Hafu

Mixed-Race Terminology

In Japanese, hafu is used as a noun; this makes sense only in the context of two mutually exclusive social categories (otherwise, it would need to be used as a modifier, e.g., half Japanese, half White). Japanese national identity has been racialized such that most people in Japanese society are seen not only as possessing Japanese citizenship but also as being of “pure Japanese blood” and speaking and acting Japanese. These assumptions, combined with the persistent myth of Japanese homogeneity, have led to a mainstream discourse in which there are unquestionably Japanese people, on the one hand, and everyone else, on the other. Some scholars believe that times are changing in Japan and that conceptions of Japaneseness are becoming more flexible. In this view, the rise in social awareness and social position of hafu is a reflection of, or a harbinger of, that change.

In everyday language, hafu often refers to pheno-type traits; however, depending on the context, it may also mark people based on language abilities, cultural knowledge, and international experience. Although the dominant image does not refer to people who by phenotype blend into mainstream Japanese society (e.g., mixed Chinese, Korean, Thai, Filipino/a), a discussion of national or cultural background often elicits recognition that hafu can also be of Asian descent.

The terminology used in Japan to refer to people of mixed racial backgrounds has changed over the years. Opinions differ on the nuances and connotations of each expression; terms clearly change with social and political context and depending on the person. Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu outlined the history of three terms used in Japan/Japanese since the postwar period. Ainoko was used during the postwar period to refer to mixed-race children and is the most blatantly derogatory term, used not only in describing humans but also in describing the mixing of animal species. Konketsuji literally means “mixed-blood child.” This term arose during the postoccupation era as war animosities began to subside and was used as a more politically correct alternative to ainoko. Over time, however, the connotations of this word became questioned, and now it is largely interpreted as politically incorrect and offensive. From the 1960s, another [Page 570]image of mixed-race Japanese that was more popular and exotic began to emerge in the media. Hafu is currently the most commonly used term, although its connotations are also debatable. The expression is said to have originated with a singing group called the Golden Haafu that was popular during the 1970s.

...