Sasaki learned she was both Japanese and American through two distinct experiences: her parents informed her of her Japanese heritage, and a later argument with a peer led to her realization of her American identity.
Understanding Her Japanese Heritage
From an early age, Sasaki's parents explicitly conveyed her Japanese background. They told her she was "Nihonjin," which is the Japanese term for a person of Japanese nationality or descent. This direct communication established her initial understanding of her ethnic roots.
Realizing Her American Identity
Her awareness of being American, however, came unexpectedly. It was during an argument with a Chinese American girl that Sasaki had a profound realization. She reflected, "It had never occurred to me that Lucinda was American. That I too, was American." This pivotal moment marked her understanding that she also shared an American identity, just like the other girl she was arguing with.
The following table summarizes the two ways Sasaki learned about her dual identity:
| Identity Aspect | How It Was Learned | Key Event/Source |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | Directly communicated by her parents | Parents' explicit statement "Nihonjin" |
| American | Realized during an interaction with another American | Argument with a Chinese American girl |
