Jan 06 2009
Hello Kind Readers.
Growing up a person of both Asian and European origin, I found it much easier to learn about the European side of my family. Very little information was available to me about being partially Asian, and our family seldom discussed it. After the humiliation of the war, family had decided to instead claim Native American heritage, turning away from the Asian ways rather than embracing them. The shame of being partially Japanese was soon lost behind stories of the Blackfoot and Crow, collections of turquoise, and only the whispers of an Asian heritage shared behind recipes, handicrafts, and the occasional off-topic discussions.
When my husband found a job with a Japanese company, my heart began to long for my lost heritage. Deep down, I knew that this would not be well received by my family at first, but we have definitely found an increased affection for the country, culture, and heritage that had been so long stolen. Japan has not always been perfect; no country is, but for me the love of this country is like a love that I have for any member of my family. I am warmly embracing my heritage and will continue to learn all that I can about the country of my great grandmother.
