"It's Time for Japan to Embrace Diversity" Filmmaker Megumi Nishikura

The film "Hafu: The Mixed Race Experience in Japan" was produced, directed and videographed by Megumi Nishikura and Lara Perez Takagi, who also have mixed identities. SBS interviews Megumi who is currently based in New York, about the film and how she feels about the fact that the film is still being screened all over the world after 5 years from its initial release.

Megumi Nishikura (L) and Lara Perez Takagi (R), producers, directors and videographers of the documentary film "Hafu" Source: Megumi Nishikura

Hafu is a Japanese term used for a person with mixed racial backgrounds. It originally derived from an English word "Half", indicating half Japanese and half foreignness.   

"If you are in Shibuya, you will see many Hafus and interracial couples. But I couldn't help it wonder why Japanese society doesn't know the true feelings and struggles of Hafus living in Japan," said Megumi who produced and directed the film. Megumi is also Hafu; her father is Japanese and her mother is Irish American. Since she was small, her parents told her she is Japanese as well as American. Japanese society, however, which once claimed as a mono-ethnic nation, sees Hafus differently.

Megumi Nishikura and Lara Perez Takagi Shooting the Film Hafu Source: Megumi Nishikura

This film explores the complexity of Hafu's identities and how they feel about living in Japan. 

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