Those in Japan with dual Japanese-foreign roots are struggling with "non-malicious" unintentional forms of discrimination in their daily lives.

This was the finding in a questionnaire by Ritsumeikan University-affiliated sociology researcher Lawrence Yoshitaka Shimoji and others. Among the 448 respondents, 98% had experienced microaggressions -- subtle negative speech and behavior slighting an individual's gender, race or sexual orientation, among other traits. Even when these words or actions are not overtly discriminatory, they can damage a person's dignity.

There are estimated to be around 840,000 children in Japan with a mother or father of foreign nationality. However, the actual number of people with foreign roots is believed to be higher since this figure excludes instances where Japanese nationality has been acquired by both parents.

Some of the microaggressions cited by respondents included passengers avoiding sitting next to them on trains or restaurant staffers taking on a brusque attitude. In at least one case, bank staff repeatedly asked a person to show their foreign residence card even after the person explained they had Japanese nationality.

There have also been instances of outright discrimination. At a job interview, one respondent was told, "We don't hire foreigners, so go home." Another said they were refused a rental home contract just after airing their foreign name.

Experiences like these deeply scar those affected. The ratio of such people who've felt severely mentally unwell within the past month was 47.18% in this survey, over five times the level recorded in a national survey by the health, labor and welfare ministry. Reportedly, many self-harm or even attempt suicide.

At the root of such microaggressions is "lookism," or judging people solely by their appearance, and a deep-seated discriminatory mindset toward foreigners. In many cases, people hurt others without even being aware of their own prejudices.

What can be done to prevent this? According to experts, it is important that others point out on the spot when they notice microaggressions. If one's own words or acts have been called out, it's crucial for individuals to apologize for their thoughtless behavior and be considerate of the other person's feelings.

It's deeply important to be aware that anyone can hold biases and prejudices. Lending our ears to those who are in pain and reflecting on ourselves will surely be one step toward building a society that respects diversity.