Abstract
The prevalence of individuals with two ethnic backgrounds is increasing rapidly, and this group has been emerging as a
new ethnic minority in Japan. However, much about their identity, which integrates both of their ethnic backgrounds,
is not fully understood. This article was based on data obtained in interviews with 13 residents of Japan who had two
ethnic backgrounds. Data regarding integrated identity were analyzed to develop a typology and a matrix of how these
13 informants used these types. This study defined four types of integrated identity ("half," "double," "marble," and
"accurate") according to three criteria: emphasis on group boundaries, emphasis on the characteristics of their ethnic
backgrounds, and whether the individual thought that he/she met the characteristics of both his/her ethnic backgrounds
to a certain degree. An examination of the data from two informants who demonstrated a unique relationship to their
integrated identity also showed that consideration of the "positions" adopted by individuals toward these four types
enables the efficient development of an understanding of individuals.
