Hafu

Hafu explores Japan's growing number of mixed-race citizens within a population that mostly shares the same ethnic background. Co-directors Megumi Nishikura and Lara Perez Takagi focus on five individuals. Sophia, who grew up in Australia and felt like an outsider among her peers, moved to Japan to get to know the other side of her heritage. David's parents relocated from Ghana when he was six, but their marriage fell apart afterward, and he grew up in an orphanage. Although he thinks of himself as Japanese, David traveled to Ghana to learn more about his mother's culture, and now tries to raise money so that children in her village can enjoy the same educational opportunities that he did. Tetsu met his wife, Gaby, while working in the United States. Their son Alex was teased in elementary school—affecting his academic performance—so when Alex asked to move to Mexico, his parents sent him to stay with relatives, where he has since flourished. Edward, who is half-Venezuelan, met his wife, Takara, who is half-Algerian, through the group he founded, Mixed Roots Kansai. Fusae, another group member, didn't find out she was half-Korean until she was 15; her parents hid the truth so that she wouldn't feel like an outcast. She found the adjustment difficult, but now sees the positive aspects of both cultures. The word “hafu” also comes under discussion, since some mixed-race individuals don't appreciate the association with the American term “half-breed.” If Japan has not always been welcoming to these individuals, they nevertheless seem to have found self-acceptance by acknowledging both sides of their heritage. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)