]

Your story was really interesting to read! Thank you for sharing! And yes tbh def can't think about my experience or similar experiences. I guess you have to be very patient or else it just becomes burdensome and I just wanna be happy and eat good food lol. Cant get stuck on dodo people

[@blaineaburnettsr]

No matter how many videos of these amazing kids I see I am still floored by how easily they slide between languages in casual conversations.

[@TheSledgehammer205]

It's the switching in mid-sentence too that's amazing. Makes me sad I never really applied myself to pursue languages, but it's never too late to start learning, which is why I enjoy this type of content.

[@bmona7550]

That's kinda normal in most of the world where english is the second/third language

[@stutiverse]

Wait a min- SHE’S BEYOND BEAUTIFUL 😭

[@MaxDCapo]

Don’t get it twisted, we love Japan🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵😌念のために言っときますが、もちろん日本大好きですよ！ Time Stamps Below: 0:00 Casual talk while setting up 1:12 Introduction to Ameya (born in Tokyo) 3:27 Ameya's Indian Parents 5:39 Learning Japanese first, before English 6:31 Speaking Japanese outside of international school 7:27 Swimming Class - Getting bullied / Japan's bullying problem 12:20 Being in Advanced Level Japanese class at school - "You don't belong here" 13:06 Moved to Mumbai, India. Did you feel Japanese? 15:39 Moved to Singapore at age 11 16:45 Decided to move to Los Angeles at age 14 18:09 Heard more Japanese in KPOP than anything. Losing Japanese ability 18:39 Felt more American during high school. STUCK with the LA accent lol 19:49 American microaggressions vs. Japanese Bullying 22:07 Indians are the "Forgotten" Asians. Ameya is not Asian even though she is from Japan. Ironic 24:05 Failing math in college, dad gets mad, go BACK to Japan 27:24 Doing photography of fashion model Rola ローラ (half Bangladeshi Japanese model) 28:26 Does Ameya think of herself as Japanese? 31:21 Is it difficult to get a job in Japan as an Indian girl? 33:30 Do you see microaggressions now in Japan? 34:35 Being Naked at the pool or public bath house - Being talked about while NAKED 36:40 Complimented for her GOOD looks 38:41 Final encouraging thoughts for being Japanese but not really 40:29 ENDING - LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE

[@hiananyaa]

I’m fully Telugu and grew up in the US but speak fluent Japanese because I started learning since I was little! It’s so surreal to see someone else of south Asian descent speaking Japanese! なんか感動したわ笑

[@akhrihybrid6323]

Giving hope to telegu speakers, thank you “.

[@coolrad4181]

Yeah I’ve lived both in India and US but my dream is to move to Japan so I’m glad to see there are other Telugu speakers

[@RafaCena41]

You are the first Indian I've heard of in America learning an East Asian language, most of the time other Indians look at me strangely when I tell them how I'm into Japanese and Korean cultures.

[@hiananyaa]

@@RafaCena41 I agree, I was met with a lot of mixed reactions when I first started learning as well. But I think once you reach a strong ability in the language, people start to react with more interest/openness! At least that was what happened in my case.

[@RafaCena41]

That makes sense 😀 are you fluent in Telugu? My folks low-key give me a hard time because I can't read or write Telugu but I'm into learning other languages lol.

[@mono7891]

Naomi Osaka was also not accepted before. Then she became a star and now Japanese people are sucking up to her.

[@bored78612]

No they aren't they still hate her. They want to her to move to the US.

[@motohirosato7370]

Viky Singhal liar

[@BeanMom1031]

I live in japan and 100% confirm, japanese r sucking up to her

[@motohirosato7370]

olin no

[@electrology]

they need to accept...period...we cannot afford to have these racially segregated societies anymore in the world. we need assimilation and mix of races...the only way to make those lines disappear..I am not single but ready to mingle for that greater good...ROFL

[@MaxDCapo]

日本語字幕は2週間以内に付ける予定です！少し待ってくださいね 更新：10/9から日本語字幕公開しました！お待たせしました！

[@socialistsolidarity]

I'm a Brown British man and often Japanese are surprised and often ask me why I'm not white. I guess it's part of life here, as many don't understand the repercussion of racism, it seems very normalised.

[@RafaCena41]

I think it's because they haven't really been exposed to different types of English speakers. I don't think they mean to be disrespectful.

[@MikaelMurstam]

I've noticed that when they ask things like: "why are you not white?", they literally mean just that. They just wonder how you can be brown and be British. There is no subtext to the question, nothing beyond it. No racism behind it, only curiosity. They just haven't learned that it is inappropriate. This happens a lot more with the Chinese though. They can ask: "why are you fat?".

[@socialistsolidarity]

@@RafaCena41 I guess that's a positive way to look at it. Thanks! 🙌🏼😀

[@socialistsolidarity]

@@MikaelMurstam Exactly! However, my American and Canadian mates haven't experienced these sort of questions. I wonder could it be that these countries have been historically open to immigrates thus being more multicultural/multiethnic now? 🤔

[@ujjwalsharma8295]

Well, racism is part of nature after all. If you can't survive racism then say bye bye to reality of life🧐

[@user-vu7ls1vm9h]

I think people have already shared their experiences so I'll share mine as well. My parents are both Bangladeshi and I was born in Shinjuku and grew up in Kobe until I was 15 years old. After that, my family moved to the US where I live currently. (I'm currently 26.) Japanese is my native language and I didn't have a chance to go to international schools so I went to regular public schools in both Japan and the US. One of the things I resonated with is the feeling of "kata-omoi" that while I loved my native country, (and still do to some degree) I would never be fully accepted by many people. In addition to that, we always get the "nihonjin-banare" (quite literally translating to "away from Japanese") comment. For example, people will often say things like 「日本語ペラペラやけど顔が日本人離れやね。」(you're good at Japanese but your face is 'nihonjin-banare) and while of course, they don't usually mean it with any malice but it's something that sticks with you after being told that like 100s of times. Add to that, I speak in Kansai dialect (which is a dialect that typically non-native speakers don't learn) so I'll also get the whole angry Kansai person accusing me of "stealing their dialect" even though I grew up with the Kansai dialect. I also relate to her with the bullying thing. Although, I'm a lighter skin Bangladeshi so I didn't get the whole "poop color skin" but I did have to deal with people constantly saying that they don't want to touch me or touch anything I touched because "my skin color might spread to them". Of course, people would beat me up constantly and the teachers didn't do anything to deal with that. I was able to hide the whole thing from my parents because my parents were both busy with their work to be at home most of the time so my parents never really confronted me when I came home with nosebleeds or small bruises here and there. You also get the occasional people talking shit about you in public without them realizing that you can understand them and I'm not going to lie, those were pretty fun to listen to sometimes. In terms of being advanced in Japanese. People genuinely thought I was cheating or something when I placed second for my essay for a national contest. Overall, it's good to hear that I'm not the only one who experienced these things. I'm glad Japan is starting to open up more and more and accept people like us (even at a smaller capacity than in the US or Canada) I miss Japan sometimes and I do miss the genuine friends there so I wish someday, I can genuinely be accepted in the country I was born and raised in.

[@jashannnnnnnn]

Damn that's a journey

[@coriolisky]

Holy shit, I'm sorry. I understand that you may still have an attachment to it, but Japan is a terrible country.

[@Bktsn]

I mean I'm a 100% Japanese from Okinawa, and looked a bit darker skinned than the others, I experienced the similar thing. People in Tokyo talked me in English, told me that my Japanese are so good (well, I'm native but thanks), or some TV shows interviewed me why you visited Japan... I'm studying in American university and most east Asian told me that I do not look like "Asian", or even I look like a Latino. I'm not sensitive enough to get depress for it, but sometimes I do wish if I was bit more "Asian" looking if that makes sense.

[@wonderman7788]

Being not sensitive person is a key to success... Americans nowadays are too sensitive &over-reacting which bring no benefits but hates in their own lives.

[@yo2trader539]

We've all studied/worked with people from Okinawa-ken. There is no way to tell the difference especially when we're all speaking in Hyojyungo. And we were all cheering for Konan Highschool when it won the Koshien Taikai.

[@Chitukuravi]

Ameya is so mature and friendly and easy to talk to. I wish the host wasnt so giggly, esp when she talked about her bullying etc..but guess its his style and looks like ameya didnt care much also. So happy her mom took the swimming bullies to task👍🙏

[@supersweetie92]

I agree with you completely! And the host definitely should not have laughed for serious issues like bullying

[@lookintomyeyes2681]

dude its all a laugh to think about when u are mature enough to see it in a different way and in this interview both of them have that light and I don't think anyone needs a hardcore stare into the eyes when people talk about bullying and stuff. Also, he could have skipped the entire talk about the bullying in the first place when she mentioned so he did pay attention.

[@MaxDCapo]

Next time imma just death stare whoever I’m talking to, and the comments will probably say “why’s the interviewer so dark and gloomy. He should smile more with his guest and make them feel better”😂

[@NC-hu3ti]

I think the host and the guest had a really good rapport and it shown throughout in the interview so I disagree with your comment. It seemed like she felt comfortable opening up so some credit must be given to the host as well.

[@TW-ew9lw]

Like most other countries on the earth it's always "white is beautiful" no matter what. It's same in western countries and Asian countries. I had an Indian roomate in Korea and one day we went outing, In metro, a Korean lady got up as soon as my friend sat. No one would sit near her many times. That's left me teary eye and feel so bad about this whole thing. I didn't face anything like this(I am American). People don't view brown as something to be proud of. I heard people call her names in clubs, I didn't know what it meant. Then someone told me it's meaning in Korean language. I guess it's same in Japan too. All people know what India is turban and poor. This is arrogance, no one talks about that the nerve of civilization had also passed through India. Buddhism started from India atleast have some respect for the land

[@yashsaxena1518]

Yes I have to agree, my Indian friend told me how he was feeling being left alone in Japan when he got there, but he has always been confident and does not care about other's sayings. After 5 years from then, now he has made a bunch of friends whom he can rely on, got a kind Japanese girlfriend and he's doing great.

[@kanrooihumera710]

Nah, alot white people love tanning. But in asia the more light skin you are the more beauty or handsome you are, because dark skin is view as dirty and poor, especially in China, Japan, and Korea.

[@cassiadsouza709]

@@kanrooihumera710 yeah, but getting a tan is very different from being brown. I think in western countries there's more of racism and xenophobia than colorism. I see a lot of white people actually appreciating our brown skin and calling it "exotic" whereas in eastern countries brown=dirty. There's colorism prevalent in India too despite most of us Indians being brown. I just wish we could all stop this discrimination based on skin, race, religion, nationality, etc. and just love ourselves and respect others. the only way this can be achieved is by educating ourselves and stop being ignorant. in the interview, Ameya, she said that she thought all Indians were "poor" before going to India shows how much ignorant we can be to get fooled by the media. I don't blame her for thinking that way, but this has to stop because we're getting tired of this bs.

[@ujjwalsharma8295]

Well, it is good in many ways. First it won't make others afraid of you n second if you are brown, you don't have to worry about interview selection 😅👍, in oder to gain something, you gotta loose something 🤔.

[@Aayushman_Yen]

India is the 5th largest economyin the world and already surpassed france and britain so its a matter of time.but people still think india is poor and thats not true at all i mean yeah there is a section that is poor but there a large section of india that is super wealthy india has the largest middle class popualtion so india is growing but i think people should teach their childrens not to be a racist and all but its up to them to be a good person or not .

[@jayakrishnank8199]

Actually, Some japanese mostly in the rural areas have problems with dark skinned people. While was in my middle school in Kyoto, I was also called names and was bullied due to brown skin but I was pretty level minded so ignored it back then (even tho I was Indian Malaysian quarter japanese) but all those experiences later shaped my views on people & understanding to solve certain problem in life.

[@yashsaxena1518]

@Sheila Vil yeah

[@rml4289]

@Sheila Vil does it depend on ethnicity? Why are some Japanese very tanned and others pale

[@shenanigans4177]

@@rml4289 It depends on the latitude. Japanese who live down south are tanned and the ones who live up North are pale. But the Ainu people who are one of the native japanese tribes are somewhat darker skinned compared to the korean settlers( modern day japanese ).

[@who-ss9bh]

I really enjoyed this interview! Ameya is so strong and kind even after everything she went through! I can't imagine moving that many times and must be frustrating for her as a child. I really connected to her as a Japanese America on some of the points such as not being accepted. I think a lot of Asian Americans relate to this, but they would always ask you "where are you from?" or "what are you?" question. And even if you say a certain area in the states, they would brush it off by saying "where are you really from?" Or "You're Asian though". Or the other racist statements of "go back to China" or "Go back to your country" It irks me a lot. Thankfully, I have never faced physical bullying or violence in that matter. It's true that bullying in America is more verbal like making fun of your facial features, skin, or your culture of an ethnic group. But I think the ones that piss me off the most is when teachers or other adults in power start discriminating against you. I don't know how common it is across America, but I've faced cases where white teachers would change my grade in a negative way due to being non-white (ex. my three white friends and I got the same answer, and I pointed it out, but he refused to fix my grade. He did the same discrimination to another non-white friend). I have also been called a cheater by a teacher for taking a Japanese class in school just because I have a Japanese last name (and I have never lived in Japan). It's unfortunate how common it is for people to shun those who do not appear like the majority. I feel like people with multicultural identities would agree with me, but sometimes it feels like "You are not enough to be one or the other". I personally am not accepted as Japanese, for I am too American. But to Americans, I am too Japanese to be considered American. Most of us are caught in the middle. I really admire her for being able to adapt to different countries, for each country must have thrown different kinds of struggles at her. I hope she continues to maintain that positive personality. For those who read all this, I hope you have a wonderful day and are safe from this pandemic!

[@adamknight5089]

Yes this must he hard, it's funny because people mostly think racism is just about how whites/blacks/browns/yellows/reds relate or are treated, but there is also a lot more to it when it comes to mixed nationalities/ethnicities and bring raised in a country different to what your outside appearance says...

[@spacevspitch4028]

There's no denying the race issues we have in the US but overall, the US isn't a country where ethnicity is so intensely knitted together with one's sense of nationality. Like, when you say, "I'm american" or whatever, it doesn't automatically relate to a specific ethnicity. But it seems like if you grow up as a legit citizen of Japan, China, etc. but you aren't ETHNICALLY Japanese or Chinese, you aren't seen as ACTUALLY Japanese or Chinese. I feel like you can be 50 years old and move to the US for the first time, get citizenship and legitimately call yourself "American" and it's totally acceptable. Like, yeah, you're American. Cool.

[@rocketlioness]

That's coz no one is a true native there (except American natives whose population is pretty small due to many reasons) and it's truly a country of migrants.

[@PreYeah]

@@rocketlioness This! But I also feel like any region that has a homogenous population calls for these kind of experiences regarding racial issues - the Far East, Scandinavia etc. Even the States, prior to Ellis Island, it was mostly comprised of European caucasians, even if they were immigrants. If a person was American but not European caucasian, they weren't seen as truly American which is what unfortunately the Black struggle has still been about. Countless years in the States and they are still treated as second-class citizens. Regardless of nationality, It's whatever ethnicity seems to be the majority to that region, which is what creates homogeneity, which then leads to racial prejudice.

[@spa33meister]

Monisha Das I’m sorry, I was taught that the Native Peoples population was decimated through genocide. That’s the main reason, is it not?

[@Funtastik25]

Mmmm in a way US got something similar, minorities and people of color still get asked where they're from, which they're technically expected to reveal "where their ancestry really came from. It's like how many generations will it take before one can fully be accepted and have a rightful claim to being seen "American".

[@BhagyaBlossom]

@@spa33meister it is

[@sunithaathisdam3755]

Honestly, your mum Is amazing. Unbelievable courage she had moving somewhere so foreign and raising such a family.

[@ameya8995]

Yes. As Im In my 20s now, I think about what it must have been like for my mom a lot. She said back then there were not even signs in English and she had complications with giving birth. Theres not that many female doctors in Japan due to sexism in medical colleges, so it was incredibly hard for her but she was really strong. My dad was working a lot and her pregnancy was kinda stressful but I'm very fortunate/grateful that she went through so much hardship to have me

[@xemnas3868]

this girl is overwhelming beautiful !

[@amesakurako1]

Totally relate to that comment on Asian-Americans experiencing more microaggressions rather than physical abuse. As an Asian myself coming to the UK, I was surrounded by people from all sorts of backgrounds, so I've never experienced targeted bullying. Luckily I was never hit/punched in a bullying context, though I've had fights with local gangs. There were times when people would make fun of the shape of my eyes, told me to 'go back to where you came from', etc., but luckily those were only one-off occasions. When I went to a predominantly white sixth form, some girls reported to the teacher that they disliked me talking in my native language, and I was told off because of it. There was a point when anime/Kpop got very popular, so that turned me into the 'popular girl' in some circles, but sucked that bc of it I had to experience fetishisation/people hanging out with me only bc I'm Asian. Out on the streets/on public transport, there would be all sorts of drunk people coming up to me with 'ching chang chong' or 'konnichiwa' or making fun of how I used something they haven't seen before, like a folded fan. Things like these still happen today, esp because of Covid-19, but I honestly think the best way is to ignore them (unless they say something that crosses the line), as they end up looking stupid with everyone watching, if you don't give them the reaction they want. My experiences might sound horrible to some, but I'm thankful to not have been the only person of my colour living in a country where everyone else looks different and is native, which almost gives them a valid reason to single you out and tell you to 'go back to where you belong'. I've also heard some terrible acts of bullying in the workplace from my half Japanese friends, which opened my eyes to how severe bullying is over there.

[@VirtaAttirah]

props to u friend, you're strong hearted and courageous. thank you for speaking up about this

[@julz19]

This didn't happen

[@itsupsettingmenmyhomegirl1512]

@Dullahan Oh this definitely DID happen.

[@bladepanthera]

Urgh this sucks. Can I ask what part of the UK you're in? I'm in London and being so multicultural I saw ignorance in the form of stereotypes against Asian and other ethnic minorities, but for the most part it was pretty accepted as normal for different races at my school. It probably helps that I'm near a large Korean population and with everyone so mixed it never felt like a big deal.

[@user-ro2ug1bv9r]

yeah this is true, i mostly always tried to keep myself in culturally diverse friend groups if i can help it but when i travel to predominantly white areas i always feel a sense of unnerve. my white friends don't understand when i talk about it but all my poc friends do relate.

[@viche1]

Ameya's story and experiences are really fascinating, thank-you for the interview.

[@che7941]

The struggle of first and second gen. immigrants. You dont feel like either one of the two countries you come from. The one you were born in and live in wont claim you. And the one your parents come from wont claim you either. So you end up just being... a human inbetween.

[@maiyo1421]

I stubbornly claim it all and expect people to meet me there. Hard lessons learned the 2nd gen way. Only you can determine if you belong.

[@b0ndr386]

*Well I was born in pluto, and moved to Jupiter then to Mars and now I'm currently at the earth* _Soon I'm planning to get in uranus_

[@fathimafarahna2633]

Hahaha

[@productplacement39]

This isn't really uncommon because children of diplomats end up traveling with their families when the parents get station in different countries.

[@yashsaxena1518]

@@productplacement39 it sounds interesting experiencing different cultures even before fitting into one

[@canesvenatici9588]

You won't get into myanus

[@realrahzz]

Canes Venatici I was about to say that.. Lmao.. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ItsMish]

She’s ADORABLE. Can she just marry me? I’m moving to Japan soon, and I can just adopt her. Like honestly I LOVE HER.

[@ananyanegi9423]

Being called ADORABLE is kind of backhanded compliment to me

[@ItsMish]

@@ananyanegi9423 it's not meant to be in any way. I LOVE cute things.

[@ItsMish]

@Raman Preet so you decided to be rude, and for what?

[@abhishek_jarali]

@@ItsMish She's super cute. You can't marry her, coz I'm going to 😂

[@yashsaxena1518]

Ya.... this world needs more people like her..maybe i said too much(• ▽ •;)

[@drwilmaagustina]

Even being half Japanese half Indonesian, born and raised in Indonesia, turns out doesn't make me Indonesian enough (let alone being a Japanese) for some people...

[@calista5811]

I’m Indonesian/Indian/Egyptian/Dutch and I did feel like that sometimes. Some people tell me I’m not Indonesian enough although I was brought up with Indonesian culture and norms

[@Hazara26]

It is true when you cross breed with other race then you are not pure. Because you are mixture of two races then how can you become from one race.

[@farzanayesmen5337]

Don't worry about them. You are blessed to have two cultures.

[@avant-garde8602]

let's just appreciate how they keep switching languages throughout the conversation and act like nothing happened

[@tinaa3459]

she's so likeable

[@FearFactor3]

These interviews you have done are brilliant. Keep up the good work Max! Love the fact that you’re from the Carolinas as well.

[@user-tr6kz1fz9l]

笑顔で辛かった経験を話しておられる姿が印象的です。インド系日本人の同僚が以前の職場に居たのですが、彼も同じように辛い経験をしていたのかと今更考え、彼のことを深く考えて無かったことが少し恥ずかしくなりました。「片想いの日本人」なんておっしゃらないでください。そんな辛い思いしながらも、そう思ってもらえることが嬉しいです。アメヤさんが日本人だとご自身が思うなら、僕もそうだと思います。むしろ、日本人の姿をした宇宙人みたいのが増えてきました、、、

[@bethdealmeida6789]

Ameya, you physically, and mannerism, reminds me so much my daughter! Mind you, she's Californian but I'm American-Brazilian, her dad's Tamil, and she lived several years in Japan! thank you for great video where just proves living globally with respect, knowledge of many cultures, makes for an openminded, beautiful person!

[@jaojenml9894]

This girl has so much of positive vibe, despite of so much hardship she experienced during her schooling from Japanese kids, love the way you are, ur uniqueness is ur strength...keep it up Love from India 🇮🇳 Bangalore

[@suryamp12]

really liked the font in the subtitles. made it a ton easier to follow the emphasis especially since i don't speak japanese. you're a great interviewer!

[@MaxDCapo]

Thanks for recognizing my efforts in choosing the right fonts (and colors)🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 Someone out there appreciates lol

[@just4therecord]

Her parents did a fantastic job educating her. 👍🏻

[@ameya8995]

they worked very hard to earn enough money to send me to really good schools. I am very fortunate and blessed

[@yoongs3878]

Do you know who my father is ? - Classic Indian.

[@aarusong16]

Tu mere bapko nhi jante🤣🤣🤣

[@MaxDCapo]

14:48 for the time stamp (Found our later apparently T series was involved at this school👀👀)

[@Mickaelasama]

I saw many japanese indian and they didn't even speak english when i go to japan so i was like "they are propably japanese" is commun to see many japanese indian working in japanese place when I went fukuoka every convenient store at 80% workers was japanese indian i hope someday japan can accept japanese indian half korean chinese ext...

[@willb.4141]

umm... I’m pretty you’re mistaking the foreign workers from India with people of Indian descent but with Japanese nationality. Those working in convenience stores etc. are usually the foreign workers from India, they’re not Japanese-Indian/Japanese by citizenship - they came to Japan to work. In Ameya’s case, she is the 2nd generation of Indian residing in Japan - she mentioned she has Permanent Residency, not nationality. But since she was born and brought up in Japanese environment so she can identify herself as Japanese by heart to some extent.

[@Mickaelasama]

@@willb.4141 they look pretty young and some are just high school students who only speak japanese

[@naritathapa8875]

@Kleco102 Nepal population is very small compared to india. You may find nepali worker in japan but not much of a comparison to other nationality.

[@Mickaelasama]

@Kleco102 i dont agree with you i libe in korea and i have my own visa after 3 years i can get my forever visa i dont know how to say in english but i dont have contract i just live there as a french person and many person nowadays are same and saying than asian match with korean or japanese culture is wrong because themself doesn't think they are same or a match with other asian country so ...

[@Mickaelasama]

@Kleco102 iam talking in korean case it is more hard for them ( chinese Vietnamese Thailand indian even african) to have a visa than for European in korea if your country in considered as a poor country then you are not compatible with them and nowadays is not easy for them to integrate in the korean society do you know 20 years ago chinese people couldn't go in korean school just because they was chinese korean these days just follow western country culture more than asian culture

[@parthparakh95]

Loved the interview!! I thought I'll watch half of it while eating my dinner since I have lot of work to complete but didn't realise where the 40 minutes flew by. More power to you Ameya ! such an intelligent young lady and so articulate and inspiring.

[@Tiasopa]

She's so strong and pretty 🥺💕

[@RafaCena41]

Lol she was impressed by Arkansas 🤣 she would've had her mind blown if she went to Dallas with all the Telugu people there and the super sized versions of everything in Texas. I'm surprised she didn't find Singapore to be a comfortable fit considering how it's supposed to be diverse with a huge Indian population. Nice interview!

[@MaxDCapo]

Thanks Rafa! And I realized just how little I knew anything about India on this day. Other than panjabi MC lol

[@RafaCena41]

@@MaxDCapo I didn't even know who that guy was hahaha. If you ever eat in an Indian restaurant in US/Canada/UK then you are most likely eating Punjabi food unless they say it is a South Indian restaurant. Punjabi food tends to be heavily focused on Naan and fattening curries and cater to Americans more. South Indian food focuses more on lightweight, rice derived dishes like Dosa or Idli. If you ever go to Malaysia or Singapore or even in Japan, you will find more of a south Indian style.

[@RafaCena41]

What do you mean Singapore got kicked out? They are two different countries right? And I thought Malaysia had a ton of Chinese people there too?

[@RafaCena41]

@Raju Kumaran I had no clue all this happened. Does this mean life is better in Malaysia for Indians compared to Singapore?

[@reenachauriya4931]

@@RafaCena41 I would also say Singapore is definitely more closer than china and there is awkwardness but most young people all over the world are more accepting than older ones in general.

[@sheknowme8997]

This is so comforting to watch ☺️. Really loved it ❤️

[@pragyaupadhyay4230]

Lots of love to both of you for putting this wonderful interview out there! You both are super cute, very attractive, humorous, intelligent, and above all HONEST & COURAGEOUS of another level! Keep being this authentic! So inspired to see how beautifully you have shaped yourself despite troublesome childhood and ethnic identity confusion.

[@morringhan3955]

Her history is so interesting! I loved her personality.

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

Her peripatetic young life indicates either she comes from a relatively wealthy family or a military family. Forgive me if I listened to this video with half an ear and missed crucial information, but I'd be interested in her family's socio-economic position. Bullying is bullying, but the more information you have, the more you can understand certain things or discard erroneous theories or opinions. Thank you, great video. She has a lovely warmth about her, a very self-assured personality and oh that gorgeous smile. She's magnetic. I can see why you interviewed her. She doesn't radiate someone raised on a 'victim theory' diet like so many young people in the West today. She seems to have strong parents who just crack on with life. That's very attractive and again, a lovely confident and strong energy to be around. Thanks for this video.

[@saiveeryamahadevan1266]

This is such a cool video! KZbin recommends did a good job bringing this up to watch. You guys really made some good content about life in japan, identity crises and just speaking about everything so intelligently and yet making it relatable and casual. 😇🙏

[@ammagg]

Very impressed with both Ameya and the young man. Both have a sensitivity and insight which is refreshing to see in today's youth. Ameya's positive outlook despite her difficult experiences is lovely to see. Thankyou for this very insightful talk 🙏

[@samadheeismail5610]

Wow, her background is almost similar to mine and totally can relate to her. I was also born and raised in Japan but I was born not in Tokyo, but in Kumagaya, Saitama Perfecture. My parents are Sri Lankans and my father was working as an engineer at that time. At that time, at the place where we lived, we were the only foreigners, and I was the only foreign dark skinned girl in a Japanese school so I did face bullying when I went to school.--some Japanese children will refuse to sit with me in class or even eat with me and then called me names, but then I did have some good Japanese friends. Then when I was seven, my parents moved back to Sri Lanka and I remember how much I had a culture shock--I only knew how to speak in Japanese and struggled to speak in Sinhala and English but soon I managed to pick English and spoke more English. Then at 17, I moved to Ohio for my university and then after completing returned back to Sri Lanka. I still speak some Japanese and recently visited Japan and some Japanese were amazed I speak Japanese like Japanese people.

[@piccadelly9360]

Max it's amazing how you can conjure up a relaxed atmosphere so that people have fun telling their own stories. Such videos are very important for the international community and for the native people. This is how the mental boundaries disappear

[@brazilnuthkg]

this is very insightful, thank you for making this interview and thank you Ameya for sharing so generously! Keep it up!

[@srivatsavareddy7965]

This is one of the best interviews I have seen period, out of all the mainstream journalist/celebrity interviews shows out there, this is just so pure and wholesome.

[@anshujain3481]

I'm half indian and half Japanese and this was a super insightful interview. Also, BICEPS looking BIG BOI

[@ppl5006]

コメント欄に日本語がないのがとても悲しい。アメヤさんの気持ちがとても理解できる。貴女はとても素晴らしく素敵な女性ですね。日本人が思う「日本は島国だから」、と言ってしまえば話はそれで終ってしまう。でも、その感覚自体が間違っている。……願わくば、アメヤさんもYou tuberになってどんどん国際的なお友達を作って行って仲間を増やし、自分のアイデンティティをさらに大きくしていって欲しいと思います。貴女の人生はまだこれからです。これから先のエンジョイ人生がいっぱい待ち受けています。日本国内のYou tuberにコンタクトしてどんどん出演し（一方法として）、自分スタイルを売り込んでいきましょう。 日本人が貴女のことを知るようになれば、これまでの苦悩は逆転しますよ！それと、大小問わず一部を除き、人間皆苦悩が絶えません。だから貴女もです。「苦悩」だけは平等のようですね。ありがとう。

[@misskr3373]

素敵な考え方です。人と人の繋がりで自信が湧いてくれるといいですね。

[@nosho_now]

Great interview, and I like the editing to make things more helpful to follow! Like info, etc. I also love the code-mixing between Japanese and English, I could totally talk like that! 😊

[@littlebirdwalking950]

She seems so mature about her life!

[@maus6140]

I like how positive she is😅 so cute.... She reminded me of time... When she said went indian international School to when I went to my boarding school like everyone is rich rich like superich 😂

[@yoongs3878]

I do relate to that

[@jarish1275]

I really think she's one of those life of the friend group. I'd definitely love to be her friend even just based from this video

[@ameya8995]

I'm the type of friend to go out clubbing with my friends, dance for 10 minutes, drink milk, then fall asleep in the corner. I am in fact, kinda boring lol sorry to disappoint

[@jarish1275]

@@ameya8995 really?? U seem to have lots of interesting things to say 😂

[@edophoneix1340]

@@ameya8995 I enjoyed your interview. Thank you for it, I am an indian guy who is south african, who has had to deal with alot of difficult racist black people in my country. I was feeling sad today and your interview cheered me up. Thank you for the positivity❤

[@katalins.murphy2825]

Before I knew it I was already 30 minutes in. Awesome interview, thanks guys!

[@user-vn8qg3pb1c]

辛い思いいっぱいしたんだね、頑張った分以上絶対幸せが来ますよ。凄くいい話しありがとう

[@harshchandwani930]

I came to this interview as it seemed intresting...and thought of watching only for a few minutes...but ended up watching the whole episode. It was so good

[@priyamason7365]

Interview felt like two friends chatting. Lots of giggling and laughter.

[@blackamericanlesbianprofes4357]

I see this in my KZbin suggestions. I have seen a couple of other interviews on this channel last year and early this year. Thank you for posting this interview.

[@UditENG-xi4pu]

She's lived in more countries then iv seen in my life lol

[@av2319]

Seriously i thought the same. 😂😂😂 she might be grateful that her dad is engineer and got some much opportunity. I can't even imagine of living in so many countries..🤣🤣

[@rahulvinalnarayan9743]

I can relate to this. I was born in Australia and raised in Fiji. I’m of Indian decent and my parents and grand parents were all born in Fiji and most of them have never been to india. So when I went to Uni in Sweden, people didn’t really understand how I can look Indian but don’t sound like an Indian when I talk. They couldn’t understand how I can come from Australia/Fiji.

[@ps9902]

Love your name! Stay proud of your culture/religion ❤️

[@killaben85]

I feel like a Japanese term for “Locals” should be made. for people who aren’t ethnically Japanese but are born and raised in Japan or have fully assimilated into the culture. To distinguish them from Gaijin.

[@0doublezero0]

Yep I agree, I was born and raised in Hawaii, USA. And actually we do have a term we use for such a person called "Kama'aina." It is more akin to being called family, but it is use usually as a term to someone either born and raised in Hawaii or has lived there for a long time.

[@jimmythechimp2]

I don't think there should be a new word for non ethnic Japanese who were born and raised in Japan, the word is Japanese. Give Japan another decade or so and they'll have to start accepting it. I live in a town in Japan where there is a lot of Brazilians and other asians, once that generation has kids there's gonna be a lot of foreign faces who may only speak Japanese and with a Japanese accent.

[@killaben85]

Johnny Brumble not necessarily, in the United States we have operated on the philosophy of Jus Soli. Where citizenship is solely based on where you are born. For the Nation of Japan, what it means to be Japanese is very much tied to ethnicity. You can’t expect a nation to completely change this mentality, Japan is a strict Jus Sanguinis nation. But it can be modified, Japan has nationalization laws. So for those who nationalize and assimilate to japan the best option or most realistic option is creating a term that distinguishes them from Gaijin. That way the Idea of what it means to be Japanese can evolve to being anyone who is Yamato, Ainu, Bonin Islanders, Ryukyuans/Okinawans, Hafu, and “Locals”. Hopefully also leading to respecting those other cultures as well creating more of a Cultural Pluralism Society around the dominant Yamato culture. I think you are right that their will be more people that grow up with people who are “Gaijin” and that leads them to see them more as their fellow countrymen. But the country as a whole isn’t going to change that and not even all the children that grow up in diverse communities will. Maybe I could be wrong, maybe you are seeing changes on a small scale. But in any society completely changing a culture and social attitudes is difficult, but reform them in a way that they already understand from their upbringings that is much more realistic in my opinion.

[@jimmythechimp2]

@@killaben85 that's why I said should. Japan will have to change what their definition of Japanese is. It may not happen any time soon but it will. The Japanese aren't having kids and I doubt they will, so they'll have to start allowing permanent or long term citizens. And when there is enough people from different cultures, hopefully their views may open up a bit more, especially with younger people becoming a little more liberal here now. So maybe they can accept a white person with a Japanese passport is still Japanese. But they may still other like in many countries, I mean a non racist acceptable term in America is African American despite these people have now pretty much 0 link to Africa. The UK has a lot of racism but in the past 80 years the UK saw a lot of immigration and now people of all races are as British as white people.

[@izumi0608]

"Nihon umare no gaijin"

[@ridgebhouse]

Max you do an excellent job! I really enjoy your interviews!🤗

[@Nope-rf6so]

It was great to hear you guys talk! Good stuff. I really liked Ameya's attitude. More power to you girl. I wish you all well in times of difficulty.

[@vocalliner]

She seems so nice! Wish her the best of luck with her life in Japan

[@Anasuya87]

Ameya comes across as a lovely, kind, bright lady- her personality shone through in this video. Her parents have done a great job raising her!

[@shlonek]

Loved this interview. Ameya really made me smile and laugh throughout the interview. What a delightful conversation.

[@ecabanilla1643]

great interview with Ameya. I just love her positive attitude

[@deeptir7997]

What a lovely, composed and beautiful young lady. She reminds me so much of my Indian-Malaysian friend, the same mannerisms. Despite her negative experiences growing up, she seems to take life's challenges in her stride. More power to her!

[@lifewithamiinjapan]

I feel like I’m in her shoes 😂 I’m Japanese half Korean, I was born in Tokyo but left Japan at age 6 and moved to Hawaii for 4 years then moved to America (Michigan) until just seven years ago I moved back to Japan 🇯🇵 I graduated from U of M 😆 go wolverines 😂 but I know India 🇮🇳 languages Hindi and Tamil 😆 I speak seven languages I live in Yamaguchi-Shi Hofu

[@yogeshdev3917]

Wow seven languages, I only know hindi(mother-tongue) and little bit english.

[@sknmc35]

woah

[@yaminigandeeban4439]

Ungaluku Tamil pesa theriuma,??epadi??

[@lifewithamiinjapan]

studio chibili Eṉ kaṇavar srī laṅkaṉ, avarukku tamiḻ maṟṟum intiyum teriyum.

[@lifewithamiinjapan]

T H whatever you think

[@reborn3797]

これもう２年前なの！？また見に来たよーアメヤちゃんのポジティブエナジーが大好きです。そばにいたら絶対友達になりたかった。

[@joshthesunofnun]

Very interesting to know Ameya throught this video. You did a good job of interviewing her, Max.. There was something real and refreshing in the kind of questions you threw and not the usual stereotypical ones of a/s/l qualifications/ hobbies etc.. Good Job, ciao !

[@GayatriKP]

Oh wow. I'm an Indian from south india too and I've followed your videos for a while now. The hafu videos are always so interesting! The coincidental part was that I talked to my parents about Japanese cultural differences and hafus and discrimination today and had thought what it would be like for an Indian there, since I hadnt come across an Indian hafu video till now. Wow. Honestly, too big a coincidence that your video came out right now. Of course, I dont relate to the experiences that Ameya has had but I definitely do empathise with her. Identity crisis at this level is quite big. I have identity crisis' too sometimes, even though I'm only living in a different state from my original state but in the same country. To see someone have so many different experiences and be as confident as Ameya is, is absolutely amazing. I wouldnt have been able to pull it off, I'm sure. Honestly, hats off to her for everything! What a great great interview.

[@thedude633]

Hearing her stories of getting bullied made me really sad meanwhile she's laughing about it. She is a very strong person to be able to look back and laugh at it.

[@yukisuperstylish]

Japanese people bully each other too 😔 she's just using the sympathy card. A lot of Japanese students committed suicide because of bullying and school pressures

[@ChippiChippiChappaChappaCat]

She used to bully me when I was younger. I still think about it it’s hard to believe she got bullied

[@josun1679]

Interesting interview..enjoyed knowing Ameya's journey till now.

[@aborgeshonorato]

That's good show. Wow. Thanks for the amazing interview 😊

[@CandiOsaka]

She's really pretty person and so beautiful and I love her golden skin ! I also see many Japanese with her skin color too ! :)

[@shreyasoni29]

This video is so wholesome!! It's interesting, thought provoking and gives off friendly vibes!!!❤️

[@Tshering014]

Loved the interview!

[@letarogers6380]

Loved this interview. I'm interested in hearing Ameya's mother's story, too!

[@abhisruthm9786]

It's the ideal way how I would raise my child, if I had a option to.

[@anniesharma3047]

I love that she has like zero makeup on!! Love her positivity!😍😘

[@thana64]

I like the timeline in the description. Very organised.👍🏿