Microaggressions & Mixed Identity in Japan | Interview with Aurora Tsai
In this episode, Yuko discusses with Aurora Thai, a JSPS Research Fellow at University of Tokyo researching race, language, and identity among mixed heritage individuals in Japan.
Together, they explore the complex and deeply personal realities of growing up between cultures. Aurora shares her journey as someone with Taiwanese and American roots, her decision to learn Japanese to reconnect with family and identity, and the emotional weight of constantly being asked to explain “where she is really from.”
Yuko and Aurora openly discuss topics many multicultural individuals quietly carry:
✨ racial imposter syndrome
✨ code-switching and language expectations
✨ navigating visibility and belonging
✨ microaggressions in Japan and abroad
✨ the pressure to fit into others’ assumptions
Aurora also shares powerful insights from her recent survey* on microaggressions experienced by mixed heritage individuals in Japan. The findings reveal how common linguistic shaming, inappropriate racial questioning, gender-based comments, and xenophobia remain, while also highlighting the emotional coping strategies many people adopt simply to get through daily life.
This conversation is honest, nuanced, emotional, and ultimately hopeful. It sheds light on the importance of representation, community, and creating spaces where people no longer feel they have to justify their existence or identity.
Whether you are mixed heritage yourself, raising multicultural children, living abroad, or simply interested in identity and belonging, this episode offers meaningful perspectives and heartfelt reflections.
Here under are some resources and links mentioned in the episode:
*Aurora's collaborators on this research include Libera Amadiwakama Mochihashi, Yuki Yamazaki, and Daisuke Kimura.
**Lawrence Yoshitaka Shimoji and Viveka Ichikawa were the ones she cited who conducted a national survey on microaggressions experienced by mixed heritage individuals
To connect with Aurora Tsai:
Her website: https://amtsai.pages.dev/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aurora-tsai-22203a66/
I am Yuko, a French-Japanese Intercultural Transition Coach. Having lived abroad for over 30 years, I support people navigating between cultures and life transitions to reconnect with themselves, build harmonious relationships with others, and create a life true to who they are.
I believe that we all have different experiences and by sharing it openly, we could help other Hāfu, multicultural people and simply people who are questioning their identities.
So if you are interested in sharing your experience, please contact me at yuko@yukodeneuville.com
If you would like to connect with me:
Instagram : @yukodeneuvillecoach
Facebook : @Yuko Deneuville
LinkedIn: @Yuko Deneuville
Youtube: @Yuko Deneuville
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