An identity based on being different: A focus on Biethnic individuals in Japan

摘要: Abstract Three focus groups of Biethnic 1 individuals who, for the most part, grew up in Japan were conducted. A total 13 participated. Cooley's Looking-glass Self Theory was used as our theoretical framework. Cooley argued that same way we look into a mirror to discover appearance, see ourselves through eyes other people. Therefore, people's reactions largely influence ourselves. This hypothesis supported by group data; all respondents regarded themselves only after others pointed it out them. Our results some ways similar existing Biracial identity models. We, too, found there multiple responses being Biracial. We called them: Unique Me, Model Biethnic, and Just Let Me Be Japanese. Like researchers, also various factors influential shaping identity. Ethnicity non-Japanese parent, family structure, living environment seemed have shaped respondents’ experiences.