Half, Double or Somewhere In-Between?
Multi-Faceted Identities Among Biracial Japanese
Tim Greer
Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
This paper is primarily a literature review of research into biracial identity, with particular reference to those with Japanese and English speaking parents. It takes the position that the identities of biracial people exist on the ever-changing middle ground of a continuum rather than at the polarized ends, meaning that they have access to both their mother's and father's cultures, as well as a third identity unique to themselves. Initially, the discussion tackles issues which are especially relevant to biracial Japanese people, such as the use of terms like 'half' and 'double' and the nihonjinron myths of Japanese homogeneity and uniqueness. It then goes on to discuss the topic of their identity with wider reference to studies in the areas of bicultural, biracial, bilingual, and diasporic identities. The paper finishes by suggesting areas for further research, in particular the author's interest in the link between language use and identity.
