Kengo Shirasawa: I’m 80% Japanese + 20% international
Within yellow skin, black hair and black eyes, Kengo Shirasawa is sometimes mistaken for a HongKonger. Born in Osaka, Japan, Kengo has been living in Hong Kong since two years old. He identifies himself as an 80 percent Japanese and 20 percent global citizen.
The Hong Kong resident is not that involved in local affairs. Kengo admits that he doesn’t really care about social issues in Hong Kong. He still doesn’t speak Cantonese 22 years in the SAR.
Although immersed in the multi-cultural atmosphere, Kengo is more influenced by Japanese culture. “Hong Kong people are more likely to show themselves, while Japanese are shyer.” He concludes Japanese as polite, shy, isolated and very loyal to their country. “I don’t have a good example. But for me, if there is a match between Hong Kong and Japan, I’ll definitely support Japan.” Kengo said.
Graduating from Hong Kong University, Kengo is now working in Hong Kong but plans to settle down in Japan in the future if possible.
Relevant information on Japanese migrants:
Currently there are 2.6 to 3 million people of Japanese descent living throughout the world.
Nikkei people: Japanese emigrants and their descendants who have created communities throughout the world.
The term Nikkei has multiple and diverse meanings depending on situations, places, and environments. Nikkei also include people of mixed racial descent who identify themselves as Nikkei. Native Japanese also use the term Nikkei for the emigrants and their descendants who return to Japan.
Source: Discover Nikkei http://www.discovernikkei.org/en/
Discover Nikkei is an international network that celebrates cultural diversity and explores both global and local identities. The project connects generations and communities by sharing stories and perspectives of the Nikke.
photos: courtesy of Kengo Shirasawa
