This little project was made after years of being told that “I look more Japanese” and over the years “I look more Chinese” Was it a compliment? Was it an insult? Or was it a general comment?

Growing up in a place I was not born in, makes me feel very envious of people who grew up where I was born. I donʼt know what itʼs like to be in school, or hang out with people in my home country. But I know what are people like in the place I grew up in.
I knew I was different the moment I looked at the other kids I want to play with. Not everyone wants to play with me. Even though our skin tones are the same, the kids around the resident corridors of Singapore stared curiously wondering if I spoke the same language.

So I had to adapt, donʼt I? 

Spoke the local language, kick boys balls to show that Iʼm annoyed and finally grow a group of friends I hang out with a venti mocha Frappuccino and draw in Starbucks.

28 years in Singapore, I just had to go. It was time for me to come “home”. I had to go back to Japan to take care of my grandparents.

I was afraid and excited at the same time, moving out of the country for the first time! I became curious with foreigners who are living here in Singapore and locals who once lived in Singapore.

Why did they leave? Did they want to go back? Were they ever comfortable?
These are my interviews with people, who lived abroad independently longer than I did.

Just a note: A number of illustrations were done about 2 years ago, the styles may not be consistent. 

Thank you for watching this space!