It’s a dangerous game to throw the racism card around but this development has succeeded in getting that reaction from most corners.
A photo showing a behind-the-scenes shot from an upcoming Fuji TV show has idol group Momoiro Clover Z and veterans Rats & Star posing in blackface.
New York Times reporter Hiroko Tabuchi and others shared the photo on Twitter and it has since gone viral.
Momoiro Clover Z are immensely popular right now, often appearing in mainstream TV commercials for major brands. They have previously teamed up with older music stars, such as their bizarre collaboration single with the rock band KISS.
As Kotaku points out, Rats & Star have a long history of blackface since they debuted in the 1980’s. But while Momoiro Clover Z are no strangers to costumes and dressing-up (the idol group’s concept is arguably a pastiche of anime like Sailor Moon), this is a whole new territory of role-play. Could their management really be so naive in this day and age?
Blackface in Japan is sometimes seen on television, though it is also sometimes adopted more foolishly by students and youngsters.
Unless the (online) controversy succeeds in forcing the broadcasters to change their programming, tune into Fuji TV on March 7th to see Momoiro Clover Z and Rats & Star appear together in blackface on the show “Music Fair”.
6 Comments
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Japan haven’t the same cultural background than the US.
Japan hadn’t abducted innocent africans to make them slaves.
Japan haven’t policemen shooting unarmed afroamerican civilians.
Japan is not that naive to the discrimination and disrespectful way that African American are being treated so why would they continue such ignorance? I am sure they would’t think it so entertaining if others would dress up with slanted eyes masks and buck teeth portraying their race. Treat others the way you would want to be treated, it simple!
I find it offensive and ludicrous that a country such as Japan would hold onto such racist and idiotic representations of a particular race of people. How odd and backwards. I doubt they (Japanese) would like a racist representation of their people. Why oh why are they so hateful towards people of color? Do they believe the lies that the American Media perpetuates? Are they not intelligent people? Do they not see that the same culture (Western) that has brainwashed THEM has also harmed others? I find this highly disappointing. When will THEY evolve? I know the Japanese culture is highly homogeneous but the world is rapidly changing, everyone will do good to KEEP UP.
“the idol group’s concept is arguably a pastiche of anime like Sailor Moon”. Sailor Moon is based on toksatsu heroes in the first. Momoiro Clover Z is base on the same concept, so please, please shut the fuck up!
The guy in the red shirt looks like Miles Davis. :-D