entertainment

Japan still skeptical of PSY’s popular appeal

92 Comments
By Rachel Tackett

For one reason or another, PSY’s big bandwagon never really made it to Japan. In fact, the country is so fed up with the Korean pop star that they’ve convinced themselves his overseas popularity is a well maintained lie and his YouTube views come from hired hands hitting refresh. So, it’s unsurprising that they were equally unsurprised, and perhaps a bit vindicated, to hear that PSY’s appearance on American Idol corresponded with record low ratings for the show.

As part of "American Idol" Season 12’s finale, PSY appeared as a guest performer with his new hit single, "Gentleman." That night, for the first time in the history of "American Idol" finals, viewership dropped below 20 million people. Just over 14.3 million people watched the selection of this year’s new singing sensation, 33% less than last year’s 21.5 million.

Of course, Japan chocks it all up to PSY. Comments to the news include, “Not surprising. He’s not so popular.” “That’s lame, even for him.” “It’s because you can’t refresh a TV program!” and so many more, most of them inflammatory.

Let’s just forget that the show featured a large number of mainstream performers, such as Frankie Valli, Mariah Carrey, The Band Perry, and Jennifer Lopez, and that PSY’s song took up only three and half minutes of the two-hour long special. Japan understands that if the Korean entertainer was actually popular, the finales views would have been in the billions for sure.

Source: My Game News Flash at Jin

Read more stories from RocketNews24. -- Green Day Vocalist Compares Psy to Herpes Infection -- Why Japan Doesn’t Give a Gangnam About PSY -- Japanese Comedian Gonzo Wows YouTube with his Tambourine Performance

© RocketNews24

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.


92 Comments

Comments have been disabled You can no longer respond to this thread.

Billy Whats-his-face from Green Day summed this one up well. This guy is the Herpes of pop music.

8 ( +25 / -17 )

And ya know what? It really doesn't matter one jot what Japan thinks of Psy, he's doing very nicely without this country's patronage, thank you so very much. Maybe that's why the Japanese don't buy into it. Not a fan, btw...

9 ( +20 / -11 )

Japan still skeptical of PSY’s popular appeal.

Not the only ones.

8 ( +18 / -10 )

Let’s just forget that the show featured a large number of mainstream performers, such as Frankie Valli, Mariah Carrey, The Band Perry, and Jennifer Lopez,

Mainstream? Wow, I thought some of these were like, over the hill?

Just over 14.3 million people watched the selection of this year’s new singing sensation, 33% less than last year’s 21.5 million.

So that is still 14.3 Million more than anyone who watched a TV show in Japan at the same time slot I'll bet. The problem is that he isn't one of those "pretty boy" Korean pop stars or actors that play up specifically to the Japanese audience (read that obatalians) so he gets knocked for it.

I don't like him personally, know about him, but could give a damn either way. Just goes to show that in the world of entertainment Japan is not the center of the universe for aspiring Korean stars.

If it must be said, sounds like jealousy to me!

13 ( +18 / -5 )

I don't care about PSY either and I agree it sounds like the Japanese at least who say those things about PSY are jealous. Honestly PSY's music and style is no different than a thousand other singers or groups anywhere in Asia he was just lucky and got YouTube famous from his.

16 ( +19 / -3 )

I don't think that Japan is "skeptical". It's just that the Japanese culture is so closed off from the rest of the world that it doesn't engage in normal cultural exchanges with the rest. PSY was spread virally via the net, therefore the average Japanese, who usually only gets his information domestically, was not informed about it

As for "PSY haters", I think it's only the netouyos who are making comments about him.

-1 ( +15 / -16 )

just accept that there are those who are fans and those who are not. Just like everything else, some people are fans and some who are not. We all don't have to be fans of something.

I remember last year when someone first reported it, I don't get why Korean fans are making such a big deal why it's not that popular in Japan. It's like they are trying to shove Kpop down our throats. I like the occasional kpop, like Shoujo Jidai, KARA, etc., mainly girl groups. but doesn't mean I like everything thing they do. some of their songs, I don't really like.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/2013/05/27/20852561-wenn-story.html This will make the Japanese haters even happier. Seems PSY did not go over very well at an Italian soccer match. Although they say he was booed mercilessly, I think that seems to be a bit extreme. But you can here some booing. But then again, it seems Italian soccer fans have a bit of a problem with racism themselves, so who knows.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

I considered Gangnam Style completely stupid and pointless video, but I really enjoy the new one, the Gentleman. Sometimes I feel exactly like that towards women :).

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Jealous.

2 ( +14 / -12 )

So the reason of less viewership of the American Idol finale is because of Psy's 3 minute performance? It has nothing to do with the show's decreasing popularity?

15 ( +18 / -3 )

Japanese dont like Korean superstar coz they envy them. i can see we South korean superstar is rising!

-14 ( +9 / -23 )

Top Youtube videos: PSY, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Tailor Swift = All pure shit. I think Japan is actually on to something by rejecting crap.

-3 ( +9 / -12 )

Based on American Idol's ratings this year, few people saw this. Most Americans have moved on from this no talent kareoke show to the other no talent, talent scout shows that will follow American Idol down the ratings drain.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

It is erroneous in the extreme to say that Japanese dislike this PSY fellow because he is Korean. Korean television dramas are held in very high regards here in Japan, and have a large and devoted fan base among middle aged and older viewers. As for youth oriented entertainment, I was recently in Akihabara, and I saw a massive throng of young girls and women in queue for an event. As I passed by, I asked one of the women what she was waiting to see, and she told me a Korean singer was holding a fan appreciation even, and she waiting for her chance to meet see him.

As for PSY's lack of traction in Japan, who knows the reason? It would make for an interesting discussion, but any suggestion that it has to do with his being Korean is wrong imho.

I often wonder why there is no cheese in Chinese cuisine. Not everything is liked everywhere.

5 ( +11 / -6 )

Ah i get it, he's a guy, he's old, if it was an underaged looking girl in skympy outfit then it would catch on right? anyway PSY donmai he's counting his money.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Markx, yeah I heard about that. Psy was met with loud booing so the organizers cranked up the volume, which only resulted in louder booing. The korean media responded by saying that Italians are racist! You can read about it on the Japanese website of Rocketnews.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Japan has not had an international pop hit since sukiyaki in the 1960s. Don''t hold your breath for anything from AKB48 that is successful outside of Japan.

9 ( +13 / -4 )

I said it before and I will say it again, Psy is not popular because the media doesn't tell the Japanese people "this is cool".

Psy has not signed with any Japanese "talento" agencies, so no one can make money from him in Japan, therefore the media companies are not talking about it.

9 ( +15 / -6 )

Yes, he is lame. As are so many other acts popular with the major adolescent/teen demographic. So what? Japan doesn't like him because he is South Korean and is a buffoon. They have enough of theirn own buffoons.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

Japan can whine and whine in jealousy about how 'unpopular' the guy is all they want (ironically they claim the guy's terrible but follow him everywhere in order to do so!), let's see a Japanese talento get on American Idol, or get a billion hits on YouTube.

9 ( +18 / -9 )

First of all, I think Psy is a one hit wonder. But better to be a global one hit wonder than not.

But here is a thought. Can you imagine any of the hundreds of fluffy pop bands from here making a global hit of the level that Psy was able to do? I personally think J-pop bands have near zero global appeal beyond Japan fans and anime followers.

Perhaps this is why the locals are having such a hard time with understanding Psy. 1. Local music is just too far removed from global reality to conceptualize. 2. Locals are jealous that Japan has not broken a global hit. The last one I can remember that took the entire planet by storm was "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" by Sakamoto-san who is one of the rare global music stars from Japan.

11 ( +15 / -4 )

I'm skeptical too. There is nothing about this guy that stands out from other Asian pop artist except his wacky attire. The music, the beat, the lyrics, all the same.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Don''t hold your breath for anything from AKB48 that is successful outside of Japan.

Kind of hard when your neighbors make it illegal to play Japanese music on the radio...

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

I like him, he was pretty good on the Idol Final, and unlike the K-pop pretty boys that Japanese Obasan's go silly over this guy has talent and a good sense of humour to match.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Japan is the herpes of pop music

4 ( +16 / -12 )

K-pop has been huge in Japan for well over a decade. Japanese are just confused to why an unattractive guy like Psy would gain huge international popularity instead of other popular groups like bigbang, kara, or girls generation. Psy, aka akward fat guy, just doesn't appeal to Japanese because they expect their K-pop starts to look like some Asian version of Adonis.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

K pop=K for Crap. Have you noticed that all the backing tracks sound so similar taa te taa te ta ta ta repeated a thousand times by the drum machine? Its all so awful they should make a law against it and PYS isn't even a cute girl so its a double strike against him.

2 ( +12 / -10 )

One thing Japan doesn't need is pop. Here they have enough garbage on TV. Wanna import music? Try bringing some rock, metal, classic, jazz... The level here is already TOO LOW.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I think some of you are missing the point. If the artist is nice looking and the music crap, at least you can mute the video and watch them dance around. If the artist is unattractive and the music still crap, why are we watching/listening? J-Pop and K-Pop are both crap IMO.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

All xenophobic anti-Korea bashing aside, this guy is annoying and just another flavor of the month. Cant' wait for him to drop off the face of the the earth.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Kind of hard when your neighbors make it illegal to play Japanese music on the radio...

Huh? first I heard that playing Japanese music was illegal in the US. How long has that been going on?

More like Japanese artists dont produce songs that the worlds largest consumer market likes to listen to.

And in reality, besides North Korea who actually listens to radio for music anyhow?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@smith

let's see a Japanese talento get on American Idol, or get a billion hits on YouTube.

Hope you are not holding your breath......

7 ( +9 / -2 )

OK, OK, Psy is stupid, he's bad, and he was never a hit anywhere. It was all fraud, and his fame made up. Let's go with that flow. But I have one million dollar question.

Why does Japanese care so much, that they must follow him around to prove that his popularity is a fake? After all, if he's a fake popularity, wouldn't he just naturally disappear on his own? So what does his popularity got to do with Japan?

This is really getting silly, and petty don't you think?

-4 ( +8 / -12 )

Gangnam Style was a tongue-in-cheek parody by a self-deprecating musician. Of course Japan doesn't get it.

3 ( +9 / -6 )

But no-one has asked Japan to get it, it really has nothing to do with Japan. Why are Japanese net users so determined to show Psy is a fraud when it doesn't effect them any way, form or shape? lol.. I mean how ridiculous is this pettiness?...

Of course Japan doesn't get it.

-9 ( +6 / -15 )

Why does Japanese care so much, that they must follow him around to prove that his popularity is a fake? After all, if he's a fake popularity, wouldn't he just naturally disappear on his own? So what does his popularity got to do with Japan?

@chucky3176 : What makes you think Japan does care at all about PSY? I'd say the majority of Japanese wouldn't have a clue who he is so how could they care? In fact I haven't met a single Japanese person who's cared about PSY..? The only ones who seem to care are Koreans.

3 ( +11 / -8 )

A few threads about Psy pop up on obscure Japanese forums and people think this is a sign that Japan is obsessed with Psy? Haha.

Japan doesn't care about him.

2 ( +11 / -8 )

I can't stand his videos or music. I guess I must be racist like Japan and Italian football fans.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Japan only likes Korean starts without international appeal. You know, the ones no one outside Korea, Japan and maybe China have ever heard of.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Upgrayedd and others, the article says Japan is "so fed up that they've convinced themselves his overseas popularity is a lie". This doesn't sound like Japanese don't care. They care so much, they are fed up and they are happy at his failures. That's what the article says.

In fact, the country is so fed up with the Korean pop star that they’ve convinced themselves his overseas >popularity is a well maintained lie and his YouTube views come from hired hands hitting refresh. So, it’s >unsurprising that they were equally unsurprised, and perhaps a bit vindicated, to hear that PSY’s appearance >on American Idol corresponded with record low ratings for the show

lol.. what gives???

-7 ( +5 / -12 )

Japan only likes Korean starts without international appeal. You know, the ones no one outside Korea, Japan and maybe China have ever heard of.

It's a bit difficult to test that hypothesis because Psy is the only Korean star with international appeal outside of Asia.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

At least Kpop is better than AKB crap.

7 ( +13 / -6 )

Those comments sound more like what 2ch thinks of Psy, not what Japan in general thinks of Psy, which is "Psy who?".

2 ( +10 / -8 )

@Upgrayedd If Japan does not care about him? Why bother even mentioning him on JAPANESE website? Hm? Just don't even bring up this "PSY" topic.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Exactly David, that would be exactly on pointe. Well, its good enough fodder for Chucky to come along and rag on Japan. Its played at some clubs but it just never took hold, whats the big deal? Oh wait, that's right, some obscure whiners to latch onto in order to diss Japan, yet again.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Upgrayedd and others, the article says Japan is "so fed up that they've convinced themselves his overseas popularity is a lie". This doesn't sound like Japanese don't care. They care so much, they are fed up and they are happy at his failures. That's what the article says.

Why are you acting like the RocketNews24 blog is an authority on what "Japan" cares about?

A foreign blogger in Japan saw a Japanese webforum discussion about Psy - that must mean Japan is obsessed with Psy! Naturally.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

Yes Tokiyo, that's one of my question, what's the big deal? Why Japan media print this story in Japanese newspaper to announce to the world that Psy's popularity is fake? If he's going to fail, then nobody will care. What's the point?

Come to think of it, there's so many stories on Korea in Japanese newspapers lately, I can't keep track anymore.

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

scoobydoo: "K pop=K for Crap."

Sorry, but 'crap' is spelled with a 'c', obviously.

Upgrayedd: "Japan doesn't care about him."

Says the guy who's posted... what, SIX comments on this thread alone? Like I said, it's amusing to see people who "don't care" paying so much attention.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Yes Tokiyo, that's one of my question, what's the big deal? Why Japan media print this story in Japanese newspaper to announce to the world that Psy's popularity is fake? If he's going to fail, then nobody will care. What's the point?

It isn't a Japanese newspaper. It's just a blog with authors who think that cherry-picked comments from discussion threads about Psy on Japanese websites speak for the entire nation of Japan.

2 ( +8 / -6 )

Pop music pretty much sucks everywhere. But in Japan it has set a whole new level of bad quality. And yes, the artists are cute, fashionable etc... but isn't that even more depressing? All that time and money and effort put into creating J-pop artists and it just sucks the soul right out of you to listen to this crap. Even watching them gets boring after 5mins of endless line dancing shots of people who are supposed to be cool, but would not know cool if it fell off a 100 story building and crushed them flat.

Psy has done something none of the loser J-pop producers can do. 1. Took the world by storm. 2. Ended up being talked about or seen on just about every TV show in the modern world. 3. Had more internet hits than just about anything before it. 4. Managed to make the press talk about him even in a country where they resent his success.

From my perspective Psy 100points. Japan and J-pop zero points but sour grapes over the outcome. Really rather pathetic.

What this should do is encourage Japan to raise the quality of music. There is a lot of talent in this country if you allow it to grow. Shelve AVEX and Johnnys and the rest of these pop garbage distributors and start supporting your much more capable independent artists. Then you can be the ones with bands taking the world by storm one day.

1 ( +9 / -8 )

This article is quite contrary to what I see in the clubs around Tokyo. They are forever playing that bloody stupid song with a throng of donkey dancers parading around the dance floor.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

I see this Psy thing drew 51 comments, so there must be some interest, somewhere. I tried the "closed eye" test and confirmed that the music (actually, the cadence) is a large part of the attraction. As to the visuals, if you're into horses, so much the better ;-], ne?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Well, he looked like the north korean dictator in a cool way though... :) lol

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Chucky,

Gangnam Style's popularity on either side of the Atlantic was because of its novelty - a fat Oriental guy with some catchy dance move. It was pop gold, 'La Macarena' of our age. Nothing more. Psy is no Michael Jackson.

The frame of reference here in Japan is very different. Parody isn't mainstream. Psy is nowhere near cute enough to sell, and we have enough fat Orientals trying to be funny/clever/ironic, thank you.

Learn to read the context, my friend, don't take everything at face value (the article above is a blog, not news), and get some fresh air.

3 ( +9 / -6 )

therougou, the only racism I see in this case, are from the Japanese net users who are obsessed with exposing Psy.

-10 ( +4 / -14 )

Nothing but a show...purely entertainment.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Meh, first song was amusing, second not so much.

But I will say K-Pop does seem to more internationally acceptable musically, perhaps the producers think about that when they are writing, not sure.

People get all excited about some funny things though.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Psy? oh my goodness, just switch the channel and move on.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Perhaps someone misunderstood my comment.

But I will say K-Pop does seem to more internationally acceptable musically, perhaps the producers think about that (making the music more comfortable to an international audience) when they are writing, not sure.

I wan't suggesting they don't think at all.

Again.. getting all excited about some funny, we are talking about pop music, peeps.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

It is beyond me why everybody in a given country should like a singer because he is popular in other countries. If the Japanese don't like him, let them not lilke him.

I do not think that they ignore him because of jelousy. More like the "message" of his hit/s (if you can find its meaning) just does not appeal to the Japanese public. But... what is the problem with this? Why is it so important for his Korean fans that he be liked in Japan?

Let him be popular elsewhere. But calling the nation which sometimes goes crazy for Korean dramas, movy stars and singers jelous of his success??

2 ( +5 / -3 )

"Japan chocks it all up to PSY. Comments to the news include..."

Where'd you get your comments, Rachel? 2ch? Does 2chan now represent "Japan".

Sheesh.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

His song is catchy. still nothing to hear for more than one minute.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Catchy tune, fun video and a ton of parodies which created a global sensation. There are people who would sell their soul to get have as popular as Psy.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

therougou, the only racism I see in this case, are from the Japanese net users who are obsessed with exposing Psy.

I don't know if its racism or just being jealous. Maybe a combination of the two? This is still a minority that hide behind their computers all day though.

-7 ( +1 / -7 )

Some of you people actually think that everything that gets published here on JT is "mainstream" news and what's "hot" or "popular" in Japan. Ya'll need to wake up and get your noses outta dem manga ya'll been redin'

0 ( +3 / -3 )

psy again?!!...sigh...

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Its not necessary for EVERYONE to like PSY..is it? So PSY is not popular in Japan..so what !!

PSY is not popular in many other countries..

2 ( +3 / -1 )

upgrayedd: "It isn't a Japanese newspaper. It's just a blog with authors who think that cherry-picked comments from discussion threads about Psy on Japanese websites speak for the entire nation of Japan."

Ah, and yet you have no qualms about speaking of the entire nation of SK through the acts, or suffering, of a few. Get an English-Japanese dictionary and check out the word 'hypocrite'.

Jane M.: "It is beyond me why everybody in a given country should like a singer because he is popular in other countries. If the Japanese don't like him, let them not lilke him."

No one should like something because everyone else does, they should like it because they like it. But the fact remains many Japanese don't like it not because it's good, or they would like it if they bothered to watch/hear it, but they dislike it simply because of its origin. And THAT is wrong. All Japan cares about is how it's viewed, and when viewed negatively they react like children and hate everything and play the victim. Psy, like him or not, is EXTREMELY successful in his home nation and abroad, and relations with SK are not peak with Japan at present so all are factors for automatic hate. Show me ONE Japanese musician that has been as successful abroad as Psy is now. Show me who has beaten him on YouTube hits. Tell me why you could not (maybe still can't) find his original Gangnam Style on iTunes Japan.

It's hate, pure and simple.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

Gangnam Style's popularity on either side of the Atlantic was because of its novelty - a fat Oriental guy with some catchy dance move.

Let's not forget, before PSY there was William Hung, another "fat Oriental guy" who appeared on American Idol.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Gangnam Style's catchy rhythm and beat made it a worldwide hit. An accidental international hit. Likely his first and last. Japanese society is so frigid and uptight. Loosen up them ties and kimonos boys and girls...

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

smithinjapan:

No one should like something because everyone else does, they should like it because they like it. But the fact remains many Japanese don't like it not because it's good, or they would like it if they bothered to watch/hear it, but they dislike it simply because of its origin. And THAT is wrong.

What is your definition of "many" here? I would say its still a small minority. The rest don't like it because they just aren't interested in it. This is the logical way of looking at it if you see how popular other Korean artists are in Japan. Artists that usually build their image on good looks and/or singing instead of funny dances.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

If PSY was Japanese, they would be lauding him as "世界のPSY" and he would be the best thing to ever happen to the music world.

11 ( +15 / -4 )

I apologize to all readers for posting like a jackass.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

Face it Japan, the world moves on. We're not all walking around with Sony gadgets, we're walking around with Samsung and Apple phones. That starter car or second family car isn't a Honda or Toyota anymore, it's a Hyundai. Anime was maybe cool 20 years ago. They don't write novels about how Japanese Corporations are using Zen Buddhism and the book of five rings to ruthlessly take over the world like 30 years ago. Samurai movies were hip 50 years ago. Japan is no longer the default Asian country to most westerners. I still love you Japan, but you gotta get over it and not begrudge Psy's success.

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

telecasterplayer: appreciate it if you didn't lump us all together.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Japanese just seem to be jealous that they were beaten by a little known korean artist,because Japanese artists have so far failed to make it big wordwide.

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

If PSY was Japanese, they would be lauding him as "世界のPSY" and he would be the best thing to ever happen to the music world.

Yes, but he is not Japanese. Get it? They are not going to get all in love with him just because he is Korean. If you want success in Japan then learn some Japanese, do some plastic surgery, and come on over here.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Harshana Sj: The noisy idiots on 2chan that happen to be Japanese. Not "The Japanese" how is the view up there on the high horse?

1 ( +5 / -4 )

therouguo: "What is your definition of "many" here? I would say its still a small minority. The rest don't like it because they just aren't interested in it. This is the logical way of looking at it if you see how popular other Korean artists are in Japan."

How can you decide if you're interested in something you have never been exposed to due to politics? As I said, though I haven't checked recently, you could not find his song -- the most successful in the world at the time -- on iTunes here, only the myriad of homages.

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

smithinjapan: definitely on itunes. :)

1 ( +4 / -3 )

If the Japanese are not envious of the South Koreans they should be. As K-Pop beats J-Pop, Samsung is beating Sony and Panny, and the Korean economy is booming even though Abe is printing yen. But perhaps a bit of rivalry will be good for both Japanese pop and its economy.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Dear smithinjapan,

I apologize for changing your name in a post. Sorry again. therougou

1 ( +1 / -0 )

But the fact remains many Japanese don't like it not because it's good, or they would like it if they bothered to watch/hear it, but they dislike it simply because of its origin. And THAT is wrong. All Japan cares about is how it's viewed, and when viewed negatively they react like children and hate everything and play the victim.

I wonder how many Japanese you interviewed and how many of the whole Japanese population told you that they did not like PSY because his hit was good and because of his origin. While you accuse other people of being hypocritical and generalizing, I cannot find any "hard" facts in your comments either.

Every foreigner who lives in Japan knows that Korean dramas, pop singers, movie and TV drama stars enjoy huge popularity here so blaming the Japanese for disregarding one Korean singer because of his origin is somehow strange to say the least. K celebrities continue coming to Japan and holding events here which continue to be hugely popular; also the number of J visitors to S Korea grew again last year despite territorial disputes so how did you come to the conclusion that PSY is hated because of the J-SK political relations?

Singers cannot be liked by everyone everywhere. Why not just accept it and at least for once do not scoff at Japan because it does not behave as you would like it to?

1 ( +5 / -4 )

@therougou

If PSY was Japanese, they would be lauding him as "世界のPSY" and he would be the best thing to ever happen to the music world.

Yes, but he is not Japanese. Get it? They are not going to get all in love with him just because he is Korean. If you want success in Japan then learn some Japanese, do some plastic surgery, and come on over here.

Well done for completely missing the point I made. You must be new to Japan.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

therougou: "I apologize for changing your name in a post. Sorry again. therougou"

No worries. I didn't even notice, and don't really care, intentional or not. In fact, I've probably misspelled your handle.

"If you want success in Japan then learn some Japanese, do some plastic surgery, and come on over here."

And by the way, Japanese get more plastic surgery per capita than SKoreans -- a fact many Japanese fail to address out of shame.

JaneM: "I wonder how many Japanese you interviewed and how many of the whole Japanese population told you that they did not like PSY because his hit was good and because of his origin. While you accuse other people of being hypocritical and generalizing, I cannot find any "hard" facts in your comments either."

As therougou missed probie's point, you completely missed mine. You cannot dismiss something you have not been presented.

Tokiyo: "smithinjapan: definitely on itunes. :)"

Thanks. Haven't checked in a while. Last time I checked, though, the original was nowhere to be found -- only the copies and hundreds of tributes.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

@Probie

Well done for completely missing the point I made. You must be new to Japan.

Please explain your point. Because I think my response was spot on. Japanese cheer for Japanese just as Koreans cheer for Koreans. Japanese won't cheer for Koreans or any other nationality just for the sake of it. That doesn't make them racist though. You are confusing a small minority that posts on 2ch with the average Japanese person.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

@therougou

Well done for completely missing the point I made. You must be new to Japan.

Please explain your point. Because I think my response was spot on. Japanese cheer for Japanese just as Koreans cheer for Koreans. Japanese won't cheer for Koreans or any other nationality just for the sake of it. That doesn't make them racist though. You are confusing a small minority that posts on 2ch with the average Japanese person.

I made it clear in the first comment I wrote: "If PSY was Japanese, they would be lauding him as "世界のPSY" and he would be the best thing to ever happen to the music world."

Meaning: If PSY wasn't korean, and was doing exactly the same thing, and had exactly the same popularity, and made exactly the same rubbish music and childish videos; Japan would be saying he was amazing. They don't like PSY, because he's a Korean guy who is world famous, not a Japanese guy who is world famous.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

I guess, the only purpose for this sort of "music" is to create a noise somewhere inside a public toilet.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

therougou: "Because I think my response was spot on. Japanese cheer for Japanese just as Koreans cheer for Koreans. Japanese won't cheer for Koreans or any other nationality just for the sake of it. That doesn't make them racist though. "

People should cheer for people based on like, not nationality. And while Japanese will cheer for Japanese and Koreans for Korean, if it's SOLELY based on that then I am sorry, it is racist. Likewise, obviously, disliking someone due to where they are from is racist.

And as to the previous question asked by JaneM, who hasn't been here long, I have not 'interviewed' anyone at all about Psy. But when I have shown the video (Gangnam Style) or brought it up in conversation out of literally more than 100 people only a highschool student knew about it by chance, thanks to a Korean exchange student friend. The rest had zero inkling. So, again, how do you decide not to like a person and/or his music when you have never been exposed. In terms of Psy, Japan is like China with how it censors.

-8 ( +3 / -11 )

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites