Living in Korea for the past seven years has been an enriching journey, especially as a Japanese expatriate. This journey took an even more beautiful turn with the arrival of our twin babies, who are now 10 months old. As a family, we’re navigating the unique and exciting path of introducing our children to both Japanese and Korean traditions, blending these rich cultures in our daily lives.
From the moment our twins were born, we were keen on ensuring they grew up with an appreciation and understanding of their mixed heritage. Japan and Korea, despite their geographical proximity, have distinct cultures, each with its own set of traditions, beliefs, and practices. As parents from two different cultural backgrounds, we see this as an opportunity to create a harmonious blend of these traditions in our home.
One of the first traditions we introduced to our children was the Japanese ‘Omiyamairi’. Traditionally, this ceremony is performed when a baby is around one month old. It’s a special visit to a Shinto shrine to express gratitude to the deities for the safe delivery and health of the baby. We also plan to celebrate their first birthday with the Korean ‘Doljanchi’, a vibrant and elaborate celebration, marking the first year of life, a significant milestone in Korean culture.
Meal times are a blend of Japanese and Korean cuisines. We believe that food is a fantastic medium for cultural exchange. Our babies are already showing a liking for both Japanese rice and Korean kimchi. This early exposure to diverse tastes not only nurtures their palate but also instills in them an appreciation for the culinary diversity of their heritage.
Language plays a crucial role in connecting with one’s culture. Hence, we speak both Japanese and Korean at home. We read them folktales and sing lullabies in both languages. We hope this bilingual environment will enable them to communicate effortlessly with both sides of their family and also appreciate the literary richness of both cultures.
Festivals and holidays are times of great excitement in our household. We celebrate traditional Japanese festivals like ‘Tanabata’ and ‘Setsubun’, as well as Korean holidays like ‘Chuseok’ and ‘Seollal’. These celebrations are not just about fun and food; they are also about teaching our children the stories and histories behind these festivals, thus deepening their understanding of their heritage.
We also plan to involve them in traditional arts and crafts of both cultures. Activities like origami, ikebana from Japan, and Korean calligraphy and kite-making are not only fun but also help in developing their fine motor skills and artistic senses.
Our journey of cultural blending extends beyond our home. We take our children to both Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. We visit cultural festivals and museums in Korea and plan to do the same in Japan. This exposure to religious and historical sites will, we hope, instill in them a sense of respect and understanding for both cultures.
In conclusion, as we introduce our children to the beautiful tapestry of Japanese and Korean traditions, our aim is not just to preserve these customs but to instill in our children a sense of identity and belonging to both cultures. We believe that this unique upbringing will enable them to grow up as individuals who respect diversity and appreciate the richness of their heritage.
Atsushi's Life in Korea 