"Foreigners are already a minority in Japan, so the Pacific Island population is even smaller."

That's how Japan-based Anna Siafolau (Vailoa Palauli, Faleatiu and Salelologa) explains her motivation for creating an Instagram page, pacificislandersinjapan, which has captured over 100 Pacific people's experiences in Japan.

Returning for her first visit in Aotearoa since moving to Japan in 2021, Siafolau spoke to William Terite on Pacific Mornings, and wants her page to be a beacon for Pacific peoples living in Japan and away from family.

"I wanted to make a page that shows we're here, we exist, we have our own space," Siafolau said.

"There are so many rugby players [in Japan] with their spouses and their families. They're a considerable number, as well as others teaching English.

"So there are quite a few Pacific Islanders in Japan compared to other countries."

Siafolau’s interest in Japan started from anime. Once she discovered it was Japanese, Siafolau began self-learning Japanese in intermediate, then continued her studies at Manurewa High School, before graduating from AUT with a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese.

Siafolou now teaches English in Saitama, Japan under the Japanese Exchange and Teaching program.

She said the idea for pacificislandersinjapan came from a friend, who said it would be good for Pacific peoples in Japan to have a communal space to connect as "we're all scattered across the country".

The magnetic nature of Japan for Pacific peoples

Since starting the passion project in 2022, Siafolau has seen an increase in audience numbers and engagement to 800 followers.

She said the attraction is the crossover of values between Japanese and Pacific culture.

"They're big on respect, accountability, and not just respecting people but the spaces they go in. There's also a big culture of politeness, keeping the peace and not being too aggressive.

"Their culture is still different from our own [which is why] it's fascinating for Pacific Islanders. There's also a lot of Pacific Islanders that like anime."

'At least throw on a Siva Tau!': A mock-haka and a bad medical experience

While living in Japan, Siafolau experienced a series of seizures that put her in hospital several times.

During one episode, ambulance staff discovered she was from New Zealand which they knew through "rugby" and "haka".

Siafolau said while she experienced a seizure, one of the staff began doing haka gestures.

"I was like 'what is going on, are these not professionals?' I was tired from everything and then on top of that, I was confused and slightly offended."

Siafolau made a formal complaint to the hospital, who apologised and asked how they could improve. She suggested a "cultural refresh" on identifying what is and is not appropriate when caring for people of different cultures.

"Apparently, the guy wasn't trying to do it in a mocking way. [They said] he was trying to encourage me through doing the haka.

"I don't know whether or not that's the truth but that's the excuse that he gave them but I don't buy it.

"I'm Sāmoan, at least throw on a Siva Tau! If you're going to be culturally insensitive get it right," she joked.

Siafolau described the experience as one of her lowest points of her life, which shook her willingness to stay in Japan and made her miss her family and support system in Aotearoa.

"But after I recovered I think it made me a bit stronger and I realised I'm more resilient than I think I am. So, now I'm more motivated to stay in Japan because I know I can do it.

“I can see myself staying there as well. I really enjoy it.”

The hardship of being away from home

Although Siafolau's heart is set on Japan, she said it's still hard for her family, especially since she's the eldest of 18 grandchildren on her mother's side.

"It's been rough. My younger cousins have all grown up since I've been away and coming back they're not who they were when I left them.

"When you move to Japan you don't realise that time doesn't stop for you. So, the way that you leave New Zealand, it's not going to be the same when you come back."

'Don't doubt yourself': Take the leap, go there

To Pacific peoples wanting to visit or live in other parts of the world, but are afraid to do so, Siafolau encourages them to "go for it".

"I think what holds people back is the fear of leaving behind people or losing their support system.

"Your support system isn't going anywhere, they'll be here, and you'll always have a base to come back to.

"Moving overseas helps you grow and you can't grow without a little discomfort. Don't doubt yourself, that hinders your growth, so just do it."

This article was first published by the Pacific Media Network.