Random Nihonjin Video of the Day

[GomiGirl]

Basically this is just lame advertising.

Interesting commentary on this video here.

Are You Kidding Me? Toshiba’s New Stereotype Cooker

Toshiba promotes its SuiPanDa rice cooker-bread maker combo machine by dressing up a Japanese woman in a blond wig and fake nose … because eating bread changes your appearance and makes you speak Japanese with a fake foreign accent. Rice is Japanese, she says, but bread is Western.

Just to make sure that viewers know that this woman is gaijin, they also use katakana for her subtitles. (Katakana is used in writing foreign words in Japanese.)

Heaven help us if Toshiba expands its devices to include other types of food, like fried chicken, tortillas, or anything else “foreign.”

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

Basically this is just lame advertising.

Interesting commentary on this video here.

Are You Kidding Me? Toshiba’s New Stereotype Cooker

Toshiba promotes its SuiPanDa rice cooker-bread maker combo machine by dressing up a Japanese woman in a blond wig and fake nose … because eating bread changes your appearance and makes you speak Japanese with a fake foreign accent. Rice is Japanese, she says, but bread is Western.

Just to make sure that viewers know that this woman is gaijin, they also use katakana for her subtitles. (Katakana is used in writing foreign words in Japanese.)

Heaven help us if Toshiba expands its devices to include other types of food, like fried chicken, tortillas, or anything else “foreign.”

This kind of overt racism has been going on for decades on Japanese TV. I prefer the less easy to see side, like the number of foreigners in executive positions, or even hired on the same employment terms as Japanese. Of course, they've got to start looking after women, the elderly, disabled, descendants of outcasts (who may or may not include the children of foreigners who arrived here several generations ago), etc., etc., etc.
I'd better "shaddap," before one of the cuntry's overseas representatives tells me to "shuddap and stop laughing" because Japan is among the world's leading nations for human rights.

[Samurai_Jerk]

Basically this is just lame advertising.

Interesting commentary on this video here.

Are You Kidding Me? Toshiba’s New Stereotype Cooker

Toshiba promotes its SuiPanDa rice cooker-bread maker combo machine by dressing up a Japanese woman in a blond wig and fake nose … because eating bread changes your appearance and makes you speak Japanese with a fake foreign accent. Rice is Japanese, she says, but bread is Western.

Just to make sure that viewers know that this woman is gaijin, they also use katakana for her subtitles. (Katakana is used in writing foreign words in Japanese.)

Heaven help us if Toshiba expands its devices to include other types of food, like fried chicken, tortillas, or anything else “foreign.”

This kind of overt racism has been going on for decades on Japanese TV. I prefer the less easy to see side, like the number of foreigners in executive positions, or even hired on the same employment terms as Japanese. Of course, they've got to start looking after women, the elderly, disabled, descendants of outcasts (who may or may not include the children of foreigners who arrived here several generations ago), etc., etc., etc.
I'd better "shaddap," before one of the cuntry's overseas representatives tells me to "shuddap and stop laughing" because Japan is among the world's leading nations for human rights.

It looks like they already took the video down.

[BigInJapan]

It looks like they already took the video down.

I came across it earlier on Reddit, and Kotaku has mirrored it here.

[matsuki]

I wonder how much of a hit Toshiba will take for this "playful racism" as word gets out overseas...

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

Were it not for all the needless "Wolf" crying over the years, this would have been an interesting case for someone like Deadbeato to get onto (which I note from BIJ's kind reference to Kotaku that he already has).
Toshiba won't cop any flak from this. Why would they?
I remember in my early days in this cuntry in the late '80s there was outcry about the sale of Dakko-chan sambo dolls for their racist depiction of Africans. The Japanese pleaded ignorance, begged for apologies and withdrew the dolls, Little Black Sambo and other racist materials from the market....until people's eyes were averted and then they slowly re-introduced everything, bit-by-bit. I think, even now, that you can buy all the once-contraband nigaa guzzu.
I'm sure Toshiba will get away with explaining it's video as a harmless joke, or even the more loathsome "misinterpretation" or "cultural misunderstanding." It will bow its head in contrition and promise to never do anything similar again and that will be it even though its employees and associates will still chuckle when something like this makes its almost daily appearance on the idiot box.
And, so what?
It's offensive, but not nearly as offensive as the other forms of complete disrespect this cuntry shows long-term contributors born elsewhere. Rather than getting pent up and angry at a display of blatant Japanese ignorance and stupidity, it would be better to direct that ire toward a far deeper entrenched racism that pervades this cuntry.
By the way, wasn't that Mr. Yunioshi in the video? Can't tell, these people all look the same....

[Samurai_Jerk]

I wonder how much of a hit Toshiba will take for this "playful racism" as word gets out overseas...

None though I'm pretty sure that's why they took the video off Youtube.

[matsuki]

Were it not for all the needless "Wolf" crying over the years, this would have been an interesting case for someone like Deadbeato to get onto (which I note from BIJ's kind reference to Kotaku that he already has).
Toshiba won't cop any flak from this. Why would they?
I remember in my early days in this cuntry in the late '80s there was outcry about the sale of Dakko-chan sambo dolls for their racist depiction of Africans. The Japanese pleaded ignorance, begged for apologies and withdrew the dolls, Little Black Sambo and other racist materials from the market....until people's eyes were averted and then they slowly re-introduced everything, bit-by-bit. I think, even now, that you can buy all the once-contraband nigaa guzzu.
I'm sure Toshiba will get away with explaining it's video as a harmless joke, or even the more loathsome "misinterpretation" or "cultural misunderstanding." It will bow its head in contrition and promise to never do anything similar again and that will be it even though its employees and associates will still chuckle when something like this makes its almost daily appearance on the idiot box.
And, so what?
It's offensive, but not nearly as offensive as the other forms of complete disrespect this cuntry shows long-term contributors born elsewhere. Rather than getting pent up and angry at a display of blatant Japanese ignorance and stupidity, it would be better to direct that ire toward a far deeper entrenched racism that pervades this cuntry.
By the way, wasn't that Mr. Yunioshi in the video? Can't tell, these people all look the same....

I posted it on facebook and nearly everyone seems not to be offended.....and I guess I would probably laugh it off too if I didn't know that most Japanese actually believe they got the stereotypes right, it's not offensive and it's actually funny. (I did find it funny while watching it muted...the bitches FG hand gestures really pop when you aren't cringing at her speaking) I agree, something like this is the least of FG troubles, I think it just rubs me wrong because it's reflective of how Japanese view foreigners in general.

[Yokohammer]

To be honest, this really doesn't bother me that much personally.

At the same time I do understand the logic behind saying that it's damaging in the sense that it promulgates stereotypes that reinforce the line between "us" and "them," which in a way validates more base discrimination and exclusionary practices.

I note that Debito is already frothing at the mouth over this one, but I just can't get that worked up about it. Probably because the "foreigner" character isn't exactly being portrayed as an asshole. It's just a caricature.

On the other hand, if you characterize the Japanese by portraying them as short bandy-legged individuals with buck teeth, slitty eyes, and round wire-rim glasses (etc. etc.) a large number will be very offended indeed, and you will be branded as a racist while TV programming like the commercial in question plays unquestioned in the background. Big glaring double standard there.

Once again, it's an education thing. If people aren't taught that discrimination is wrong, and what actually constitutes discrimination, they just don't get it.

EDIT: While I'm here I should probably point out something that really does bother me lately: the increasing instances of the Japanese complimenting themselves on their Japaneseness in the media: "The Japanese are so sensitive," or "the Japanese are so clever," or "this is something that only a Japanese person could have done" ... etc. There are smart, sensitive Japanese, to be sure, but the trend to paint those characteristics as racial and innate are pretty disgusting, and they most definitely do promulgate a sense of racial superiority which is very damaging.

[Coligny]

EDIT: While I'm here I should probably point out something that really does bother me lately: the increasing instances of the Japanese complimenting themselves on their Japaneseness in the media: "The Japanese are so sensitive," or "the Japanese are so clever," or "this is something that only a Japanese person could have done" ... etc. There are smart, sensitive Japanese, to be sure, but the trend to paint those characteristics as racial and innate are pretty disgusting, and they most definitely do promulgate a sense of racial superiority which is very damaging.

I unfortunately agree with the old people... (even the 'before the quote' thing)

Their J-Pride being even more unbearable when back home the nationnal sport is to guilt-shit on anything French and say that other country are better superior and shit... Guilt-counter-racism or positive-racism is still racism...

Also, pretty sure that Dekko Chan is a 70' thing... Me bitch had one... and... checking with her birthdate... well... let's not go there shall we... I actually have near 0 chance for a new Mercobenz, I don't want that propability to enter the negative territory...

MORE ALSO:

FUCK YOU GOOGLE, THIS IS NOT WHAT I WANT TO SEE WHEN I GOOGLE "DEKKO CHAN"

images.jpg

(shit made me le horny nao...)

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

EDIT: While I'm here I should probably point out something that really does bother me lately: the increasing instances of the Japanese complimenting themselves on their Japaneseness in the media: "The Japanese are so sensitive," or "the Japanese are so clever," or "this is something that only a Japanese person could have done" ... etc. There are smart, sensitive Japanese, to be sure, but the trend to paint those characteristics as racial and innate are pretty disgusting, and they most definitely do promulgate a sense of racial superiority which is very damaging.

I'm not a great TV watcher, but this is something I've always felt about Japan...except during the height of the bubble, when it was common for people to be very in-you-face about the superiority of the Japanese economic model and very dismissive when I showed an interest in anything "traditionally" Japanese. I can recall one occasion where a local derided traditional Japanese culture as "primitive," which made me sit up and take notice as I'd never heard a Japanese speak so harshly of Japan before. Japan was much more Westernized then, with almost no kimono visible bar the madams learning the tea ceremony or yukata at summer festivals and things like jinrikisha were nowhere to be found. Nationalist arrogance was as pervasive as it is today, but then it seemed they might be right.

Now, it seems like a defensive clutch at something safe and reassuring (failing to take into account how that worked out in the past, but you can't blame people for that when they're deliberately not taught about that). It smacks of desperation. I've also noticed old-time weaboo naturalizing in their droves, many of them with Ivy League backgrounds who've lived privileged lives here, and they seem to be doing what they can to further the cause of "unique and exceptional Japan."

Let Japan go it on its own. I think it will find China to be a less benevolent power toward it than the Untied States has been.

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

Just in case nobody has seen it. The video has been re-posted on YouTube, though surprisingly not by Toshiba, which I thought would have enjoyed the free global publicity it's getting....

[sublight]

I'm sure DeadBeat is rallying his minions to go start another prick protest where they'll badger a clerk at Yodobashi Camera and then pat themselves on the back for how they stood up to institutionalized racism, just like Rosa Parks did.

Since writing to Toshiba would require actual, you know, Japanese language skills.



Incidentally, TBS is running a segment right now about some Danish artist who's been in Japan for 20-odd years. His Japanese sounds pretty fluent (as does his English), and they're using the same standard Japanese subtitles for him as for the Japanese interviewees.

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

Just in case nobody has seen it. The video has been re-posted on YouTube, though surprisingly not by Toshiba, which I thought would have enjoyed the free global publicity it's getting....

I was trying to think of what this ad reminded me of, and I've finally remembered....The shit Toshiba pulled could never go down in my cuntry! (I know they're not Japanese, but they all look the same anyway...)

Of course, putting on a funny nose is rather cute. This one went a bit too far, regardless of your opinion on the matter of scientific research...

[Coligny]

Of course, putting on a funny nose is rather cute. This one went a bit too far, regardless of your opinion on the matter of scientific research...

Too far ? it's awesome...

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

Pardon my French, but are they asking her if she shit on the floor at McDonald's or pissed in the aisle of an airplane?

[Coligny]

It's a parody of an anti alcoholism commercial.

The original show drunk people in various humiliating positions after passing out shitfaced drunk. With the slogan"have you seen yourself when you are drunk"

This one shows a beat up women victim of domestic violence with the tweaked slogan "have you seen yourself when i'm drunk". If you like being butthurt you can consider it's making fun of domestic violence. If you have one or two working brain cell you notice that they are criticizing the lack of scope of the original campaign who don't extend to the damage alcoholism do to your entourage.

Part of the humour comes from the fact that it's just a serious member in a serie of more lighthearted parody of this campaign, one of them showing a guy vomiting in the face of the girl with for slogan "have you seen yourself when I drank" and then "some Chanel number 5" (the perfume)

[Marked Trail]

[Coligny]

haven't seen that much moving corpses outside of a Romero movie for quite some times... the hairdresser is also a tranny ? (please)

[Marked Trail]

[Taro Toporific]

Remember "flash mobs"? Apparently Japan still has them...

rear-charge-explosion.jpg

http://youtu.be/j_gqZcO5YOY

...like this one that was sponsored by the JSA (Japan Swimsuit Association). http://www.fashionsnap.com/news/2013-07 ... -flashmob/

[Coligny]

A flashmob who required more logistic, preparation and less spontaneity than German's blitzkrieg over Poland during WW2 might not really qualify as a flashmob...

[Yokohammer]

I agree. This isn't a flash mob, it's a "performance."

[Cranky pre-coffee mode]
And not a very good one at that. I can't help getting the impression that it's all about the performers rather than about entertaining any audience that might just happen to be passing by ... which, when you think about it, describes quite a lot of the "entertainment" around these parts.
[/Cranky pre-coffee mode]

... I promise I'll try to be nice for the rest of the day ...

[Coligny]

I got yer pillz right here Hammerman...l

image.jpg

[matsuki]

I agree. This isn't a flash mob, it's a "performance."

[Cranky pre-coffee mode]
And not a very good one at that. I can't help getting the impression that it's all about the performers rather than about entertaining any audience that might just happen to be passing by ... which, when you think about it, describes quite a lot of the "entertainment" around these parts.
[/Cranky pre-coffee mode]

... I promise I'll try to be nice for the rest of the day ...

Yeah...like usual much has been lost in translation. It's not a "flash mob" or surprising to anyone in the area with cameramen carrying missile launcher sized cameras and filming. (that being said, no complaints....it's still bouncing boobies)

[GomiGirl]

[wagyl]

I've done similar things with baking soda, making a damper-like creation, but never with yeast. Ultimately, I find that I have more control over the cooking process and consequently better results with a frypan with a lid, and a gas hotplate with a temperature sensor.

I still have huge issues with the concept that all bread seems to have to have sugar and fat in it here, which is the main reason I wish I had the equipment and the patience to easily make my own. If you want to make a piss-weak brioche, make one, but just stop calling it bread.

And before I fall off my soapbox: 21 g of ingredients???? Because 20 g or 22 g will result in failure? Or did you just copy an American recipe with three quarters of an ounce, Ms TV Food Technologist?

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

... before I fall off my soapbox: 21 g of ingredients?????

That's (21g) supposed to be the weight of a human soul....

I can't think of bread without recalling Bornhoffen....

[GomiGirl]

OMG - I remember that ad and those lusty wenches.

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

OMG - I remember that ad and those lusty wenches.

Over 30 years ago....

This won awards globally...couldn't imagine something as overtly misogynistic would even be allowed to screen in Oz today.