When Australian musician Tal Wilkenfeld randomly asked a fellow coffee shop patron for translation help, we don’t think this was quite what she was expecting.
Tal Wilkenfeld gained international fame after playing bass alongside artists such as Eric Clapton, Toto, Herbie Hancock and Jeff Beck, with whom she toured during her last visit to Japan in 2009. This time she’s back to debut with her very own band, appropriately named the Tal Wilkenfeld Band, and is scheduled to perform a number of shows in Tokyo and Osaka.
In order to promote her November and December performances, Wilkenfeld uploaded a humorous promotional video of her and a Japanese translator, which quickly became a hot topic among netizens.
Most viewers in Japan and abroad saw the humor in the video and praised it for its originally, with some even volunteering to translate for Wilkenfeld should a future need arise. On the other hand, a handful of netizens took the video rather seriously and accused the video of being insensitive and even “racist”, for some reason.
One thing everyone seemed to agree on, however, is how amazing the artist’s hair is.
While it goes without saying the stereotype that all Japanese people can’t speak English is an unfair one, in Japan it’s also highly unlikely in you’ll find many fluent English speakers just chilling at your neighborhood Starbucks. Heck, sometimes even professional companies have trouble finding translation help.
Wilkenfeld promises Japanese concert-goers that she’ll be performing all-new material at her upcoming gigs, so we recommend anyone interested check out Billboard Live for more details and ticket reservations.
Source: YouTube/Tal Wilkenfeld via Yurukuyaru
Feature/top image: YouTube/Tal Wilkenfeld
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
“Deflowering” services for virgin women are now a thing in Japan, apparently
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
“Deflowering” services for virgin women are now a thing in Japan, apparently
Beautiful, intricate drawings of snowflakes from Edo-era Japan
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Tried-and-tested ways to learn Japanese while having fun!
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Japanese osechi New Year’s meal lucky bag gives us way more than we bargained for
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japanese movie theater chain’s popcorn earns highest Grand Prix quality certification
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Beautiful, intricate drawings of snowflakes from Edo-era Japan
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Tried-and-tested ways to learn Japanese while having fun!
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Japanese osechi New Year’s meal lucky bag gives us way more than we bargained for
Sega apologizes after exec says Puyo Puyo players eat beef bowls with cheese
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
We rode 11 hours on a sleeper train from Shanghai to Shenzhen and learned a valuable lesson
Pico Cassette looks to keep cartridge games alive in a smartphone world
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Why is there a wrestling ring in the Underground Arena fighting bar in Kabukicho?
International-hit candy Hi-Chew adds English to in-Japan logo, makes it bigger than the Japanese
Leave a Reply