A Hafu is somebody who is Half Japanese.

The word Hafu comes from the English word "half" indicating half foreignness. The label emerged in the 1970s in Japan and is now the most commonly used label and preferred term of self-definition. You hear half-Japanese persons introducing themselves by saying "I’m Hafu (Hafu desu)”. Hafu has become almost like a nation or an ethnic group of some sort within Japan. Hafu is not only a description but an entity in itself.

In modern Japan, the Hafu image projects an ideal type; English ability, international cultural experience, western physical features - tall with long legs, small head/face, yet often looking Japanese enough for the majority to feel comfortable with.

Yet the label Hafu highlights the genetic make up of half Japanese people, emphasizing the existence of foreign blood. Fashionable images of half Japanese people have become prominent especially with the increased appearance of Hafus in the Japanese media. Hafus now fill the pages of fashion magazines such as Non-no, Can Can or Vivi equivalent to Teen Vogue or Elle in Europe. Hafu models are frequently seen on TV screens often in the role of newsreaders, celebrities or DJs. To name a few, these include people like Becky (American/Japanese) - a young celebrity, Christel Takigawa (French/Japanese) - a newscaster, Kaela Kimura (British/Japanese) and Anna Umemiya (American/Japanese) - both well-known models. The appearance of Hafus in the media has provided the basis for a vivid image of half Japanese people.