The story of kimchiVisočnik Gerželj, Nataša (Avtor) Korean diasporaethnic foodidentitykimchiJapanThe article examines kimchi’s transformation from a stigmatised “immigrant food” to become Japan’s most popular preserved vegetable, highlighting its role in identity negotiation among Zainichi Koreans living in Japan. Methods include ethnographic field work in Kyoto, interviews, examination of a book and website produced by a kimchi store, along with a literature review on diaspora foods with emphasis placed on the life history of Lee Yeon Soon as a central case study. The results show that kimchi is a cultural anchor and performative symbol/ portrayal of Korean identity. Even as kimchi becomes ever more mainstream, indicating Korea’s growing multiculturalism, Korean residents use it to stake a claim for identity and resist assimilation. It is concluded that food acts as a means of communication, which constructs identities and social relationships.20262026-09-02 14:02:42Neznano186511sl