In between memory and creative non- fiction – personal narratives in research.

This paper discusses the challenges of using auto-ethnography in research. I look at this method in terms of writing creatively while maintaining authority, authenticity and the process of personal interrogation of memory. .

My wider research project examines the experiences of western foreign women living in Japan during the Bubble economic period until the early 2000's. Using interviews, participant observation and personal narratives I investigate the divergent relationship between these women and Japanese culture. The foreign experience is examined through a lens of feminism, cultural understanding and the privilege and restrictions of living in this liminal state.
This research, initially focused on the stories of participants lived experience, is now to an extent being led by the researcher story of living in this culture, during this time period. This transition has emerged due to major obstacles in the interviewing process of the research process.
Using this method as creative storytelling has forced exploring more literary elements in writing and recreating my own narrative. It has also produced some inner conflict in journalistic values which include remaining objective and outside of the story and has been challenging in the process of revealing information about my personal life, in my creative work.