BelongingI Am Me: Hiroko Bell on Japanese TCKs and Finding Home Between Cultures
In this heartwarming episode of Nomadic Diaries, hosts Doreen Cumberford and Megan Norton-Newbanks welcome Hiroko Bell, a Japanese adult third culture kid (ATCK) and passionate advocate for cross-cultural families. Hiroko shares her remarkable geographical journey, from Japan to the US, England, and back again, before settling in New York City and embracing her multi-layered identity.
Key Topics & Highlights
Belonging to New York City
- Hiroko reflects on finding home not in a physical location, but among family and community—a concept captured in her song “I Am Me.”
- Japanese TCKs and 'Kikokushijo'
- Unique Japanese term ‘Kikokushijo’ and its evolution: from describing children struggling to reintegrate after living abroad, to being viewed as global assets.
- Educational and emotional challenges for returnees, especially regarding language tracks and stereotypes.
- Importance of translating TCK resources and raising awareness in Japan.
- The Role of Language and Identity
- The complex relationship between language proficiency and cultural belonging, illustrated by personal anecdotes and the nuances of bilingual/mixed families.
- Empowerment & Mission
- Hiroko’s commitment to affirming TCK strengths, advocating for visibility and belonging, and empowering future generations through language and awareness.
- Song Highlight:
- Hiroko shares the story behind “I Am Me,” written to express the TCK experience and the emotional journey of finding home and identity. The episode closes with a moving excerpt from the song.
Songwriter: YUSHIO
Lyrics: Hiroko Nagata Bell
Singers: Minori Therrien Imai, Yaji Tomo, YUSHIO
Produced by Okannooto
Find Hiroko at:
https://www.instagram.com/uptck.jp
https://youtu.be/bXv6Kt1t8gM?si=fYzpoVSEkCOZCqOH
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiroko-nagata-bell-6457811/
Here is a short excerpt from the song.Where are you from?
It’s an easy question
But not for me
Here, there or nowhere, I don’t know
I come from different places
Mix of words
Mix of norms
I wonder if I’m all mixed up
Am I more like my dad
Or more like my mom
Or maybe neither
Where do I belong?
Who am I?
Made up my mind
Won’t worry no more
I don’t have to be like anyone else
Don’t define me
Don’t confine me
I am ME
Where’s your home?
It’s an easy question
But not for me
Here, there or nowhere, I don’t know
Nomadic Diaries explores expat life, repatriation, belonging and global living. This episode may be part of our Re-Entry Series (30 episodes on coming home) or The Belonging Project (29 episodes on belonging across cultures). Browse the full catalog at nomadicdiariespodcast.com and please share or leave a review if this episode resonated.
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