07/18/2026
I know that saying this may invite criticism—even comments like “Go back home!”—but I’m willing to accept that. People deserve to hear a wide range of perspectives, even when they challenge assumptions.
I chose to become a naturalized American citizen rather than remain a permanent resident of my birth country because it was American people who shaped me into who I am today. My closest friends, my family through marriage, and the people who have supported me intellectually and emotionally are overwhelmingly American. Their influence has been profound. Without them, I would not be the person I am now.
There were many moments when I questioned whether I wanted to continue living in the United States. Coming from a highly developed country like Japan, life would have been easier in familiar surroundings—no language barrier, no cultural friction, no constant negotiation of identity. For a long time, even after marrying my American husband, I struggled with food, cultural entertainment, and social norms here.
But whenever homesickness overwhelmed me, it was American friends who encouraged me and helped me stay grounded. One friend in particular, Henry Markwordts, often reminded me of something that stayed with me: despite its flaws, the United States is a place where people generally try to treat others with fairness. He shared his own experience of attempting to immigrate to Germany for his wife, and how difficult it was to be accepted there without perfect language fluency. His words were blunt but honest:
“In the U.S., even if you speak English with an accent, people tolerate you. In some other countries, if you don’t speak their language perfectly, they don’t treat you as fully human.”
He also said something else that stayed with me:
“In any international marriage, one spouse always gets the short end of the stick. That’s just the reality.”
Ultimately, I became a U.S. citizen because my husband strongly wanted me to have the right to vote, and because we both witnessed how quickly immigration laws can change—especially after the September 11 attacks in 2001. It was not an easy decision. It was a commitment that carried weight and consequence.
Because the choice was difficult, I want my experience to be useful to others. If sharing my story helps even one person feel seen, understood, or less alone, then it is worth telling.
