Description
What does Japan’s stance on dual citizenship mean for people living between Japan and the world? In this talk, documentary filmmaker Megumi Nishikura explores this question through her personal journey growing up between Japan and the U.S., and through her work on films such as Hafu - the mixed race experience and her current documentary on Japan’s Nationality Law and dual citizenship. Drawing on years of research and filming with people who live “in between,” Nishikura shares film clips from Hafu, behind-the-scenes insights, and a sneak preview of her forthcoming film on Japan’s Nationality Law. The event invites participants to reflect on what it means to be Japanese in a global world, and to engage in an open discussion about belonging, citizenship, and the real human impact of Japan’s nationality laws. Presentation will be followed up by a reception.
This free public event will also serve as a fundraiser supporting the documentary's ongoing production. Please consider donating to help the completion the film. Donations are encouraged but not required. US tax-deductible contributions can be made here.
Megumi Nishikura is a documentary filmmaker whose work explores identity, belonging, and the cultural intersections between Japan and the world. Her feature documentary film "Hafu - the mixed race experience" screened theatrically throughout Japan and aired on PBS and NipponTV. She produced "Fall Seven Times, Get Up Eight: The Japanese War Brides," which aired globally on BBC World News. In 2019, Megumi directed and produced "Minidoka," a short film about the Japanese American internment experience during WWII, which was published by TIME magazine. She is currently making a film about Japan's Nationality Law and the dual citizenship issue in Japan. When she's not making her own films, Megumi works as a producer on docuseries for major streaming platforms.
The event is hosted by The USC Shinso Ito Center. The Ito Center’s mission is to promote the study of Japan at USC. The center fosters this area of study through support of faculty-led research and publications, public conferences and events, supporting graduate students, offering postdoctoral fellowships and hosting visiting scholars.
Among the eight major research projects supported by the Ito Center are: the Hybrid Japan Innovation Lab, focused on generating innovative solutions to the question of Japan’s role on the global stage in the 21st century and the Hapa Japan Database Project, dedicated to the study of mixed-roots Japanese people globally from both historic and contemporary perspectives.
Date & Time
Wed, Apr 22, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Venue Details
USC Davidson Conference Center, Vinyard Room
3409 South Figueroa StreetLos Angeles, California 90007
