As I recently shared on LinkedIn, I’ve taken a significant step in my life by becoming a naturalized Japanese citizen. This decision wasn’t made lightly, and the process has led me to reflect deeply on identity, belonging, and what it means to call a place home.
First, the reasons. The most practical one was to stop being a foreigner in the country where I’ve built my life and business. Even with permanent residency, there’s still a sense of being an outsider—of not having the full rights and recognition that come with citizenship. After more than three decades in Japan, it felt right to fully commit to the place that has provided me with stability and support.
Japan has become a true home for me, but it’s a country that has undergone tremendous change, particularly after the Meiji Restoration and World War II. These transformations have shaped Japan into a modern society while retaining deep cultural traditions that have profoundly influenced my own sense of identity.
At the same time, my ties to Türkiye have grown more distant as the country has changed. This made me realize that identity isn’t singular or fixed; it’s layered and expansive, capable of integrating diverse influences over time.
I see my identity as a mosaic shaped by the rich cultural heritage of Asia Minor, from the Hittites, Phrygians, and Lycians to the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. This integration of ancient civilizations with Central Asian nomadic cultures created a unique, layered identity.
Now, after decades in Japan, its cultural influences have also become integral to who I am. Japan’s blend of tradition and modernity, shaped by both ancient heritage and Western influences, has left a lasting impression on me.
Culinary anthropologist Musa Dağdeviren once said that food has no boundaries, race, or nationality. I believe this idea applies to all aspects of culture and identity. Our identities expand and evolve as we engage with diverse experiences, becoming more inclusive and enriched.
Becoming a Japanese citizen has been more than a legal change—it’s been a chance to reflect on the fluidity of identity. I now see myself as a blend of multiple influences, shaped by Asia Minor, Central Asia, and Japan, where identity becomes a living, evolving mosaic.
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