Yasser

Who is Yasser?

Yasser was born and raised in Syria until the Syrian War caused him and his family to take refuge in Japan. Even a glance at his experiences of growing up in Syria and subsequent refugee journey to Japan deepens the understanding of who Yasser is, not only as a refugee. This page introduces Yasser by exploring his religion, family, and passion for soccer, the three pillars of his life. It illustrates his life experiences to show his spiritual, family-oriented, and passionate personality. The following sections of the website further explore with more information about Yasser and refugee matters in Syria and Japan.

Growing Up Under Assad’s Regime

For Yasser, growing up in Syria meant living under the oppressive regime by the Assad family. The hostility shared with other thousands of Syrians eventually led to a revolution in 2011, which turned into a complex, international crisis that has lasted until this very day (as of August, 2021). This page presents Yasser’s stories of growing up under Assad’s regime from his childhood to the day he decided to leave Syria in 2013, supplemented with additional information on the historical and political background.

Forced to a New Life

Left with no choice but to flee the only life he has ever known, Yasser packed twenty-one years of his life and embarked on his refugee journey. He spent 8 months in Egypt unable to continue his ‘normal’ life, forcing him and his family to head to Lebanon to acquire a visa to come to Japan with the support of his uncle who was married to a Japanese. In Japan, Yasser had to adapt to his new life as he applied, awaited, and received refugee recognition. Living life as a refugee, Yasser also talks about his perspective on the refugee situation in Japan.

First Role for Many Actors: Waiters

Had not really worked in Syria – apart from his bank internship – Yasser was forced to work in order to financially sustain himself as well as his family in an entirely new environment after fleeing his home country. After receiving his work permit as a recognised refugee in Japan, Yasser began working in numerous job sectors starting from his work as a restaurant staff in 2014 and now, a full-time actor. In this section, Yasser reflects on his progress in climbing his career ladder by being the main character – a recognised refugee in Japan – placed in different settings, showing how the Japanese society views him and his identity.

Honne on Home

Honne (本音) is a Japanese word that means ‘true feelings’. Having been forced to flee his home country, Syria, to adapt and create a new life for himself in Japan, Yasser’s true feelings on the meaning of home has evolved throughout the years.

Team

An introduction to the team members who worked with Yasser.