Leila Kissa Kashiwakura, pictured during a rehearsal, grew up facing repeated questions about her identity. She would often respond, "I’m not a fast runner," "I’m not good at English," and "I was born and raised in Japan." Now 25, she works as a lawyer, focusing on cases that affect foreign nationals. Her background is a blend of cultures, with a father from Mali in West Africa and a Japanese mother.
During her childhood, Kashiwakura experienced hurtful comments from classmates, who would say things to her that they wouldn't say to others. She kept these experiences to herself, not wanting to upset her parents, especially knowing the challenges her father faced. To cope, she and her brother would immerse themselves in anime, finding strength and solace in the characters. This led her to the realization that she could only be herself, and that was enough.
Kashiwakura pursued her passion for art, attending Nihon University College of Art with the goal of becoming an anime creator. A news report about a Nigerian man who died in a Japanese immigration facility, after refusing deportation, deeply affected her. The man's situation resonated with her, reminding her of her father. This experience sparked a desire to protect others, leading her to study law while still in university. She successfully passed the bar exam while in law school.
Today, Kashiwakura works as a lawyer, primarily assisting foreign nationals. She is one of the few lawyers in Japan with a foreign heritage. This sometimes leads to assumptions and challenges, such as being asked to undergo bag checks at work. However, she also finds that some foreign clients are visibly relieved to see her. She has come to embrace her appearance.
Kashiwakura is concerned about the rise of the "Japanese First" sentiment in society. She reflects on the complexities of prejudice, drawing inspiration from the manga "Attack on Titan," where those who are discriminated against can, in turn, become discriminators. She is inspired by a quote from the manga about breaking the cycle of hatred. She also remembers the words of a refugee who said that sharing food makes it taste better. She hopes to build a society that embraces this sentiment.
Square Roots" in Tokyo. In the play, she will portray a high school student of African descent. The play, which has been running since 1994, explores the experiences of children with foreign roots in Japan. Through her performance, she hopes to encourage children struggling with their identity to embrace who they are.
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