Kaede Miyata

Distance, Reflection and Reconnection

This project explores the difficulties of navigating between Japanese and Kiwi cultures, addressing the struggles of balancing dual identities while feeling disconnected from both. Many individuals in multicultural societies face challenges related to cultural identity, particularly those with different backgrounds. The publication narrates personal stories and employs storytelling, collages, and typography to communicate the nuanced experience of being a Japanese Kiwi. Through applying traditional Japanese book-making strategies, I aim to reflect on the emotional and psychological aspects of cultural identity, delving into the feeling of being ‘in-between’ and highlighting the influence of language, norms, and traditions on identity formation. By illustrating individual cultural identities and exploring complex multicultural narratives, I hope to resonate with audiences who share similar experiences, fostering empathy and connection through a reflective lens on their unique identity journeys.