Being immersed in a multitude of cultures has shaped who I am today. Born in Sri Lanka and growing up in Thailand as a Japanese national for over a decade has helped me accumulate a multitude of new experiences and has broadened my perspectives and views of the world. However, adapting to different cultures has seemingly made me feel more distant from my Japanese heritage and identity, which I cherish and have a special place in my heart.
Fortunately, as time passed, I learned not to distinguish these 3 different cultures as separate but to consider them as the one unique to me, which defines who I am.
The fireworks incorporated in my piece represent just that; each firework has different colours and patterns which illuminate the night sky, just as how I am shaped by different cultures, which makes me uniquely shine and contribute to enriching and appreciating cultural diversity in society.
A bit more about my submission:
The red-crowned crane is Japan's national bird.
The temple represents Thailand and Sri Lanka (both mostly Buddhist countries).
By : Kazuma Uji
Raise Your Voice: Exploring Youth Identities Entry
