What's it like being Half Japanese Raised in America? 🇯🇵🇺🇸

[@takashiifromjapan]

TOKYO GUIDEBOOK takashifromjapan.com/tokyocompleteguide

[@QueensNYgirlie1988]

I'm always so fascinated how peoples voices completely change when they switch from English to Japanese. Such a great video!! 🤍

[@marifujisawa2942]

I was gonna say the same. Maya’s voice started coming out from her nostrils when she started talking in Nihongo. Hanako was a natural.. so was the guy.

[@nihongotheo4808]

It changes when speaking any language really

[@marifujisawa2942]

@@nihongotheo4808 ?

[@arthurvanrodds2772]

You need to articulate differently in every language, the movements of your lips, your teeth, your jaw, your pitch, and several other parts from your vocal track, the speed, and the rhythm affect the way sound comes out thus producing different voices for each language

[@marifujisawa2942]

@@arthurvanrodds2772 really? Unless mine comes out naturally, I don’t think I ever changed my way if speaking nor the sound even after more that 40 years living here🤷🏻‍♀️🤦‍♂️

[@kevindang5260]

Hanako and I worked together at a Japanese bbq restaurant in New York. I had just moved to NYC and she was the first friend that I made. She was so friendly and charming. I’m so happy to see all her success. Wish you nothing but the best, Hanako!

[@_1.a1]

I have a question for you what do you think of foreigners that live in japan

[@teenytinytoons]

She seems like such an amazing person and she’s so beautiful.

[@ronaldnixon8226]

@@teenytinytoons Not without tits she aint

[@Wiley_Coyote]

​@@teenytinytoonsIt's definitely a sign that the Japanese objections to intermixing are off base. Look at the spectacular results of a little genetic diversity. She's stunning.

[@vincentruvo6988]

I wouldn't be able to get used to seeing people wearing marks covering their mouths and their smiles. People in the background were all wearing masks.😭

[@8kw7mx9]

Bro, really happy for you that you managed to establish your youtube career, you make really good videos, you deserved it 100%

[@hyewon_6311]

She looks Latina

[@superbug1977]

Excellent interviews! Each of these individuals offered insight and communicated with honesty, which is always refreshing.

[@Wapiaries]

I’m half-Japanese raised in Texas, married a half-Japanese girl. I showed this video to my teenage daughter. My exposure to Japanese culture was somewhat modest, her exposure is much less. She told me she liked the video, I think it’s useful to have such voices now that weren’t available when I was young.

[@kiriakoz]

I’m sure she will get in touch with her Japanese culture at some point later in her life. Sometimes, in your teens, you want to feel like you’re the same as everyone else but this changes over time.

[@clearviewmoai]

Kinda intriguing that even though she's second generation removed, she's still technically half-japanese.

[@michaelmusial5132]

Growing up half Japanese in the US, I hated going to Japanese school and wanted to be normal like everyone else. But as I've gotten older, I've began to realize how lucky I am and glad I stuck with it. It's so interesting to see how many half Japanese people that grew up in the states share a similar experience.

[@pudanielson1]

People are lucky they can balance both worlds instead of feeling forced to conform to "white" america

[@Allahuma.sali.ala.muhammad.]

Not just half Japanese, that's usually most half anything

[@ZeranZeran]

You sound wise. Most half Korean / Japanese friends I've had just stopped caring and didn't want to learn (I don't blame them either! Who wants more studying as a kid!?) But the fact that you stuck it out is very respectable. Can completely change your life and open doors. Good job stranger.

[@sorarussell]

Me too! I hated having to go every Saturday up until I was around 11 but I’m glad I went too, looking back. Plus, I wouldn’t have met my best friend, who is also half Japanese haha

[@mrsatan6449]

​​​@@Allahuma.sali.ala.muhammad. Respectfully disagree. I noticed there is a different contrast to european mixed folks like my axx. We are very proud of our non-european side, even though there is lots of discrimination and nobody that looks like us. Me and my brother were even separated from swiss students during primary school, along with other mutts and immigrants. There was a group for native students and one for immigrant children. So naturally, most mixed kids in europe are proud of both their cultures and curious about them. In my case, I see no reason to kiss the axx of any society that labels either of my parents' cultures as inferior. Not sayin that is what the original commenter was sayin👍 Everyone has their own reasons ofc and it depends on the environment one is being raised in🙏 I wasnt raised in america... so their story/experience is most likely different from ours. Just like a mixed person in asia has a different experience than i do. The differences can be quite complex. But just sayin that this aint the case for most European mixes in my experience. Though gotta admit, few do disengage with their european heritage sometimes in their teenage years (mostly out of protest against discrimination). I for example left my european country for an entire decade to see what other cultures are out there lol. Interesting contrast as to behaviour depending where one lives or grows up. But in the end, i guess it all boils down to the fact that we long to know where we came from. Really glad other mixed folks from around the world (like the original commenter) get to check out their other half these days😊

[@sierrakko]

I'm mixed Japanese and raised in the US, too. I love seeing these types of videos! It's fun to hear how others in similar circumstances grew up since it's not so common, so thank you for taking time to interview them! :)

[@depduc3615]

It lovely in Japan

[@slowroadsouth]

Takashii, man, I really have never thought about living in Japan, learning the language, any of that. But I've been watching so many of your videos because you really are a fantastic interviewer. You pick seriously interesting topics and obviously do the work to find illuminating guests and then you shut up and let them talk. I feel like even your physical presence helps them to open up and share. I'm learning so much. Brilliant work, man.

[@BLW888]

Nice job on the interviews. In Los Angeles, half Japanese-half American are very common so it was nice hearing their perspectives from Tennessee, Kentucky and New York. It’s great they can enjoy aspects of both cultures.

[@depduc3615]

Hello how are you?

[@NAT-turners-Revenge]

Im from los angeles county and its rare 😅

[@germenehilda]

Definitely not rare at all, maybe you’re in the AV? There’s still a good mix of people up there.

[@cocoaorange1]

True, you don't hear much about Southern Asian -Americans.

[@larshofler8298]

I think you mean half Japanese half white. Cuz they might not be Japanese in the sense of nationality, but as an ethnicity.

[@marcanthony8873]

Hanako seems to suffer what I’ve seen a lot of mixed/2nd generation kids suffer from and that’s this feeling of being trapped between worlds and not feeling completely accepted by either side of their heritage. I’m glad to see she’s making progress in just being happy with who she is. No reason not to be.

[@laxer123]

at least she did not pretend not to speak japanese and was fluent

[@soundtreks]

she is beautiful too. Sad to hear about her self-image challenges growing up.

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

@@soundtreks Yeah, she looks like a model.

[@staringtako]

She's happy by hating Japan.

[@goodvibes2334]

Maybe this is why people shouldn’t date outside their race. The world is hard enough, why add to that burden by having mixed kids just to satisfy your own selfish desires 😂

[@ravenks1sr15]

Phenomenal vid as always brother. Especially me being mixed Japanese born in the US, raised in Aomori and then back to the US. Very interesting perspectives from other Americans like me that are also half. Keep up the awesome work and excited to hopefully see ya when you come to the red, white, and blue :)

[@zitimotleyxxjmxx]

Hanako is such a New Yorker. Super confident speaks fast. Shes pretty too

[@freddybell8328]

I wouldn't say New Yorker and pretty go hand in hand but confidence yes.

[@JosephTSena]

What do you mean by such a New Yorker?

[@WarofThoughts]

@@JosephTSena New Yorkers are known for talking fast. Actually most northeast people in general. For example, John F. Kennedy from Massachusetts was reported to be the fastest-talking US president.

[@ShamanNoodles]

This is so funny and true. I'm from Boston and it drives me nuts when I talk to my friend from Arizona because I'm always firing off and he's always slow to respond and comment lol ​@@WarofThoughts

[@WarofThoughts]

@@ShamanNoodles The South in general is known for speaking slowly. I'm not sure what accounts for it. It might be for different reasons with different people. I know that corporal punishment is used a lot more in the South and so I wonder if many have been raised almost with a fear of saying the first thing that crosses their mind because they remember being beaten a lot growing up when they said the wrong thing. The penal system as well is or has been a lot harsher in the South and so in some cases a person may be running through the possibilities on how best to keep the peace. For others it may be low IQ. Others it may be amusement.

[@Kawakil]

Your english is improving with each video you post. Keep up the great work ! :)

[@boba5257]

I really enjoyed seeing this video about people who are part Japanese ! I’m half Japanese as well and it’s always been kinda hard cuz I feel proud of being Japanese, but at the same time I don’t feel like I know enough about the culture even though there’s a strong Japanese presence where I live. So I really hope to connect more to the culture while living there in the future

[@johnjoyce]

Always good to see the brief glimpses of real humanity you share.

[@originalmix2546]

💯

[@SJdC2004]

The girls that you interview are knockouts! Also, the first girl seems so incredible sweet and kind. So does the second girl. :)

[@2cats4tea79]

So interesting! I would be happy to watch longer interviews with each person. Everyone you interview has such an interesting story.

[@AD_US]

100% agree! I was thinking exactly that....as each interview came to an end, I found myself disappointed not to hear more. Great interviews, though, Takashii! Thank you. :)

[@ifixeditmyself1926]

Very interesting experiences and it's wonderful that people are making connections with the culture and language. 👌🏽

[@jessica_swan]

It’s nice to see so many people who share Japanese heritage from around the world! I always love meeting Japanese or part Japanese folks out in the wild and asking them about their family. It makes me feel less alone.

[@Monusham304]

i enjoy all of your videos, now i am not only learning Japanese but also getting change to know their thoughts watching such video ,vlog ,interview, podcast .

[@kyukouzi]

as a half-japanese, half-filipino person living in america, seeing videos like these, from people that have both similar, and differing experiences as i do, is so genuinely interesting to see. i relate a lot to them honestly, especially in the aspects of not feeling connected enough to my japanese half/wanting to connect more to that side of myself (since in my household, my parents decided to raise me to identify a bit more with my filipino side in comparison to my japanese side. even though my mom is japanese/is fluent/would talk to me in japanese/etc., she still grew up in the philippines). however, as much as i want to live in japan, i've also always been very afraid to, since i've always felt as though i'm "not japanese enough"/would get viewed negatively as a "hafu" or, once again, "not japanese enough" if i were to live in japan (i definitely have experienced the weird looks many times when i visited). so, seeing this video feels very...nice, yknow? gives a bit of insight on how it would be for myself if i were to potentially move there one day. so, thank you so much, takashi-san!

[@lasvegasnevada7514]

Good thing that u recognized a bit part of you. Majority of Filipinos who grew up in America are embarrassed with their Filipino side especially that one who looks very Filipino (dark/brown skin, flat nose ones) sometimes I can’t help but laughed. I know it’s a human thing to feel superior and special.

[@depduc3615]

Hello how are you doing?

[@mirieshii1948]

@John David Santos just like any other nationalities. funny that you say "to be fair"? that's the thing with Pinoys. they put themselves down.

[@geromeprings1580]

@@lasvegasnevada7514 That's also partly because there's a huge percentage of pure Filipinos that like to claim they are half-something else when they are not..

[@নারকেল-ম১খ]

@@lasvegasnevada7514 I’m from Bangladesh and I’m proud of my culture. Many people look down on us even our fellow Asian from East and Southeast Asia, especially those from China and South Korea but I’m still proud of my roots. We have larger eyes, beautiful skin, and sharper nose unlike them. Without plastic surgery and whitening products, the average East Asian especially Chinese and Korean have flat face, like tan with very narrow eyes and flat nose 🤣

[@ivanencinas9259]

Nice work Takashii! I was surprised you had interviewed one of the Vice News reporters. I really like her work, particularly on the issues that Okinawans face today and the amejo video. Really interesting to get to see her thoughts on growing up half Japanese and American.

[@braydenwong7904]

I’m part Japanese and have lived in California for my whole life. I’m currently a university student and hoping to study abroad in Tokyo next year, so seeing the perspectives of other people who have done similar things to what I’m planning is very useful. :)

[@xsomeoneh8245]

Do you remember how hot was in 1945?

[@chateau7]

I - definitely - like the sit-down format here at the beginning. The conversation has a more relaxed tone to it.

[@robertwbingo]

As usual, an awesome video. Looking forward to more.

[@Aaron-yn4bk]

Wow! Thank you so much for this video. It has really got me thinking and opened up some emotions for me I was not prepared for. I am half Japanese, half American. I struggled with being Japanese as a kid and was constantly bullied and that made me hate being different. But as I grew older, I embraced the Japanese part of me and actually began to identify specifically as "Japanese American" and not just "American". In fact, my family has ties back to samurai families and I am very proud of that. However, although I did travel to Japan once and felt a very strong connection to Japan, "life" happened and I did not have the opportunity to explore that connection. I had wanted to move there one day but sadly I never did and now my life is at a point where moving and living there cannot be a reality. It is too late for me, I am afraid. It makes me both happy and a little envious of the young people you interviewed who are drinking in the Japanese culture first-hand and enjoying their heritage at the same time. The world was much less accessible when I was their age. Thank you for the great content! I will explore Japan vicariously through your videos :)

[@superteamvideo1930]

Embracing your differences makes you more human. It is never too late live your life. Living your life is what you were born to do.

[@takashiifromjapan]

Thank you so much for watching! I’m planning to go to America in a few months to shoot videos there! I’m really really excited because I was supposed to study abroad in California two years ago but I couldn’t make it so finally this time!!! And also this is going to be my first time to go outside of Asia!!!

[@conceptr8784]

hope all the best for u bro,u're legend !

[@123SeaSameStreet1]

Which city are you planning to visit? LA? SF?

[@loviegilbert4428]

So happy for you, Takashii! Wishing you all the best ❤️

[@redtski]

if you ever end up in LA, id love if you checked out Little Tokyo and the Japanese American diaspora there. I feel like youd get so many good interviews there! lots of interesting stories from shop owners about their family experience during WWII & settling in US & such. either way, have fun!

[@jngarrettart]

Ah, cool! I hope your visit to the States is wonderful! Have fun and be careful in California. The whole US west coast is rich in natural beauty that is very worth seeing.

[@atilathesonofdanubius4277]

Very intelligent and articulate young people on these interviews. Nice!

[@Genny-Zee]

As a biracial Japanese born and raised in Australia I want to more than anything be featured on your videos and just talk about my life 😂 if you ever come down to Tasmania feel free to interview me!

[@TheYah00netstar]

*Lately...video conference call is possible...for example...using ZOOM...*

[@ralphlw]

Everyone should take Maya's statement to heart: Once you leave America your world opens up. Seeing and experiencing the world changes a person - usually for the better.

[@grandcanesque]

the nashville lady said ''once you step out of "the country" you've lived your entire life' ...is not america specific she was referring to whatever country one resides if they've never ventured beyond...

[@JohnSmith-xx9th]

Tell that to the run of the mill ignorant American. At least they’re starting to wake up. Passport applications are up.

[@elisa1885]

I discovered your channel a couple months ago and I love it it's very interesting !

[@SAYTHEWORD-Pronunciations]

It's fascinating to know about the interesting facets and challenges faced by people of mixed ethnicities. Wonderful video.

[@williamhenning4700]

I love these videos, they’re always fascinating.

[@piyawattarasombut3011]

I love your channel. Very eye opening, open and honest.

[@Juliettka100]

That is so interesting how experiences of these people relate with my own (I am half-Japanese half-Russian). It is truly challenging in the younger age to get in terms with your identity. And then you find this strong love for your Japanese side, and stop kinda choosing whether you are one thing or another. Cause you are both, and that is so special. I wish I had more half-Japanese people around

[@cloudedthoughts909]

I was born in the U.S., and lived in Japan for a few years in the late 80's. I am intrigued with Japan's culture, and music. The Amer-Asian, topic, is fascinating. Great videos and interview. Thank you!

[@rubyrose7858]

So true. I love Japan and proud to be half Japanese, but sometimes I get tired of feeling 'different' or 'non Japanese' and sometimes being treated different than my Japanese friends when in Japan lol. In the states, people are just more cool with it and I can just be myself. Either way, I'm still going to stay in Japan since my close family is here :D. I shall strive and become stronger so I can fit into Japanese society! Yeah! :D

[@ravenks1sr15]

LOL I got shit on one instance in Tokyo because of me being halfie as well but it be like that and I didn't care. I know how ya feel though.

[@jesssc402]

It’s kinda cool to be different from normies, don’t you think?

[@cosmichef75]

Just subbed to your channel.

[@no1boyyy]

You don't need to feel bad because you are different, on the contrary, you need to feel special. Not too many people can have both worlds. I wished I’d be half Japanese, coz after that i would feel I have more understanding of the customs, or at least I look more asian. And when you go back to the place you call home you going to realise you have 2 home countries and one of them is Japan.

[@trollingisasport]

To be honest, even in America, it depends where you live. There are still lots of places where white people will treat you differently etc.

[@MachineGunMike]

Japanese Hawaiian / Caucasian here. Grew up mostly in Texas. Literally never felt out of place or treated badly there. Not even once. Like ever. Everyone just treated me like the normal person / American that I am. People make a bigger deal out of what they are sometimes. I will say that when growing up in Hawaii though, it was a different experience, and I was treated bad for being part white many times, but I always just brushed those ignorant people off. To me, people like that are so silly that I just don’t even acknowledge their ignorance towards others. At the end of the day I love being an American and feel super lucky to also have Hawaiian and Japanese roots, culture, language, and food in my life.

[@Countrymusicnumber1]

Some are luckier than others

[@deemon710]

I'm curious. Do you present as white or Asian? As in, when you walk into a place where people don't know you, which do they see you as?

[@MachineGunMike]

@@deemon710 I have several answers for you. No one thinks I’m white because I obviously don’t look like it. In Texas people many times assume I’m Mexican. Brown in the mainland to most people = Mexican roots. No big deal. Just funny because I’m not at all and don’t speak Spanish. In Hawaii, people know I’m hapa haole, which is “part white mixed with other stuff”. People in Hawaii are usually surprised to hear I am actually part Hawaiian though as I don’t look a lot like it, and because there aren’t many of us sadly even in Hawaii. In Texas people always think it’s cool that I’m part Hawaiian. At the end of the day, I’m a proud American Japanese Hawaiian! Hope that helps.

[@MachineGunMike]

@@Countrymusicnumber1 some don’t victimize themselves as much as others.

[@Countrymusicnumber1]

@@MachineGunMike it's called being your own advocate

[@commentarytalk1446]

The 3 people who were interviewed were very interesting and the most notable thing about them was how different to each other they were also, at the same time as all being "hafu". Your interview manner seems very good at making the person you are talking to feel at ease and respond naturally and it seems you have gained a lot of experience at interviewing people and developed this ability? It really is coming through as well as perhaps selecting such interesting people to talk to. As for the question on "where do you see your future self?" I would guess it is a question that is much easier to know when one becomes closer to middle age. When you young, there is the feeling that there is more to do, more to see, more differences in the world to understand still. However nearer middle-age it seems people might want to settle and create priorities of stability and developing something so can plan their futures more? Then they know what suits them more with respect to quality of life and living conditions eg social, work, family etc. "Jonathan" who was interviewed in the middle definitely came across as most Japanese though of course the language ability of "Hanako" was clearly well developed thanks to attending Japanese school - it seems such a good idea for the parents to try to develop bi-lingual ability when the children are young and naturally learn languages which then means it is easier to connect more with Japanese people later in life! Mia looks like she is so enjoying finding her feet in Japan: I wish her a lot of success and hope she learns the language of Japanese in order to explore her roots and develop her Japanese side of her identity more as she says, her "50% of my identity"! I'm sure it will help her develop as a person and find fulfilment in life. Good luck!

[@midwaymonsters1591]

You do such good interviews. I’ve learned a lot from them. Thank you from USA

[@specialk9999]

There would be lots of different scenarios to factor in on what it’s like being half Japanese growing up in the U.S. It would be a different experience depending on what part of the U.S. you grew up in and when. I’m half Japanese, born in NYC and most of my childhood was spent living back and forth between NYC and Tokyo.

[@brokenstereotype]

Yes New York and Los Angeles is much different experience from rest of USA

[@kenmei18]

yep, my kids go to hoshuko now, started off in an all japanese preschool and spent a few years at a private japanese/english school. These are not common outside of NY and CA, so I am thankful for what we have. Also there are a ton of hafu in this area, not to mention half asian kids are quite prevalent as well. So times are quite different than those that were interviewed.

[@specialk9999]

@@kenmei18 yep and I’m probably older than the ones he interviewed too.

[@BrokeAgain]

dont forget about the Military families :)

[@allens9523]

I find your interviews very interesting, thank you for doing this

[@julianadebroen7944]

You make such good videos, always interesting interviews, interesting life stories ! Good job 👏👏👏👏

[@RWPeninsula]

This is such a great channel for everyone to expand their horizon: with 8 billion people, the world has become too small for culturally not to be curious, inquisitive and inclusive: we are so BLESSED to be able to explore our own and our neighbors cultural backgrounds in real time: this should be the guarantor for cultural understanding and acceptance.

[@jjpsychic22]

I really enjoyed this video! As a half-Japanese, half-American raised in LA/OC then living 14 years in Japan, it is great hearing many different perspectives and I totally understand how some of the mixed people living here in Japan. And great job Takashi-San as you have awesome communication skills. Looking forward to how you go abroad to California. Cheers!

[@yenpham-jb4wo]

That’s pretty cool man. I’m in the la oc area do you ever miss it or think of coming back?

[@davidanderson5916]

Living in Hawai'i, I think there is so much variation amongst local Japanese, including what we call hapa (half/half). At my job. I have various hapa coworkers.two half Japanese, one speaks Japanese, one doesn't. So many stories, all different. My kids are half Mexican. They are bilingual to a certain level. Their grandparents are bilingual with Spanish and their native language. Completely different realities. Many stories. In Hawaii, hapa will probably out number non-hapa in the future.

[@ricebowl3]

Ho Hawaiian 🌺

[@efrans2627]

Many Japanese people in Hawaii and Guam

[@Ilovepizzandnb]

yes this is true. My family is form Hawaii, i'm a 4th Generation and 5th Generation Japanese American. All my family is from Hawaii, but Japanese Descent, and many of my cousins and uncles/aunts have "hapa" families. I definitely agree with your statement, my family can't speak or write Japanese at all, but we celebrate our heritage through food. I was raised in a very "white" area of Orange County so I didn't have any Japanese friends, Hawaii always felt like home. I felt like an outsider when I visited Japan, I defnitely need to learn some of the language.

[@kraventimes]

The half poly half Asians out there

[@FredMaverik]

@@Ilovepizzandnb "celebrate our heritage through food" no you just like japanese food. Your roots are so far away you might as well not even bother saying you are a FIFTH HALF japanese, because that's like 1/10 japanese or somethin

[@mcoll6694]

I love your channel and this was a great video! I love learning about Japan. Thank you so much!!!

[@recycle.mind23]

It’s cool to watch Japanese-American kids born in US and still able to communicate Japanese language. They’re enjoying the best of both worlds in real talk.

[@UnpredictableMoose724]

I’m traveling to Japan in about 2 weeks. I can’t wait to go there. I’ve been there 4 other times and this will be my 5th time traveling there. I’m half Japanese. My mother is from Hiroshima and my father is from New York. We will be visiting my mother’s grandparents in Hiroshima.

[@samuelpreciado1336]

What kind of visa do you have to get to go there?

[@thecattermat]

@@samuelpreciado1336 no need for visa for less than 3 months

[@jefffromchicago6321]

@@samuelpreciado1336 I'm guessing that his mother still has citizenship.

[@samuelpreciado1336]

@@jefffromchicago6321 thanks for the reply

[@MB-gl2bl]

Be safe, have fun! Beautiful place, and enjoy some お好み焼き (okonomiyaki)! おいしいです。

[@peterawaya]

Maya absolutely gorgeous! My daughter is half Japanese and English. she married a black and my two grandkids are just beautiful girls. I love it

[@たなかへンドラ]

Mr.Takashi, please put the text in English like other previous video, that’s really helpful for people study or learn english and Japanese at the same time…ありがとうございます　🙏🏻

[@veetour]

Turn the closed captions on. The subtitles will show the English text.

[@PoliticanGaming]

Love your channel and it is great to observe how so many walks of life live everyday happy normal lives in such a beautiful country.

[@kasketbase8741]

Maya’s story I can kinda relate to. I grew up in the South and pretty much blended in with white people but I was never shy about my Asian side. In Taiwan on the other hand, I look totally different and people think I’m just a foreigner. (I mean, I technically am but also I have a whole Taiwanese mother and citizenship)

[@riodasperolas]

Yes these interviews are very interesting, thank you for sharing them.

[@dingus7081]

I'm Brazilian-Japanese but most people in Brazil call me Japanese and in Japan they call me Brazilian

[@wilkesmcdermid7906]

I heard there is alot of racism on Asians in Brazil.

[@BPMChan-nr7ik]

Maya speaks with the nashville twang. Pretty cool!

[@jmelife]

I would have been interested in hearing about their experiences with the work-life differences between America and Japan.

[@vorasx]

I was so surprised I saw you were filming having an interview. I just moved here in Japan as a foreigner married Japanese wife. Your videos inspired me and give me the motivation to move to Japan. Really surprised and graceful.

[@missedsunrises]

I'm full Japanese born in Japan and raised in LA county since 5 yrs old. I completely forgot my first language (Japanese) and I've worked in a few Japanese salons and restaurant to try to connect to my roots but for some reason no one ever notices that I am Japanese until I tell them my full name. I always get Filipina, Vietnamese, Korean, etc but never Japanese. I believe it is because of my tan complexion since my roots come from Okinawa. But my Japanese coworker was even shocked when I told her I am full and I mentioned I am mostly Okinawan and she told me "oh no wonder you are not Japanese." I guess in Japan Okinawans are still not considered Japanese. Either way, i can't wait to see your next video on interviewing Japanese people who grew up in America! Much love from LA County Takashi! ❤️

[@user-qm7jw]

Nah, he's just crazy, most Japanese people think Okinawans are Japanese. And a lot of the younger generation in Japan don't even know that Okinawa was a separate country in the first place.

[@depduc3615]

Hello pretty how are you doing?

[@Ok-oo2kh]

Not just okinawan, they dont considered ainu and jomon people as japanese too. Its funny bc most of japanese celebrities are okinawan and jomon look.

[@MRT-co1sd]

@@Ok-oo2kh So true. But funny though both Chinese and Koreans don’t consider Okinawan, Ainu and Jomon people Japanese too. Maybe because they only consider Japanese as people lately moved from the mainland Asia.

[@RedsHitpostMedia]

What a baffling and honestly sad phenomenon. In America youre considered Japanese but in Japan youre considered foreign.

[@feliciab75]

Great content! Keep up the good work. You ask great questions, and got really honest answers.

[@이하나-m2h]

Love you taka and all your videos. Your a great youtuber and always making lots of videos❤️❤️ your fans love it

[@depduc3615]

Yeah the video is nice......how are you doing pretty?

[@eladiolagrimas2635]

Hello Takashii. I’m Filipino American your new subscriber from California. I like your content interviewing people with mix Japanese blood. Lived in Japan when I was stationed both Sasebo and Yokosuka serving in the US Navy. Hopefully next time you be able to interview me in your vlog. We’ll stay safe and keep vlogging. Domo aregatu

[@cyennan3984]

This video almost made me cry haha! I'm also half Japanese and half American (White), born in Japan but moved to the states, and I now live in Las Vegas. I resonated heavily with the man who said a lot of "hafu's" or any biracial person struggle with their identity. Before I moved to Las Vegas, I lived in Hawaii for nearly 10 years and that's where my childhood started. In Hawaii, I never struggled with being a hafu, more or less thought about it since I had so many hafu friends. When I moved to Las Vegas, it was a complete change in environment and culture. Where i'm living, there are almost no Japanese people, or even Asian people so I find myself very alone and stuck with finding people who I could relate to culture wise. Anyways, this video helped me find comfort knowing there are a lot of other half Japanese and half American people who also struggle with it so thanks a lot!

[@j2174]

What is your "white" background specifically?

[@laxer123]

@@j2174 Thats it . this is where everyone lies and hides about what they really are.if a person is born as to a Japanese citizen parent , that person is 99.9% Korean ethnic and the father or mother U.S citizen must be an immigrant or the child of immigrants and can be of any nationality. Chyenna know what her/his u,s citizen parent race or ethnicity but she/he needs to hide behind a fake ID called american .what american ? there is no such thing as american but u.s citizens made of immigrants.

[@j2174]

@@laxer123 American is an ethnicty. I think you are confusing ethnicity and race. Race is not always ethnicity. By that logic you would have to say there is no Japanese ethnicity, since they came from the Korean peninsula and actually took over the land from the Ainu. Ethnicity includes common language, culture, and many other aspects.

[@tempestsonata1102]

My half-Japanese kids don't seem to struggle with their double identities. But sometimes they struggle with idiots in both of their home countries.

[@j2174]

@@tempestsonata1102 Hopefully they don't have to struggle with that. It seems that many in our societies want people not to partake in the culture they were born and brought up in, feel like victims, and have identity crisis about their ancestry. You must be a good parent and have good people around you.

[@kineticoutcome]

The last interviewed one was gorgeous, loved the video!

[@monika-127]

as half japanese living in australia, i can relate with these people. i think it was very good that my dad (who is australian) is fluent in japanese. so i was able to talk to my family in japanese at home.

[@teenytinytoons]

These three interviews were an absolute gem.

[@user-hu9yn1cf9n]

I’m Japanese and I have a half American son. He’s still 2 years old but this interview was so interesting. It’s like the stuff my son would go thorough when he gets little older. Thank you for this great video.

[@nateisright]

Nashville? She’s 100% American.

[@electricdreamer]

The first girl looks Latino/Italian. I'd never thought she's half Japanese.

[@coralie288]

I had a student in Japan who looks very similar to her and she's half Brazilian and half Japanese.

[@GarysnewYT]

I like your video information, it’s interesting, thank you.

[@taurus5468]

Such a wonderful video of cross-cultural people who appreciate their unique identity. Being half-American is full of challenges but they all seem to embrace their other side remarkably well. Thank you!

[@TheFriendlyPsychopath.]

You do know that there is no such thing as “Half American” right?!

[@ramonitocucio]

I'm Asian and I never wanted to become another race. I love being Asian and so proud of it!

[@AAA-ys9jv]

I am European and feel the same

[@ItsameAlex]

Because the only race jews brainwash to hate themselves is white people.

[@devennagata1759]

My dad is half Japanese. We live in Canada. I have a lot of my Japanese family live in Vancouver Canada witch has a huge Asian community. My family does not speak Japanese so it's common for Japanese people at the grocery store to talk to them in Japanese but they don't know what they are saying. Haha

[@hisokamorow3611]

Hahaha how do they know what they are talking about when they don't understand each other?

[@devennagata1759]

@@hisokamorow3611 at the store? They just say "I don't speak Japanese" Im guessing lol

[@cottoncandykawaii2673]

I feel you, it sucks to have ethnic parents/grandparents but the language didn't get passed down. My dad is German and grew up in Quebec (speaks French) and never taught me those languages, but I wish he did

[@motaz9985]

Mark lee

[@j2174]

@@cottoncandykawaii2673 What is "ethnic" parents/grandparents? Do you mean a family lineage that doesn't speak English as a first language?

[@Docinaplane]

I know a woman who was born in Tokyo and came here to the us after college in Japan. Her mother was Japanese and was instrumental in her coming to the US. I believe her mother saw a video of a Japanese girl who was asked what she wanted most in life. The girl said, "To be like everyone else." Her mother did not want her daughter to be like everyone else, but rather, to be herself. This woman is awesome and has made significant inroads in her lifetime quest for self-actualization.

[@ivebeenaround58]

Hanako looks like a very interesting person to get to know. Speaks intelligently, very articulate and open-minded. Hello Hanako from the Philippines.

[@be_luna]

This is very interesting! I did a project in my History class talking about being half- asian. I talked about the difficulties that certain celebrities had. I focused more in the Korean Celebrity Industry and the discrimination they received when they were at school. I want to understand their experiences and how they dealt with it. Most of the time is very heart breaking hearing what they went through from name calling or saying that they don’t belong here or anywhere. But they were able to triumph despite all that negative connotation and I feel that’s the best way to say: “I do belong here and not just cause of your judgment it’ll define who I am.” The celebrities that I talked about where: Yoon MiRae and In Sooni. I feel it’s important to hear and acknowledge people’s stories as they don’t seem to be spoken a lot.

[@IronFreee]

I'm from parents from two different countries and I was born in a third country, so I have 3 nationalities. I never view myself as 1/3 of each country but 100% of every one of them (I don't have only 1/3 taxes to pay or rights and duties). I never had any identity crisis or had to suffer from it but I don't annoy people with it and I live in West Europe where people don't really care.

[@teacherbrad9534]

I love the videos. The experiences they share are amazing.

[@jlui21]

-- When they are "Americans," they have American mannerisms. But when they speak Japanese, they become Japanese --by bowing and thanking.

[@Celeste77789]

The women is so pretty 😍. You look so good in that new hairstyle, sugoii. Ganbarimasu 👍 love watching your video's 😆

[@albertafu3971]

Very interesting videos. Mixed and multi-cultural people are smart people.

[@psychosquirrel555]

Love your work Takashi! Always fun and interesting. 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@Msmasajes]

The last lady is wonderfully lovely. Such a beautiful, graceful and nice lady. I would love to meet someone like her. Very interesting video, thank you!

[@Armyblink4life554]

For the first girl it is actually very common to loose fluency in a language at a young age once you stop speaking the language. I think when you’re older and have already lived most of your life being fluent stooping the language have lesser chances of forgetting it altogether. So I do hope she continues to learn more like she wants

[@charlettea.p.kealoha8050]

Great coverage and very informative. Aloha from Honolulu, Hawaii

[@mayamichellemurata]

I relate to this video being a Japanese-American raised in Hawaii. 毎週土曜日、日本語補習校に通ってたけれどハワイで育ったからほとんど英語です。私の日本語のレベルは多分読み書き入れて小六ぐらいだと思います。I went to a Japanese school once a week on Saturdays for 11 years where everything is taught completely in Japanese. I went up to the highest grade which is 中3 and graduated top of my class but I have discovered I lost a lot since I graduated.

[@Kanjicafe]

I work hard on my Japanese everyday. Live on Oahu. HelloTalk

[@yo2trader539]

それでも日本に住む外国人の大半より上だと思います。日本の大学を卒業した外国人留学生や、母国の大学で日本語を集中的に学習した人以外は、日本語の読み書きが出来ない。だから日本で就ける仕事も限られるし、日本人との接点も少ない。お子さんにも日本語を教えてあげてくださいね。日系人に多く会いましたが、日本語が出来なくなると、本当に日本との繋がりが無くなってしまう。

[@ryank9962]

Hanako , The girl with black dress looks so elegant the way she talks and very natural in front of the camera. She is gorgeous. Great interview.

[@alive1213]

Ikr I think it comes with her profession

[@lifeenbleu]

I really love this video; thank you for shedding light on this topic! :) I’m half Japanese and half black and my mom (Japanese) and I grew up speaking Japanese and I’ve attended Japanese school. I’ve always felt a strong connection to Japan but had reservations about moving there as an adult because of a lot of the issues these people talked about. Seeing people take these challenges on is so inspiring and is changing my mind about wanting to move there ☺️

[@sexyrupert4135]

Worried you can't say "dats raysis" and get whatever you want over there?

[@lifeenbleu]

@@sexyrupert4135 you're a weirdo lmfao

[@SheilaLDavis]

There are lots of informative videos about Black people living/working in Japan. You should check them out.

[@MsPhotoghenicInStylebyGen]

Amazing video! Thanks for sharing!❤

[@sebastiansobremonte3429]

The third lady is a reporter from vice!

[@takashiifromjapan]

Yes, she is!!

[@kentot2position]

yea i notice that too. am like yoooo

[@mohsenbou]

Thank you too for these videos, very interesting.

[@senseiaces]

Thank you so much for the content you create! It's definitely given me a better understanding of what Japan will be like when I move in a year to teach English and I'm still very excited about it! Hopefully I catch you in the street interviewing someone and can say hi!

[@mister_stadler]

I'm from Brazil and I love this channel. It's being very informative! Thanks bro

[@markdonovan1540]

Very good interviews. As a mixed Spanish/English person who grew up in London, but moved to live in Spain, I find that I have a lot in common with the experiences of these people in regard to language and culture influences. I don't think one should have to "fit in" with society, because we are all individuals. Obviously, learning the language and the culture helps understand the country and people where one lives, but the biggest influence on one's life is the place where one grows up as a child and teenager. To really integrate and become part of another culture, requires decades of living and working in that country, and even then there will always be people that don't accept you as "native" or even "national". The most important thing is respecting yourself and others, the rest is not worth getting bothered about.

[@chrislee176]

…The bloke he interviews is so charming and good-looking. His smile is simply unfair.

[@CaribouOrange]

Takashi's reaction to Anako's fluent Japanese was cute.

[@kenmei18]

quite possibly it was what threw me off, which was how she initially pronounced her name. Very very Americanized, which I think is how she's used to saying it in English as Japanese was perfect. But considering her story, it is not extremely surprising.

[@kyletorres202]

Girls like Miss Hanako are good speakers.....do love her when she talks

[@josephberry7042]

so amazing that they switch their voices completely depending on what language they are speaking!

[@dukenukem7043]

dang ur channel has blown up since i last saw ya. holy balls thats crazy man. good job

[@paulwisham5943]

Aloha Takashii ! Great work on these interviews… Keep it up!