"Go" by Kazuki Kaneshiro: A Journey Through Identity and Belonging

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"Go" by Kazuki Kaneshiro stands out as a poignant exploration of identity, discrimination, and the search for belonging. I came across this gem quite by chance. After finishing "There's No Such Thing as an Easy Job," my Everand app recommended this audiobook to me. I'll admit, I was initially drawn in by the cover's aesthetic appeal (yes, I judge books by their covers—don't judge me 🫣)

At the heart of "Go" is Sugihara, a teenage Zainichi boy. For those unfamiliar with the term, Zainichi refers to Koreans (both North and South) living in Japan. Sugihara's backstory is deeply rooted in the complex history of Japan-Korea relations. His father was born on Jeju Island, but during World War II, Sugihara's grandparents were drafted to work in munitions factories in Japan. When the war ended, they made the decision to stay in Japan. Faced with the choice between North and South Korea, they chose North Korea, thus shaping Sugihara's identity as a North Korean Zainichi.

The novel follows Sugihara's life as a Zainichi, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the discrimination he faces from various quarters – his teachers, classmates, and society at large. Kaneshiro doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of being a minority in Japan, but what sets this book apart is the author's skillful blend of humor into the narrative. This delicate balance allows readers to engage with heavy themes without feeling overwhelmed.

While Kaneshiro describes "Go" as a love story, I found it to be much more than that. Yes, there is a romantic subplot involving Sugihara and a Japanese girl, but this feels secondary to the main narrative. The heart of the story lies in Sugihara's struggles with his identity and his place in Japanese society. It's a tale that's 70% about Sugihara's life as a Zainichi and 30% about his love story with Sakurai.

One of the most powerful aspects of the book is its exploration of Sugihara's internal conflict. Faced with constant discrimination, Sugihara fantasizes about escaping his identity:

"I'm going to Norway and become a Norwegian. I'll learn to speak Norwegian and forget this ugly Japanese language. I'm done with this place."

This desire to erase national borders and escape the confines of identity is a recurring theme:

"I'll erase these national borders someday."

"I'm tired of living feeling like I'm a part of some big system."

These sentiments resonate deeply, not just for those who have experienced discrimination, but for anyone who has felt boxed in by societal expectations or labels.

The emotional climax of the novel comes when Sugihara confronts the girl he loves, Sakurai. This scene is heart-wrenching in its raw honesty:

"I squatted down in front of her. It must have been sudden, as a tiny gasp escaped Sakurai's mouth.... Looking up and giving her a hard look, I said, "Who am I?"

The exchange that follows is a powerful indictment of the way society categorizes and labels individuals:

"After thinking about for a moment, Sakurai answered, "You're Zainichi."

Sugihara's response is a passionate outburst against the constraints of identity:

"Who cares? If you people want to call me Zainichi, go ahead! You Japanese are scared of me. Can't feel safe unless you categorize and label it, right? But you're wrong. You know what- I'm a lion. A lion has no idea he's lion. It's just a random name that you people gave him so you feel like you know all about him.... I'm not Zainichi or South Korean or North Korean or Mongoloid. Quit forcing me into those narrow categories. I'm me! Wait, I don't even want to be me anymore. I want to be free from having to be me. I'll go anywhere to find whatever thing will let me forget who I am."

Final Thoughts

While "Go" may not fit neatly into the category of a traditional love story, it's a powerful narrative that will stay with readers long after they've turned the last page. Kaneshiro has crafted a story that is at once deeply personal and universally relatable. It challenges our notions of identity, nationality, and belonging, forcing us to confront our own biases and preconceptions.

In conclusion, "Go" is more than just a coming-of-age story or a love story. It's a profound exploration of what it means to be human in a world that often seeks to define us by our backgrounds or nationalities. It's a book that will make you laugh, cry, and most importantly, think. This is a story that will remain in my heart forever, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read. 🫶

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