Japanese college students in the United States: Their identity shift and acculturation styles

Abstract

This study explores the complex processes of identity shift and acculturation among Japanese college students living in the United States. As these students immerse themselves in a new culture, they reshape their existing cultural identities. By using a qualitative approach that includes semi-structured interviews, the research examines how these students negotiate and form their personalized cultural identities while adjusting to American norms and expectations. The findings highlight that Japanese students adopt a range of acculturation styles—including integration, assimilation, separation, and marginalization—depending on personal factors such as language proficiency, length of stay, personality, and the availability of support networks. Many students report a hybrid identity formation, where they begin to incorporate elements of both Japanese and American cultures. Moreover, the study emphasizes how acculturation is a dynamic and fluid experience that evolves over time. Identity shifts as well as acculturation were often seen as students navigate between Japanese and American cultural expectations. Because students face challenges such as cultural shocks, homesickness, and identity confusion are common, they experience significant personal growth, increased intercultural competence, and a broader worldview. The paper contributes to a deeper understanding of intercultural adaptation among international students and offers implications for educational institutions aiming to support their cultural and psychological adjustment.