Sony Apologized for Japanese Pop Band Nazi Costumes
Shortly after a Japanese department store came under fire late last year for stocking a Nazi costume, The Guardian published a response suggesting the Land of the Rising Sun might be suffering from cultural amnesia. In other words, new generations of Japanese have somehow forgotten their ancestors fought alongside Hitler.
Reinforcing the notion, another blunder hit the newswires early this week. The BBC reported that Kishidan, a popular J-pop band known for portraying school boys, appeared on MTV Japan back in February clad in SS-style black uniforms with iron crosses and red armbands.
As if the boys’ haircuts weren’t heinous enough.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center, the L.A.-based anti-Semitism watchdog, said the decision displayed ignorance and insensitivity. As usual the organization elicited an apology.
Sony Music Artists, the band’s management, issued an online statement explaining the costumes were not “meant to carry any ideological meaning whatsoever.”
The apology goes on to note that the costumes “will be disposed of immediately.”
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
