Gwen Stefani Receives Outrage Over Controversial ‘I’m Japanese’ Comment

Gwen Stefani, a singer and TV host of Irish and Italian descent, sparked a wave of criticism when she declared herself to be Japanese in an interview with Allure magazine. While promoting her GXVE beauty brand, the 53-year-old recalled her father’s work with Yamaha, which involved frequent trips between California and Japan. She went on to explain how Japanese culture had profoundly impacted her as a child, noting its “rich tradition, yet so futuristic”, its art and detail, and its discipline.

Stefani recounted her father’s tales about Japanese street performers dressed up as Elvis Presley and women with vibrant hair, inspiring her when she finally ventured to Harajuku, the shopping district in Shibuya, Tokyo renowned for its eclectic fashion stores and cosplay shops. “I thought to myself, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m actually Japanese and did not know it,’” she declared. Calaor went on to write that her words lingered in the air between them. “Yes, I am,” Stefani affirmed. She then declared that she was a “super fan” of Japanese culture. 

Ever since the debut of her 2004 album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby., Stefani has been the subject of accusations of cultural appropriation. This release was promoted with four Japanese backup dancers: Maya Chino (or “Love”), Jennifer Kita (or “Angel”), Rino Nakasone (or “Music”), and Mayuko Kitayama (or “Baby”).

Calaor wrote: “Like Stefani, I am not Japanese. But I am an Asian woman living in America, which comes with sobering realities during a time of heightened Asian American and Pacific Islander hate.

“I envy anyone who can claim to be part of this vibrant, creative community but avoid the part of the narrative that can be painful or scary.”

The reactions to Stefani’s statements were largely critical, with some noting it was an example of the ‘white culture of thinking you can identify as a person of colour simply because you like something about that culture’, which they argued was tantamount to ‘theft and erasure’ at the heart of historic oppression and colonialism. One commenter expressed the difficulty of being an Asian American editor, hearing her continuously refer to herself as ‘Japanese’.

Roxane Gay’s tweet referencing Gwen Stefani’s comments about her ability to take from Asian cultures without worrying about discrimination due to her race highlighted the stark contrast between Stefani’s privilege and the tragic death of an Asian woman on a New York City subway platform last year. Despite the misinterpretation of her remarks, Stefani’s team declined to provide an on-the-record statement when asked for clarification.

>> Read more:

• Legendary England and Lions Back David Duckham Passes Away at 76 – A Tribute to a Man Who Played with Heart and Dedication
• Regina Hall’s Epic Roast of Kevin Costner’s Golden Globes No-Show!
• Gareth Bale: A Prolific Career of Glorious Accomplishments Comes to an End