Welcome back to Behind the Yellow Curtain! In this episode, "From Hong Kong to Tokyo: Finding Identity as a Multicultural Japanese," host Jess talks with her friend and former colleague, Kiwa.

Born in Tokyo and raised primarily in the international city of Hong Kong, Kiwa always felt a step removed from her Japanese roots. Hoping to finally connect with her heritage, she made the decision to move to Tokyo for university. But what happens when your "home" country sees you as different?

In this first chapter, "The Hidden Pressure of Being a Kikokushijo," Kiwa shares the complex reality of being a "returnee" in Japan—feeling neither fully part of the international community she grew up in, nor the Japanese society she longed to join. She opens up about the unspoken expectations and the search for a true sense of belonging.

Is identity about where you're from, or where you find your people? Kiwa's story is a candid exploration of navigating the in-between spaces of a multicultural life.

🎬 Credits

Creative Director & Host: Jessica Lin

Producer: Mutsumi Gustavich (Mt.MELVIL)

Production Manager & Editor: Ayumi Watanabe

Designer: Lucy

Behind the Yellow Curtain is a podcast featuring honest, bilingual conversations with women navigating cross-cultural lives.

New episodes drop every Tuesday at 8 AM (JST)—subscribe and stay with us for more.