Interview Ken Duenwald: Growing Up Half Japanese in America | Hāfu Voices - Living between two worlds in Japan

Description

In this episode of “Half of Voices,” Yuko Deneuville sits down with Ken Duenwald to explore the realities of growing up hafu, half Japanese and half Caucasian, in the United States.

Born and raised in San Francisco and now living in California, Ken shares his personal journey of navigating identity, belonging, language, family expectations, and multicultural life.

From growing up surrounded by both American and Japanese influences through his immigrant mother from Saitama, to discovering the HAPA community later in life, this conversation dives deeply into the emotional and cultural layers of being mixed-race.

Ken opens up about:

✨ Growing up half Japanese in America

✨ Feeling “between worlds”

✨ His relationship with Japanese culture and language

✨ Attending the HAPA Japan event in Los Angeles

✨ Experiences of connection, exclusion, and self-acceptance

✨ Raising a multicultural child today

✨ Advice for mixed-race individuals and parents

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about identity, heritage, and embracing every part of who we are.

#Hafu #double #HalfJapanese #MixedRaceIdentity #Multicultural #JapaneseAmerican #Hapa #Japan #international

I believe that we all have different experiences and by sharing it openly, we could help other Hāfu, multicultural people and simply people who are questioning their identities.

So if you are interested in sharing your experience, please contact me at yuko@yukodeneuville.com

With Gratitude, Yuko

I am Yuko, a French-Japanese Intercultural Transition Coach. Having lived abroad for over 30 years, I support people navigating between cultures and life transitions to reconnect with themselves, build harmonious relationships with others, and create a life true to who they are.

If you are looking for gentleness, momentum, freedom, and authenticity: welcome here. ✨

Instagram : @yukodeneuvillecoach

Facebook : @Yuko Deneuville

LinkedIn: @Yuko Deneuville

🌐 www.yukodeneuville.com

Bloom. Anytime, anywhere 🌸

Youtube: @Yuko Deneuville

If you'd like to have a chat to see how I could support you live YOUR Life with NO regrets, schedule a time here 😉:

https://calendly.com/deneuville-yuko-coach/30min

Bloom. Anytime, anywhere 🌸

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Hāfu Voices - Living between two worlds in Japan

This podcast is rooted in the lived reality of people known in Japan as “Hāfu”, individuals of mixed heritage whose identities are shaped by movement between cultures, languages, and social expectations.

Being “Hāfu" in Japan is a distinct experience, marked by visibility, labeling, and constant negotiation of belonging.

Although the word "Hāfu / Half" can feel reductive or painful, it remains the commonly used term in Japan, and this project chooses to engage with it honestly rather than erase it.

Led by a host who is herself half Japanese and French, the podcast becomes both a personal and collective exploration of identity.

From early childhood, identity is shown not as a choice, but as something imposed and divided. Growing up between France and Japan, the host lived under two names, Laurence outside the home, Yuko inside, embodying two identities from the very beginning. Language, too, became a site of loss and adaptation: encouraged to abandon Japanese in early childhood to “fit in,” she later returned to Japan unable to speak her mother’s language, only to be labeled foreign once again.

Physical appearance, language gaps, and cultural expectations meant never fully being seen as Japanese in Japan, nor fully French in France. This back-and-forth, wanting to belong but never fully being allowed to, defined much of childhood and adolescence.

Over time, however, identity shifted from fragmentation to ownership. Choosing to use the name Yuko everywhere became a turning point unification of self rather than a performance for others. What once felt like a burden gradually revealed itself as a gift: multilingualism, cultural fluency, emotional adaptability, and a deep capacity to understand difference.

Yet the podcast does not romanticize this journey.

Through interviews with other Hāfu individuals, Japanese and French, American, African, Korean, or otherwise, it acknowledges that for many, the struggle continues into adulthood. Some still carry pain, confusion, or rejection tied to their identity.

The podcast gives space to both realities: the challenges and the gifts.

Conducted in French, English, or Japanese depending on the guest, each conversation prioritizes comfort, authenticity, and nuance. By inviting people to speak in their own language and from their own lived truth, the project becomes a platform for reflection, healing, and connection.

Its deeper intention is to question labels, explore how identity is shaped and reshaped over time, and ultimately help listeners, especially those who feel divided or unseen, move toward self-acceptance. Through shared stories, the podcast seeks to transform the idea of being "Hāfu" into something whole.

It is an invitation to realize that wether we are Hāfu, multicultural or simply have questions around our Identity, we are all unique.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Hāfu Voices - Living between two worlds in Japan

Being “Hāfu" in Japan is a distinct experience, marked by visibility, labeling, and constant negotiation of belonging.

Although the word "Hāfu / Half" can feel reductive or painful, it remains the commonly used term in Japan, and this project chooses to engage with it honestly rather than erase it.

Led by a host who is herself half Japanese and French, the podcast becomes both a personal and collective exploration of identity.

Yet the podcast does not romanticize this journey.

The podcast gives space to both realities: the challenges and the gifts.

It is an invitation to realize that wether we are Hāfu, multicultural or simply have questions around our Identity, we are all unique.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

In this episode of “Half of Voices,” Yuko Deneuville sits down with Ken Duenwald to explore the realities of growing up hafu, half Japanese and half Caucasian, in the United States.

Born and raised in San Francisco and now living in California, Ken shares his personal journey of navigating identity, belonging, language, family expectations, and multicultural life.

Ken opens up about:

✨ Growing up half Japanese in America

✨ Feeling “between worlds”

✨ His relationship with Japanese culture and language

✨ Attending the HAPA Japan event in Los Angeles

✨ Experiences of connection, exclusion, and self-acceptance

✨ Raising a multicultural child today

✨ Advice for mixed-race individuals and parents

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about identity, heritage, and embracing every part of who we are.

#Hafu #double #HalfJapanese #MixedRaceIdentity #Multicultural #JapaneseAmerican #Hapa #Japan #international

I believe that we all have different experiences and by sharing it openly, we could help other Hāfu, multicultural people and simply people who are questioning their identities.

So if you are interested in sharing your experience, please contact me at yuko@yukodeneuville.com

With Gratitude, Yuko

If you are looking for gentleness, momentum, freedom, and authenticity: welcome here. ✨

Instagram : @yukodeneuvillecoach

Facebook : @Yuko Deneuville

LinkedIn: @Yuko Deneuville

🌐 www.yukodeneuville.com

Bloom. Anytime, anywhere 🌸

Youtube: @Yuko Deneuville

If you'd like to have a chat to see how I could support you live YOUR Life with NO regrets, schedule a time here 😉:

https://calendly.com/deneuville-yuko-coach/30min

Bloom. Anytime, anywhere 🌸

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Hāfu Voices - Living between two worlds in Japan

Being “Hāfu" in Japan is a distinct experience, marked by visibility, labeling, and constant negotiation of belonging.

Although the word "Hāfu / Half" can feel reductive or painful, it remains the commonly used term in Japan, and this project chooses to engage with it honestly rather than erase it.

Led by a host who is herself half Japanese and French, the podcast becomes both a personal and collective exploration of identity.

Yet the podcast does not romanticize this journey.

The podcast gives space to both realities: the challenges and the gifts.

It is an invitation to realize that wether we are Hāfu, multicultural or simply have questions around our Identity, we are all unique.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Hāfu Voices - Living between two worlds in Japan

Being “Hāfu" in Japan is a distinct experience, marked by visibility, labeling, and constant negotiation of belonging.

Although the word "Hāfu / Half" can feel reductive or painful, it remains the commonly used term in Japan, and this project chooses to engage with it honestly rather than erase it.

Led by a host who is herself half Japanese and French, the podcast becomes both a personal and collective exploration of identity.

Yet the podcast does not romanticize this journey.

The podcast gives space to both realities: the challenges and the gifts.

It is an invitation to realize that wether we are Hāfu, multicultural or simply have questions around our Identity, we are all unique.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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Description

In this episode of “Half of Voices,” Yuko Deneuville sits down with Ken Duenwald to explore the realities of growing up hafu, half Japanese and half Caucasian, in the United States.

Born and raised in San Francisco and now living in California, Ken shares his personal journey of navigating identity, belonging, language, family expectations, and multicultural life.

Ken opens up about:

✨ Growing up half Japanese in America

✨ Feeling “between worlds”

✨ His relationship with Japanese culture and language

✨ Attending the HAPA Japan event in Los Angeles

✨ Experiences of connection, exclusion, and self-acceptance

✨ Raising a multicultural child today

✨ Advice for mixed-race individuals and parents

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about identity, heritage, and embracing every part of who we are.

#Hafu #double #HalfJapanese #MixedRaceIdentity #Multicultural #JapaneseAmerican #Hapa #Japan #international

I believe that we all have different experiences and by sharing it openly, we could help other Hāfu, multicultural people and simply people who are questioning their identities.

So if you are interested in sharing your experience, please contact me at yuko@yukodeneuville.com

With Gratitude, Yuko

If you are looking for gentleness, momentum, freedom, and authenticity: welcome here. ✨

Instagram : @yukodeneuvillecoach

Facebook : @Yuko Deneuville

LinkedIn: @Yuko Deneuville

🌐 www.yukodeneuville.com

Bloom. Anytime, anywhere 🌸

Youtube: @Yuko Deneuville

If you'd like to have a chat to see how I could support you live YOUR Life with NO regrets, schedule a time here 😉:

https://calendly.com/deneuville-yuko-coach/30min

Bloom. Anytime, anywhere 🌸

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Hāfu Voices - Living between two worlds in Japan

Being “Hāfu" in Japan is a distinct experience, marked by visibility, labeling, and constant negotiation of belonging.

Although the word "Hāfu / Half" can feel reductive or painful, it remains the commonly used term in Japan, and this project chooses to engage with it honestly rather than erase it.

Led by a host who is herself half Japanese and French, the podcast becomes both a personal and collective exploration of identity.

Yet the podcast does not romanticize this journey.

The podcast gives space to both realities: the challenges and the gifts.

It is an invitation to realize that wether we are Hāfu, multicultural or simply have questions around our Identity, we are all unique.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Hāfu Voices - Living between two worlds in Japan

Being “Hāfu" in Japan is a distinct experience, marked by visibility, labeling, and constant negotiation of belonging.

Although the word "Hāfu / Half" can feel reductive or painful, it remains the commonly used term in Japan, and this project chooses to engage with it honestly rather than erase it.

Led by a host who is herself half Japanese and French, the podcast becomes both a personal and collective exploration of identity.

Yet the podcast does not romanticize this journey.

The podcast gives space to both realities: the challenges and the gifts.

It is an invitation to realize that wether we are Hāfu, multicultural or simply have questions around our Identity, we are all unique.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

In this episode of “Half of Voices,” Yuko Deneuville sits down with Ken Duenwald to explore the realities of growing up hafu, half Japanese and half Caucasian, in the United States.

Born and raised in San Francisco and now living in California, Ken shares his personal journey of navigating identity, belonging, language, family expectations, and multicultural life.

Ken opens up about:

✨ Growing up half Japanese in America

✨ Feeling “between worlds”

✨ His relationship with Japanese culture and language

✨ Attending the HAPA Japan event in Los Angeles

✨ Experiences of connection, exclusion, and self-acceptance

✨ Raising a multicultural child today

✨ Advice for mixed-race individuals and parents

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about identity, heritage, and embracing every part of who we are.

#Hafu #double #HalfJapanese #MixedRaceIdentity #Multicultural #JapaneseAmerican #Hapa #Japan #international

I believe that we all have different experiences and by sharing it openly, we could help other Hāfu, multicultural people and simply people who are questioning their identities.

So if you are interested in sharing your experience, please contact me at yuko@yukodeneuville.com

With Gratitude, Yuko

If you are looking for gentleness, momentum, freedom, and authenticity: welcome here. ✨

Instagram : @yukodeneuvillecoach

Facebook : @Yuko Deneuville

LinkedIn: @Yuko Deneuville

🌐 www.yukodeneuville.com

Bloom. Anytime, anywhere 🌸

Youtube: @Yuko Deneuville

If you'd like to have a chat to see how I could support you live YOUR Life with NO regrets, schedule a time here 😉:

https://calendly.com/deneuville-yuko-coach/30min

Bloom. Anytime, anywhere 🌸

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Hāfu Voices - Living between two worlds in Japan

Being “Hāfu" in Japan is a distinct experience, marked by visibility, labeling, and constant negotiation of belonging.

Although the word "Hāfu / Half" can feel reductive or painful, it remains the commonly used term in Japan, and this project chooses to engage with it honestly rather than erase it.

Led by a host who is herself half Japanese and French, the podcast becomes both a personal and collective exploration of identity.

Yet the podcast does not romanticize this journey.

The podcast gives space to both realities: the challenges and the gifts.

It is an invitation to realize that wether we are Hāfu, multicultural or simply have questions around our Identity, we are all unique.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Hāfu Voices - Living between two worlds in Japan

Being “Hāfu" in Japan is a distinct experience, marked by visibility, labeling, and constant negotiation of belonging.

Although the word "Hāfu / Half" can feel reductive or painful, it remains the commonly used term in Japan, and this project chooses to engage with it honestly rather than erase it.

Led by a host who is herself half Japanese and French, the podcast becomes both a personal and collective exploration of identity.

Yet the podcast does not romanticize this journey.

The podcast gives space to both realities: the challenges and the gifts.

It is an invitation to realize that wether we are Hāfu, multicultural or simply have questions around our Identity, we are all unique.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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