There have been several commercials pulled off the air in Japan that some have dubbed “racist” and plenty of online banter to add to the debate. But we’ve also seen anti-anti-Korean protesters in Tokyo willing to stand up against truly hateful right-wing activists and many other examples of Japanese citizens whose actions seem to show that Japan is not as xenophobic as some may believe.
So is Japan racist? It seems there isn’t a clear-cut answer, but leave it to “twin brothers” Ken Tanaka and David Ury to bring us a humors video confronting this long-standing question.
Many YouTubers loved the video:
LOL one of your funniest videos XD
I feel your pain, David! Japan is just sooo racist sometimes. Your brother Ken is blinded by his love for Japan!
I rewatch it over and over, just to see your reaction to that tattoo :D
I laughed so hard I have tears in my eyes. I am going to show all my friends. So funny! Haha
This is great and is a good counterbalance to the waitress video
Others had not-so-nice words to say that we’d rather not repeat on our wholesome family-friendly site. However, two comments in particular highlighted why some people enjoyed Ken Tanaka and David Ury‘s creation, while others did not:
Please….What the hell does any of this accomplish? Everyone knows that Japan is still stuck in the past and racist. What country isn’t on some level? This video is painful to watch and cringe inducing.
“What the hell does any of this accomplish?” It gives a good laugh and pokes fun at people who think EVERYTHING is racist and people who get stupid tattoos. Lighten up, Mr. D.
Of course, these are just two netizens’ comments. What do you think of the video’s message? Was it indeed a good counterpoint to their previous video about stereotypes in Japan? Or was it an “immature mockery” as one YouTuber put it? Let us know in the comments section below!
Who is David Ury? And who the heck is Ken Tanaka? – An interview with the “twin brothers”
How good is your Japanese accent? Maybe this video can help you improve
Japanese people react to “But we’re speaking Japanese!” video, and it’s kind of stunning
“But we’re speaking Japanese!”: Humorous video confronts lingering stereotypes in Japan
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
McDonald’s Japan hack: Make a Chicken Tatsuta in five minutes anywhere in the world
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
This train station bento boxed lunch shop has been in business for nearly 100 years
Japanese criminals are now using crabs to hunt for burglary targets
Police cracking down on outdoor seating in Tokyo’s liveliest street market neighborhood[Video]
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Squeezy Tanuki Testicle toys once again appear in Japanese gacha machines
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?
Beard Papa goes beyond just matcha with its new premium green tea cream puffs
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa