Is Mrs. GREEN APPLE a Product of the Japanese Music Industry?
For the past few years, Mrs. GREEN APPLE has been highly present in various television shows featuring music. Whether this is purely a business strategy—like many other bands and groups in Japan—remains unclear. However, there is no denying that they produce catchy songs, and their vocalist is undeniably skilled. From the few times I have seen them on television, my personal and honest opinion is that they represent yet another well-packaged product of the highly efficient Japanese music industry—a skilled singer, strong production value, and an aesthetic presentation that guarantees commercial success.
Did “Columbus” Cross the Line?
Their song Columbus and its music video, released in 2024, sparked significant controversy. The video depicted the three band members as Christopher Columbus and his crew, while figures resembling apes were seemingly meant to represent the Indigenous peoples of the Americas at the time of Columbus’ arrival. The lyrics and visuals faced heavy criticism for appearing to glorify Columbus, a historical figure whose legacy is deeply intertwined with colonialism, displacement, and oppression. The backlash was so severe that the music video was swiftly taken down, and the band issued a public apology, citing a lack of historical awareness and understanding of the cultural implications.
Can We Rewrite History?
The more famous an artist becomes, the greater their influence, and with influence comes responsibility. In an ideal world, where self-awareness is the norm, this music video might simply be dismissed as a misguided artistic choice. However, it highlights a deeper issue—how history can be twisted, misrepresented, or selectively interpreted to fit a narrative.
This is particularly concerning as we stand on the brink of the supposed birth of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—a technology that could redefine the way history is recorded, interpreted, and even manipulated. If AGI emerges, the first country to develop it will likely have the power to control historical narratives, potentially reshaping our collective understanding of the past.
What Can We Learn from “Que Sera Sera”?
On a lighter note, the song Que Sera Sera contains lyrics that I find deeply meaningful. The title itself, which translates to “Whatever Will Be, Will Be”, conveys a philosophy of acceptance. One particular verse stands out:
私を愛せるのは私だけ
生まれ変わるなら？
「また私だね」
I’m the only one who can love me.
What if you were born again?
“It’s me again.”
These words serve as a powerful reminder that self-love and self-care are essential. This does not mean prioritizing oneself at the expense of others, but rather recognizing that taking care of oneself is the foundation for being able to support and uplift those around us.
What are your thoughts on responsibility in art and media? Should artists be held accountable for the messages in their work, or should creative expression take precedence? Let’s discuss in the comments!
#tales-posts
Leave a Reply