An Entangled Japan

As a third-culture Japanese girl growing up in Thailand, I have always had a conflicted sense of identity. Am I truly Japanese?
My blood and heritage tells me so; but my values and experiences point otherwise. Even at a young age, I struggled to
assimilate into full-Japanese communities, due to language barriers and contrasting values that set me apart from peers.
Now visiting Japan as a teenager, I view myself as a tourist, rather than someone returning ‘home’.
This artwork represents my perception of Japan - an entangled mess of traditions, themes and symbols, built upon my own
experiences as a third-culture kid. Scattered across are images of iconic Japanese subjects, such as the Koi fish, Mt. Fuji, and
Sakura Blossoms. I realized later on that it showcases my ‘foreigners eye’; my tendency to focus on surface-level landmarks
rather than personal places. Altogether, I juxtaposed the traditional and modern aspects of the culture, hoping to paint a scene
where both coexisted in harmony.
While this piece is an interpretation, it is also an appreciation. It captures something I truly believe is beautiful - Japan’s diverse
culture, and my unique place in it all.