Providing insights into the history, politics, ideology and daily life of North Koreans living in Japan, this ethnography is written by a woman who was raised in this closed community. She offers a view of the experience of ethnic minorities, and a glimpse into North Korean culture.

Sonia Ryang is assistant professor in anthropology at Johns Hopkins University.

Introduction: Writing About North Koreans in Japan, PART I THE SCHOOL, 1 The Performative and Its Effects, 2 From Performative to Performance, PART 2 THE HISTORY, 3 The Rise of Legitimate Identity, 4 The Structure of Coexistence, PART 3 THE SEARCH, 5 Hesitation and Transition, 6 Diaspora and Beyond, Conclusion: New Language, New Identity