If we are actually trying to listen the voices of Okinawa, I would also like to know how they view Japan and whether they still want to be separated from Japan or not?
@@bharath_mangalore True, which is fine to some degree. More input would have been insightful, seeing the other side. They did this in a like a micro-documentary style, so I get it.
My great grandmother was the last member of my family born in Okinawa. I never heard the term Amejo in my life, but it describes her. She was married 3 times over 2 decades and all of them were military. I just want to learn about a culture we don't talk about anymore. We're not mainland, 沖縄人ですよ。
No it’s not. What makes most Japanese and other East Asians love about USA and the western pop culture is usually white popular artists like former one direction kids, Shawn Mandes, Taylor swift and that kinda stuff. The Japanese music industry is huge, but Drake is really really not popular and they say people in Jamaica watches his videos more often than Japan which is crazy and we all know why that is. So, If you start dying your hair blonde, curl and trying to be like Taylor Swift, you can say that it’s reverse weeaboos which happens often in Tokyo and if she wanted to interview that, she didn’t have to go all the way to Okinawa for that because there are plenty of them in Tokyo but those girls don’t give a damn about the mainstream American culture. They like American subcultures like Chicanos and Afro American stuff. So if you really want to create an example for this counterpart, it will be an American guy who is obsessed with Ainu or Tibetan culture and styles and learning the language, culture and their religion.
not it's an expression of freedom for the japanese women, weeaboos stay within their western group circle and greet each other in japanese and watch anime together, pathetic
@@Hanaha2222 Lol don't compare centuries old cultures with actual traditions and history like the Tibetan one to some garbage suburban "cool wannabe" societal movements like the Chicanos or the African American Hip-Hop centered youth culture.
I was stationed in okinawa back in the 2000s such a fun place!!! I am mexicana and l remember seeing the okinawans dress as latino west coast cholos....!!! Like they had the style down to the T!! Anyways amazing place beautiful people.
I was stationed in Okinawa Japan 10 years ago and it's so interesting to see that not much has changed since I've last been to the island. "Amejo" was a major thing, and as the Marine mentioned seemed heavily influenced on Black Culture. Not sure if "Gate 2" street is still a shopping district there but this used to be housed right off Kadena Air Base with shops upon shops catering to Urban/Hip Hop Wear amongst the local Okinawans
If amejo is west coast cholo aesthetic then I dont think I would be calling it hiphop culture. If it were Rican I could see it being so. But not in this instance.
@@svenmc9748 we can't ignore that some of the cholo aesthetic is heavily influenced by black culture. Although this is true, the Mexicans and Blacks have been pushed into the same hoods/corners of society, therefore there is going to be a natural mixing of cultures to create what would be know as the hood aesthetic. When authentic, it is truly beautiful to witness. 😊
@Ignacio Aguilar I acknowledged that our cultures intertwined. Our influence on America started during and after slavery so it was definitely present beforehand. But i give credit where credit is due 😊
Amejo is basically a negative term towards Japanese women who target Americans to date. It has nothing to do with Black American culture specifically. Amejos typically, but not always, have a preference (Black, White, Latino, etc.) in which they will likely dress and model their behavior towards their preference. It also does not mean slutty or b*tch. As we all know, Japanese culture is very conservative. Especially for women, which is why amejo is viewed by most as a negative term. By adopting American aspects, such as being more vocal and dressing like American women, amejos are going against the grain. Thus the tendency of other Japanese people to look at them differently. I liked the video, but I feel that it's incomplete and falls short of presenting what the term really means. Maybe do a part 2?!
@@richardlozano5273 not sure where you learned that, but you should do some research yourself as that is not correct. I used to believe it was something similar to what you said, but after living here for over 10 years and talking to a few Japanese people, I learned that my initial belief of the term was wrong.
I am currently in Okinawa and I'm a black woman and I can say my experience being here is a negative one. I feel I'm being looked at as a monster. I find it ironic that she says taking on American culture has helped her self-esteem. Meanwhile being here has killed mine. I'm ready to move back to the US. I'm so over how the locals look at you like your less than human. I'm highly considering doing a video on what's it like being a black woman living here in Okinawa. I would love to have a secret camera on me so you can see the rudeness and nasty looks I receive daily. No one speaks on how black women aren't welcomed here. The locals have a way of letting you know that they don't like you.
Have you been to other parts of Japan? Has it been the same elsewhere? Interesting hearing the difference in treatment for you vs what I've seen on some of the channels discussing being black and specifically a black woman in Japan in areas aside from Okinawa.
Ironically black men have different experience.. Doesn't help when your "sistahs" are seen globally as stronk, independent and dont need no man. Lizzos, Meg da 🐎and the likes being championed by abw.. Doesnt exactly equate to positive image or marketing. Others might have that phase, but that's just it. Do interview others especially the men when you make that vid.
Not trying to take away from this unique subculture of Japan, but the American military influence in Japan carries a very dark history that many people just don’t talk about. Since the American occupation, American military stationed in Japan made it a pastime to abduct women (in one particular case as young as an infant) and sexually assault them. It happened so much and so often that it’s what Okinawa was known for in the latter part of the 20th century. I get why some Japanese people would detest people like amejo that mix with Americans stationed there after all this was uncovered. Sucks that our military gives us a bad name, American culture shouldn’t be tainted with this part of history. Till this day, sexual assaults by Americans in Japan is a common occurrence, but a lot of women don’t report to police due to the nature of said crime and social implications. We need to do better smh
This is the vibe I got in certain parts, I stayed with military contractors on the main island and they warned me I would be judged heavily by locals on certain parts of the island and proceeded to tell me about what you just wrote here.
In all fairness it's time to remove the bases for good, the local people have been through enough from the time being an empire to their current state.
@@Ckawauchi35 It's true China shows a threat, but the real problem I see with this is how much power China has gotten. I wonder how long the kettle will keep on boiling before the entire kitchen blows up.
"How do you learn about American culture?" "We just go to clubs and hang out with American guys yeeaaaah!"😵🥂 I think that might be one reason for why they get a bad rep😜
@@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403 Japanese are polarized, there is a big group of people who don't go to clubs at all and another big group of people go to clubs often, Amejo are generally more active than just common japanese
@@Edwinbraun20maybe dated people who constanly rape little girl in Okinawa dont help. My father is French and my mother is from Okinawa and this is accepted. I dont sure it's was the same if my father was American .
It's not though but your mindset is becoming common so I guess there's no use screaming about valid appropriation anymore. Non Blacks have won! Our culture is a mall for you all to shop in without giving respect or credit or anything to the creators! Have fun! :) /s
@@penguin902 Dude, stop complaining, honestly. It's not black culture, it's human culture and all humans have the rights to appropriate it as much as they want, so stop with the race bashings
@@FoxyBoxery even though his comment was unnecessary in this situation it’s still truthful besides where he said “Non blacks have won” I believe in giving credit where credits due if the Air Force started to be more aggressive and tough then they have to pay respects to the MC because that’s their identity and that’s just how it goes
@@FoxyBoxery and I know for a fact you know that it’s black/ hip hop/ urban culture I don’t even know why you said that we all know who created it and keeps recreating it 🤦🏽♂️
Amejo…It’s the complex but not so subtle anti-Blackness for me. Those girls are enjoying BLACK American culture & I wish the journalist was more honest about that. Oh & the Black guy knew he was going against the grain when he said he doesn’t believe in cultural appropriation. If you like Japanese women who dress and act like Black women, just say that.
Every piece of this video was about stealing Black American culture. Edge brush, nails, hoops, slick black pony, hip hop, braids, clothing, her awful “Blaccent” only when in front of her Black friends….
I lived in Kobe City for years and first time I experienced the amejo culture was a trip to Okinawa. Girls dressed like Latina females in Los Angeles with the dark eyeliner and boyfriends who drive older american cars on airbags. It was insane yet fun at the same time. As a guy from Philly I was immediately an expert on ‘cholo’ lifestyle which I wasn’t lol. Crazy times back then. I’m happy to see the girls still rocking that look
@@dewilew2137 the thing is he doesn't care hes out here promoting it because he has a Japanese wife himself and knows alot of American black n white guys will dig it just like himself making him $.
Amajo women seem to like black american culture rather an American culture as a whole, still very interesting and cool to see. Especially from a country like Japan known for their homogenous and ethical individuality.
Japan always loves, or more like crazy about, American culture and keeps copying them, and even before the World War two, they had lots of Jazz dance clubs. However Black culture was not very popular among general public until early 70s, then this happened. th-cam.com/video/y87E04egvco/w-d-xo.html They became popular because they broke the stereo type of Black women for Japanese, who believed all Black women looked like Hattie McDaniel of "Gone with the Wind" In the late 70s, Disco became super popular, and around 1980, Michael Jackson exploded there as well, then the huge wave of Hip Hop hit Japan. As the matter of the fact, Japanese kids started to imitate South Bronx's street Fashion a long before American White kids did. If you listen to so called "Japanese city pop" from 80s, if you have not heard them, just search them in youtube, you hear lots of influence of American R&B and Funk. Now American Black culture, mainly music and fashion, is a big part of Japanese youth culture. However, still Japanese admire American White much more. That is why Anime and Manga characters looks like White. Therefore much more Japanese women are hungry for White men. The host of this video is most like a product White hungry Japanese women as well. If not, I apologize. Now on Japanese TV, there are so many racially mixed TV personalities, and most of them are half White, and their mothers are Japanese, not fathers. So Japanese women who are after Black men are less then the one after White. That is why we are seeing this video. A daughter of the White hungry Japanese woman observes Black hungry Japanese women. Actually this phenomena is nothing new, in 80s-90, there was a Japanese female author who specialized in romance between Japanese women and Black men, Eimi Yamada, who wrote "Soul music Lovers only" which became a movie as well.
@@leavesofgrass1917 American culture is African American culture and vice versa, also there is not such thing as stealing a culture, culture is fluid and past along to others people.
@@leavesofgrass1917 also there is not such thing as “black culture” unless your specificity referring to African American culture, because as a African American my self I don’t see any culture similarities between my self and a blacks person from Kenya or Sudan.
My main issue with the Amejo culture has to be how many of these girls are so young. There is a reason why VICE decided to not disclose the girls' ages. It's hard for me to see the Amejo culture positively when many of these girls are in HS.
Okinawa is a very interesting place and I would say, if you are living in one of the cities or not necessarily living in the nicer areas, you can definitely see and feel the American influence everywhere, it definitely feels different from the other four main islands. It’s really interesting to witness and it’s great to hear stories like this
Currently stationed on Okinawa. That bit where she talks about hearing "no one is perfect" from an American reminded me of a date I went on with an Okinawan girl. She was telling me about how she planned to go on a diet because she felt too fat. She was already a healthy slim and the thought of that was strange to me, so I told her "I think you're fine as is, I don't think you need to change that about yourself." You could practically hear and see the relief in her, like no one had said that to her ever.
@@kateb2643 70% of Americans have an unhealthy BMI. It's not always just how you can pull off looking good. Most don't want to do the work to stay in shape.
My spouse is the same way she is about 52kg (115lbs) and thinks she is fat. Even her uchinan friends call her fat. I tell her she is fine and the weight she has is from giving birth to our kids and to me she is sexier now than when she was 103lbs. It is a stigma uchinan people put on themselves and others. it is bad but also a good thing. Big reason you will not see many Okinawans gorging themselves on McD's and always eating healthy.
I love that Amejo show their true self and isn’t afraid to say things like “I’m not perfect but that’s me”. Many Japanese girls are always putting up a image and you never know what they thinking
Yes but the US took many of Japans rights and did not even give them leniency like japan can’t have a army but they are like the first target of china and North Korea.
@@moumuooo.o2283 They reap what they sow. That's just their punishment for aligning themselves with the Nazis. Japan did a lot of horrible things during world war 2.
Not perfect……because their mixed. As in 100 percent Asian IS perfect? That makes me sad my son lives in Japan since being in the Navy. He is married to a Japanese woman. I’m quite sure no one is perfect.
@@moumuooo.o2283 yeah well Japan started a war and killed many American soldiers… and what does 80 year old history has to do with today’s world anyways?
@@batorsagandszerelem4474 Many countries did many horrible stuffs. We have the US who oppressed and killed the native Americans and China and their Uyghur genocide. Most humans in general are evil.
Nice piece of work. I'm glad she was able to express herself. Stereotypes don't have to apply to someone who doesn't accept it. But hey love the life you live!!!
Very conflicted feelings about this - On the one hand, it's great they're enjoying themselves and why shouldn't they live how they want to. You do you! - But... otoh it's definitely fetishization. They're latching onto a (kinda insulting) caricature. It was cringe af when she was like "oops I forgot my Japanese!" Btw Vice has been putting out great work over the past year or so. Drifted away for a while when the quality went downhill, but it's really picked up again lately!
@@InkSync23 Disagree as I think that's too broad. People are attracted to certain things and maybe they like the cultures they emulate? Hong Kong and Philippines both have huge hiphop subcultures and it's just who they are. I do think we can fetishize some of it though, yes.
I'm definitely adding Okinawa to my list of places to visit. Part of me is torn about how Okinawa became so blended but I'm glad there's a mixing of culture here that has fostered more acceptance of people's differences.
Honestly, I was there in Okinawa a few years ago and didn't notice them. Could be that I stayed away from "America Villiage" on purpose, or that there are SO many crazy Japanese street styles, it doesn't look so different to me.
My visits to Okinawa in 2014 was filled with fascinating historical stories and folksongs from the Ryukyu Kingdom. Personally I feel sad to see this side of Okinawa, but it can’t be help since it was under the US administration until 1972.
I am a product of an amejo and I can say that I did very well in life. I also married a highly achieved Black person who is going back to Okinawa w me to retire with means. Your statement is rather offensive so I hope you will elaborate and justify your opinion. Thank you.
@@Ckawauchi35 Offensive, Americans are ruining Japanese Culture! That is a FACT! Japanese Birth Rate is in a Nose Dive, and Toyko does not know what to do ! To me they need to bring back the Samurai Culture ! It's the only way to save Japan. And stop this western bleeding Heart Bull shit! It is Offensive that you cant even see the destruction of your own culture!
My first encounter with "Amejo" was in the mid-'90s going to clubs like Manhattans, and Pyramids. I basically grew up in Okinawa. Elementary, High school. a first stint as a Marine, contractor, then Army. I have to say we referred to all women that were dating Americans as Amejo regardless of if they were into hip-hop, rock, or whatever. The ones that were more into hip hop and black dudes most hakojin, and hafu kids called them Kokojos and the ones into white dudes hakojos. Throughout the decades I lived in Okinawa again this is just my perspective majority of the kokojos did not end up married to the black dudes but had their babies and ended up a single in Okinawa, to turn around and marry either an Okinawan guy or a white guy after losing their kokojo dressing and acting. Sorry not sorry but that is what I had seen at least 10 to 20 times throughout my 12 years as an adult there. Those that actually married the black dude majority of the time they stayed in Okinawa and still live there.
The part about kokujyos ending up as single moms and the black father leaving/restationed (military) is spot on. Its basically guaranteed to happen. Surprise surprise
The reporter said she heard some people thought these women were easy and that all they wanted to do was hang with GIs. She then says (at 0:46), "I hear the world 'Amejo' a lot and to better understand how it's used today, I traveled to Okinawa in search of answers." That was the entire video. Did you actually watch it before making your comment?
it's incorrect because it's wrong to think like that. that's what they proved . that it's not uncappable to call others those things. they didn't say the stereotype didn't exist.
I think there's a thin line between finding yourself in a different way of life and investing yourself in an unhealthy manner in it. And I get that the reporters, especially for VICE from what I can see, are there to listen and not judge, however probing and asking relevant questions to get the whole story is important and I say this as a 4th year journalism student. When she said, "I wear my hair straight and black because that's what US men think when they think of us" I saw that as a HUGE red flag. I understand that culture and society will influence decisions, however she made it seem as if this was a means of her coming into her own, and living for her. Her getting body confidence from Westerns open perception of weight in comparison to Japan is great, but asking really and truly why she likes what she likes, beyond accepting a vague answer like, "I mean why wouldn't anyone like it" is quite relevant. Do you believe there maybe an obsession with American culture, specifically the part heavily influenced by black culture in the states, like traditional Japanese women have with Japan's own beauty standards? Would have been a good question. The impression people these women would be a bit more willing to go out on a limb for a foreigner, specifically US, than they would for a average Japanese man. And that's not preference. That's fetishizing. And I don't feel like that was adressed.
There is a cloud 9 fantasy aspect to it that is not grounded in a healthy reality, I think there are many red flags, not to say its all bad but having stayed on the island with military contractors, there is a negative undertone to western worship that locals for many reasons have just cause to be skeptical about.
🤣 . My Mom is from Taiwan. Back in the day , 70’s, her and friends would goto bars where all the American soldiers were. That’s how she snagged my Dad. All her friends have American husbands as well. 15 Asian women grabbed up Americans just to come to USA 🇺🇸 🇹🇼 This shiit is hilarious.
@@wordedsauce5580 you realize this was back in the 70's? At that time Taiwan 20 years prior had to retreat from the mainland because of the CCP. Taiwan had just lost it's membership from the UN in '71, and the country was being run by a borderline authoritarian government. The Taiwan we all know and love didn't come about until the 80s when they had more democratic reforms. Honestly as Americans, we don't know how good we have it.
I come from philippines, and I went to Okinawa back in 2018! It’s amazing how at home I felt there! Maybe it has something to do with the all around vibes and mix there! A lot of people speak good english there which surprised me cause having spent so much time in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, that doesn’t normally happen! I like how I could see a lot of Americans there which is pretty common in my country too. And how it has a tropical beach vibe to it like the beaches in my country! I would love to go back to Okinawa and discover more there! 沖縄が恋しい❗️おすすめ！本当にありがとうございます😊！楽しんでください！
@@goldbrosproduction2394 yeah it is but a lot of conservative people here see it as classless and dirty hence why a lot of people still look down on it! Too ghetto sounding for them I guess so that's why I look for that kind of scene somewhere else.
There are similar subcultures in other parts of Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama), but if feels like because Okinawa is so small and there is a concentrated number of American (Black) military rotating in and out the Amejo subculture has become more deeply engrained. I can't cosign all the girl-power stuff, but everyone in it seemed like good folks. Nice job!
Hanako's personality and Japanese voice is quite soothing. I feel like I could comfortably discuss anything with her. She's in the right profession... Either that or she could be a counselor
With me living on mainland japan for the past 4 years and going to all these cities like tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, etc… it becomes very easy to tell which girls go for military or foreigners in general. Nothing wrong with it but the ones that typically go for foreigners typically look almost ethically different from I guess “normal” Japanese girls.
it's all with the power of makeup and frequent tanning. 90% of japanese girls possess the power to tan but avoid it because of the white skin is beautiful beauty standard, use whitening creams sunblock and other bizarre gear. others in response to that standard take tanning to the extreme using makeup and fake tans to go beyond their skins maximum darkness
What was the percentage of US/military personnel on the island at the height of us presence? That probably affected the culture until it evolved to what it is now. Sad that some native Japanese dislike the fusion but if that's that's all that was around at the time of course there's going to be some mingling of culture.
Well you have to understand that East Asians countries and cultures are actually quite xenophobic you just don't hear about as much because it gets overshadowed by other countries ethnic relations.
Japan is basically occupied by the US military, i totally understand them not wanting them in their country especially when you hear about them causing trouble, rape stories by US GI's etc. Same goes for S.Korea or any Asian country with US military presence
in all fairness, american GIs, even the ones in the US aren't good dating material. i heard too many female soldiers saying that even they don't see them as good boyfriend/husband material.
Oh wow, this is pretty interesting. Is there a male equivalent tho? I’m just curious. Naoka is so cool! I can tell she’s a person with substance. I don’t think she’s black wanna be or anything like that. She’s just enjoying black American culture, nothing wrong with that. You do you!
Not really, theres hip hop crowds but they mostly just rap and break dance. If you notice most of the participants in this are female. They all have a thing for you know what. Its basically fetishization of two groups of people.
There’s definitely men who do this. But not a negative stereotype with sexual undertones. They do get a fair bit of side eye or looks of disapproval nonetheless tho. At least mainland.
Ya like back in early 1980s and before. These "princesses" are at least 50 years old now. They phased out quickly as living standard improved and perhaps better than that of US.
@@MoejiiOsmanTV it's different topic. Literally, not all k pop is hip hop based. K pop mixed lot of different genre of music to appeal to wider spectrum of audience. It's experimental too.
Nice piece, Vice. the same documentary could also be done about Angles City, here in The Philippines. though, to my knowledge there isnt a direct term that decribes them in Filipino, there is a large demographic of filipino girls who are obsessed with American GIs, carry the stereotype of being very easy, and will only have relations with tourist american men. even if they know it will often end in heartbreak
I miss Okinawa. Only time I felt like a human being. Being Black in America is hell. There everyone was so friendly to me. I am currently looking for a job to get me back there.
I’ve lived in Okinawa for over 8 years & still here & this interview is very true for the most part. I also think it’s somethings that some women are not a fan of for Japan or Okinawa. I’ve dated them & dated regular Japanese or Okinawan women & tbh there is a huge difference.
@@green5052 Not only them but I will say “Targets them more then the others.” Which is why they dress & act the way they dress. Even had a few of them thinking that because they are “amejo” that they have the right to say the “n” word & one of my friends was quick to say “Don’t ever say that again.” The girls tell him “Why? Is it not what you call each other?” He is black btw & said no he stopped dating those women because they think they are better then everyone else & think their attitude is cute.
@@dewilew2137 Sometimes honesty can suck or hurt but it’s also something I think would be showing respect overall… I hate to admit it but it’s facts & not personal opinion. I could give my personal opinion but that’s irrelevant. Feelings are irrelevant to facts…
I personally enjoy stories of cultural blending. I know there are valid questions about appropriation that should be heard... but I think we grow as a society by appreciating each other.
I think this is a really interesting mixture of ideas from different cultures - it's great that these women are able to feel more 'free' from traditional archetypes such as that woman who didn't feel like she had to obsess over her weight
lol, they have the same shit in Korea and Germany, both places that I have lived in as a former soldier, and to add further context I am black. One of the things I noticed while living overseas is you have this subgroup of women that seem to form their entire identity of what they think American culture , specifically black more often then not. At first I thought it was cool that as a black man I was appreciated and considered cool to be around, rather then the bullshit that consist of in America. But as I got older I began to kind of feel insulted because when I got to know a lot of these women better I realized it was fetish and had a piss poor concept of what it means to be black. And yes they absolutely target soldiers like no other and tend to be a little loose from my experience. To each his own, shits weird.
I think the right terminology would be Kokujo for an Okinawa woman who enjoys the company of man from African American descend. Amejo would be the woman who likes all sorts of American guys predominantly white guys. Spanjo would be the kind that likes Latino culture, salsa dancing and Spanish culture, make no mistake, Kokujo is considered a racist word by the easily offended blacks.
We're Black Americans not "African American'. None of us are from Africa and our culture is American plus no one says 'European American". Most Black Americans don't even know about Japanese culture so the "Kokujo" or "Kokujin" word wouldn't be considered racist but most Black Americans associate Japanese with Korea and Chinese without knowing much differences, so they would assume that many Japanese are racist or colorist against Black people in general or prejudice towards Black Americans that words describing Black people would have negative associations.
Not sure what the reply comment is talking about but main comment is absolutely right. Amejo is girls that like Americans, MAINLY white. Kokujo and hakujo are the words to specify the girls that like a specific race but no one uses hakujo because it’s generally agreed amejos like white or latin.
don't be mad because they like the brothers BLACK culture is AMERICAN culture hence why everybody and country tries to be like US. Im not for it either though stop the BS if your not truly int the culture as a whole we don't want YOU
Honestly I think yall are looking too much into this. This is just two groups of people fetishizing each other. Just my observation. Also Melenated woman are absent, I would really like to hear what they got to say.
I think it's a combination of all of that. There's just a heavy level of tone deafness as far as culture is concerned that worries me. The Black guy saying he doesn't believe in cultural appropriation is like saying he doesn't believe in racism.......absurd and obviously inaccurate and coming from a Black Guy ( the most targeted person) is sad and disappointing. " Everybody wants to be a n*gga, but nobody wants to be a n*gga" - Paul Mooney
@@mikloridden8276 oh, for sure. That's why they mentioned the g.os that live there are predominantly Black American men ......seems to suits them just fine.
Because no one in Africa referred to themselves as Black - only British/USA refer to themselves as Black culture - you trying to find a way to be acknowledged
Nothing to do with culture. The girl just went where she was valued to the most. Traditional Japanese women are very skinny. She is considered fat in Japan, thus her chances with a Japanese man is slim. On the other hand, black guys love thic girls. So she would be more welcomed there. People go where they fit in. Culture is just a biproduct.
It reminds me of when they started copying Chicano culture which as a Mexican was confusing since generally Chicanos are looked down on (I won't get into the specifics of that) so it felt like out of all of our culture they had to pick the part we aren't the biggest fan of. I'm here because I like Asian culture and learning about it since in a lot of ways it's so different from what I'm used to but I feel like they give the average person the wrong impression. I think what bugs me is that they just take the superficial top level of our cultures so they don't represent it well. So when actual people of said culture show up they automatically don't like you thanks to the impression they gave them out of not being properly educated. Take corn row braids, I learned African Americans did that to hide food in there hair. So yeah I'd be offended if it was reduced to just some badass bitch hair style. The problem with them, koreaboos, etc. is that they equate looking a certain way to to being impowered which is not the point. I can't tell you the reasons certain hip hop or Chicano culture came to be but there is more to it than just rebelling because it's cool which what a lot of people don't seem to get.
Word! They scratch the surface of our cultures and think nothing of it. And then when it’s time to go deeper and really get into it, nobody wants to actually do the work!
Hip hop came from Black people and ricans in NYC had to put that out there. Also They will take from Black culture and then try to exclude Black people out of it mind blown. I love the authentic ones though this is real life not a fashion
Thank you for saying something ❤ I remember when those videos of Tokyo's mock Chicano culture came out too. There seemed to be a lot of Mexicans that thought it was cool 😐 I was like "How do y'all not see how insulting that is? They are just like white people. They don't even know you all or your story but wanna play dress up!" Idk if most people just ignore it cuz they're offended but there's "nothing they can do" so they just don't speak up but it's nice to see someone gets it.
@@mayas.5050 maybe because as latinos we don't care. The only ones who even get offended by it are Americans themselves as always. There's nothing more to it and we know that the Japanese do it for aesthetics and nothing else. That's fine with us. 👍
We all live and learn along the way. Just here to say that whatever you are doing, it ain’t all there is, and don’t even think for a minute that it is it. I have seen lots of the by products of this around my life, and all I can say is that please just try to be more smart about it. Don’t sell yourself too short. Once you grow out of it, so you won’t be regretting of your past.
This Mini documentary is done well and is honest and I agree people should dress up and date, do what they want, but a huge percentage of amejos end up as single mother's and become hostesses.
I lived off gate 5(camp Foster/ Taco bell gate). I lived first in Kitanakagusiku on the economy. Then, later. I lived in military housing near Camp Foster across from the Towers. I miss Japan but, I would rather go to Spain, Germany or Finland now.
The USA "returned Okinawa to Japan"? Okinawa was a totally separate and independent nation called the Ryukyu Kingdom for centuries before Japan invaded Okinawa in the 1600s and then annexed it in the 1870s.
I love amejo-kei cause they look Latina, and I’m an Asian looking Latina*, we could be besties 😭 *it’s a tiktok term where there’s latinas like me, who have the almond, more indigenous features that make us get confused for being Asian. But as one person said like LA cholas too
There was an incident in Miami that was not reported by the US media. On July 1 of this year, a 30-year-old man, formerly with the US Army in Okinawa, shot and killed a 24-year-old Japanese woman. The woman had come to the U.S. from Okinawa in late May and had told her acquaintances that she had a foreign boyfriend and was going to meet him. The victim may have been an "Amejo".
Most GIs coming to Okinawa are black and Latin Americans.It's because they're coming to Oki to get ready to go to a dangerous area. They joined the army on scholarships and permanent residency.
I feel like next time I go to Japan I def want to check out Okinawa... Last time I only stayed in Tokyo/ikebukuro since I have family there but everyone kinda looked @ me so weird although I'm full japanese myself but I was born & raised in America.. I just feel like I'd enjoy it more there, in oki. Lol I mean I have no clue why japanese & Okinawans concider themselves different when they're all from Japan. Technically I'm 75% japanese and 25% Okinawan but I always wondered why it's even considered different?
Okinawans were not part of Japan until the 15th century, until which they were pretty much isolated geographically. Which is why they have different languages and all.
I kinda can understand the sentiments of japanese people who discriminate the people that are prone to follow western's culture. Although i don't really care about other people's choices in their life, i cannot get rid of negative feelings towards people who abandon their own roots and following other people's culture especially when it is western lifestyle. Unlike most asian culture, modern western culture seems kinda wild, uncultured, look toxic, kinda indecent n lack modesty. However, i won't care if anyone still want to be part of it, but the feeling still lingers when i see one. Prob just not my taste. Someone might consider my thought as being judgy, but what i can do.. the western lifestyle just seems haughty to me eyes.
there is no such thing as "good" K-R&B. If it sounds anything like this, it's not even R&B at all. You all will call any music that a Black woman makes "R&B" and then try to recreate it. Create your own shit and stop stealing from us. Be as "original" as you claim to be.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 88 | คู่เอก "ป้อมเพชร vs อัสลามจอน"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1ZqTVVbMgbo/mqdefault.jpg)
It would have been a good idea to talk to other citizens of Okinawa, especially women...and hear their opinion about it.
They only want to listen to what they want to hear
@@bharath_mangalore What do you mean, exactly?
@@thatcanadiangrandma if they want to push a particular narrative then they will hate to listen to other side
If we are actually trying to listen the voices of Okinawa, I would also like to know how they view Japan and whether they still want to be separated from Japan or not?
@@bharath_mangalore True, which is fine to some degree. More input would have been insightful, seeing the other side. They did this in a like a micro-documentary style, so I get it.
My great grandmother was the last member of my family born in Okinawa. I never heard the term Amejo in my life, but it describes her. She was married 3 times over 2 decades and all of them were military. I just want to learn about a culture we don't talk about anymore. We're not mainland, 沖縄人ですよ。
So basically, it's reverse weeaboos 🤔
Pretty much😂
No it’s not. What makes most Japanese and other East Asians love about USA and the western pop culture is usually white popular artists like former one direction kids, Shawn Mandes, Taylor swift and that kinda stuff. The Japanese music industry is huge, but Drake is really really not popular and they say people in Jamaica watches his videos more often than Japan which is crazy and we all know why that is. So, If you start dying your hair blonde, curl and trying to be like Taylor Swift, you can say that it’s reverse weeaboos which happens often in Tokyo and if she wanted to interview that, she didn’t have to go all the way to Okinawa for that because there are plenty of them in Tokyo but those girls don’t give a damn about the mainstream American culture. They like American subcultures like Chicanos and Afro American stuff. So if you really want to create an example for this counterpart, it will be an American guy who is obsessed with Ainu or Tibetan culture and styles and learning the language, culture and their religion.
not it's an expression of freedom for the japanese women, weeaboos stay within their western group circle and greet each other in japanese and watch anime together, pathetic
@@Hanaha2222
Lol don't compare centuries old cultures with actual traditions and history like the Tibetan one to some garbage suburban "cool wannabe" societal movements like the Chicanos or the African American Hip-Hop centered youth culture.
LMFAOO
I was stationed in okinawa back in the 2000s such a fun place!!! I am mexicana and l remember seeing the okinawans dress as latino west coast cholos....!!! Like they had the style down to the T!! Anyways amazing place beautiful people.
weird.
What is T?!
That's why war exists
@@cyberman1305 it means like completely like they got the whole look down the exact look of it
You still see it a lot in Naha.
I was stationed in Okinawa Japan 10 years ago and it's so interesting to see that not much has changed since I've last been to the island. "Amejo" was a major thing, and as the Marine mentioned seemed heavily influenced on Black Culture. Not sure if "Gate 2" street is still a shopping district there but this used to be housed right off Kadena Air Base with shops upon shops catering to Urban/Hip Hop Wear amongst the local Okinawans
Our family was in Oki from 2017-2020, and yes and Gate 2 street is still a thing. Lots of clubs/bars there as well.
@@Aseabasplace I love you
If amejo is west coast cholo aesthetic then I dont think I would be calling it hiphop culture. If it were Rican I could see it being so. But not in this instance.
@@svenmc9748 we can't ignore that some of the cholo aesthetic is heavily influenced by black culture. Although this is true, the Mexicans and Blacks have been pushed into the same hoods/corners of society, therefore there is going to be a natural mixing of cultures to create what would be know as the hood aesthetic. When authentic, it is truly beautiful to witness. 😊
@Ignacio Aguilar I acknowledged that our cultures intertwined. Our influence on America started during and after slavery so it was definitely present beforehand. But i give credit where credit is due 😊
Amejo is basically a negative term towards Japanese women who target Americans to date. It has nothing to do with Black American culture specifically. Amejos typically, but not always, have a preference (Black, White, Latino, etc.) in which they will likely dress and model their behavior towards their preference.
It also does not mean slutty or b*tch. As we all know, Japanese culture is very conservative. Especially for women, which is why amejo is viewed by most as a negative term. By adopting American aspects, such as being more vocal and dressing like American women, amejos are going against the grain. Thus the tendency of other Japanese people to look at them differently.
I liked the video, but I feel that it's incomplete and falls short of presenting what the term really means. Maybe do a part 2?!
She is talking mostly to kokujo
@@c3aloha kokujo, Japanese women looking for black men to date?
Idk which okinawa you’ve been to but I learned amejo means a sl*t who goes for mostly black guys, and from what I’ve seen I believe it
@@richardlozano5273 not sure where you learned that, but you should do some research yourself as that is not correct. I used to believe it was something similar to what you said, but after living here for over 10 years and talking to a few Japanese people, I learned that my initial belief of the term was wrong.
@@marcusgreen9466 bro what research I can literally see it when I go to AV, it’s not some science project it’s just facts🤷♂️
it was the edge controlled baby hairs and citygirl autotune for me
I'm like she sounds like Coi.
@@labelmeposh hopefully Coi before the XXL freestyle☠️
@@hollister2320 lol no.
@@hollister2320 Brother, before the cypher she was horrible.
Right. This vid is also giving me Gwen Stefani Hollerback girl vibes. They’re innocent.
I am currently in Okinawa and I'm a black woman and I can say my experience being here is a negative one. I feel I'm being looked at as a monster. I find it ironic that she says taking on American culture has helped her self-esteem. Meanwhile being here has killed mine. I'm ready to move back to the US. I'm so over how the locals look at you like your less than human. I'm highly considering doing a video on what's it like being a black woman living here in Okinawa. I would love to have a secret camera on me so you can see the rudeness and nasty looks I receive daily. No one speaks on how black women aren't welcomed here. The locals have a way of letting you know that they don't like you.
Have you been to other parts of Japan? Has it been the same elsewhere? Interesting hearing the difference in treatment for you vs what I've seen on some of the channels discussing being black and specifically a black woman in Japan in areas aside from Okinawa.
Ironically black men have different experience..
Doesn't help when your "sistahs" are seen globally as stronk, independent and dont need no man. Lizzos, Meg da 🐎and the likes being championed by abw.. Doesnt exactly equate to positive image or marketing. Others might have that phase, but that's just it.
Do interview others especially the men when you make that vid.
Do it
Yesss I’m here now and I def believe you
I live in north Australia where we have a a lot of US military stationed, and it’s the same sentiment.
Not trying to take away from this unique subculture of Japan, but the American military influence in Japan carries a very dark history that many people just don’t talk about. Since the American occupation, American military stationed in Japan made it a pastime to abduct women (in one particular case as young as an infant) and sexually assault them. It happened so much and so often that it’s what Okinawa was known for in the latter part of the 20th century.
I get why some Japanese people would detest people like amejo that mix with Americans stationed there after all this was uncovered. Sucks that our military gives us a bad name, American culture shouldn’t be tainted with this part of history. Till this day, sexual assaults by Americans in Japan is a common occurrence, but a lot of women don’t report to police due to the nature of said crime and social implications. We need to do better smh
This is the vibe I got in certain parts, I stayed with military contractors on the main island and they warned me I would be judged heavily by locals on certain parts of the island and proceeded to tell me about what you just wrote here.
And not even the Japanese officials would do anything about it.
So it's an American/Zionist colony
In all fairness it's time to remove the bases for good, the local people have been through enough from the time being an empire to their current state.
@@Ckawauchi35 It's true China shows a threat, but the real problem I see with this is how much power China has gotten. I wonder how long the kettle will keep on boiling before the entire kitchen blows up.
Soo an Amejo is kinda like a ABG? Like the style is basically the same.
Thats exactly the image i got
And what is abg?
"How do you learn about American culture?"
"We just go to clubs and hang out with American guys yeeaaaah!"😵🥂
I think that might be one reason for why they get a bad rep😜
Why? Do Japanese people not go to clubs?
@@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403 Japanese are polarized, there is a big group of people who don't go to clubs at all and another big group of people go to clubs often, Amejo are generally more active than just common japanese
Why would they get bad rep though. Dating with American guys isn’t a crime. It’s a preference
@@Edwinbraun20maybe dated people who constanly rape little girl in Okinawa dont help. My father is French and my mother is from Okinawa and this is accepted. I dont sure it's was the same if my father was American .
So "Amejo" is the Japanese version of "Sarong Party Girls". Got it.
Spg go for white guys..
This one blackberry. 🤣🤣🤣 Once u go black u know what happens la.
Yeah that's probably more accurate.
@@RollerBladingSuxs yeah i kinda got a ABG vibe from them.
Its dirty
Kokujo is those going for Black.
I’ve worked with this artist in the studio recently and her along with her team are an extremely talented and professional group to work with.
Thank you
oh boy 🙄
I feel like everyone is fetizishing each other. But i guess its fine
It's not though but your mindset is becoming common so I guess there's no use screaming about valid appropriation anymore. Non Blacks have won! Our culture is a mall for you all to shop in without giving respect or credit or anything to the creators! Have fun! :) /s
@@penguin902
Dude, stop complaining, honestly. It's not black culture, it's human culture and all humans have the rights to appropriate it as much as they want, so stop with the race bashings
@@FoxyBoxery even though his comment was unnecessary in this situation it’s still truthful besides where he said “Non blacks have won” I believe in giving credit where credits due if the Air Force started to be more aggressive and tough then they have to pay respects to the MC because that’s their identity and that’s just how it goes
@@FoxyBoxery and I know for a fact you know that it’s black/ hip hop/ urban culture I don’t even know why you said that we all know who created it and keeps recreating it 🤦🏽♂️
@@ogunmontgomery103
Doesn't matter what culture it is, everyone has the rights to enjoy it. Full stop
Amejo…It’s the complex but not so subtle anti-Blackness for me. Those girls are enjoying BLACK American culture & I wish the journalist was more honest about that. Oh & the Black guy knew he was going against the grain when he said he doesn’t believe in cultural appropriation. If you like Japanese women who dress and act like Black women, just say that.
Every piece of this video was about stealing Black American culture. Edge brush, nails, hoops, slick black pony, hip hop, braids, clothing, her awful “Blaccent” only when in front of her Black friends….
@@horizon1328 I've had so many people in my life say that using ideas I like is theft... but then again where did they get that idea?
@@86heyoh Exactly
Classic Japan
@@86heyoh 🤣 if anything, a lot of this seems like Hispanic American culture…
I lived in Kobe City for years and first time I experienced the amejo culture was a trip to Okinawa. Girls dressed like Latina females in Los Angeles with the dark eyeliner and boyfriends who drive older american cars on airbags. It was insane yet fun at the same time. As a guy from Philly I was immediately an expert on ‘cholo’ lifestyle which I wasn’t lol. Crazy times back then. I’m happy to see the girls still rocking that look
What part of Okinawa?
More like Black American culture.
one of the guys (African American guy living in Okinawa) said most of the Amejo culture is influenced by African American culture
@@samuel8987 at least he was honest.
@@dewilew2137 the thing is he doesn't care hes out here promoting it because he has a Japanese wife himself and knows alot of American black n white guys will dig it just like himself making him $.
@@dewilew2137 hey girl these Okinawa shit thing is only in minority.
Pink sweetie Boo huh?
Amajo women seem to like black american culture rather an American culture as a whole, still very interesting and cool to see. Especially from a country like Japan known for their homogenous and ethical individuality.
90% of American culture is stolen/copied from Black culture
@@leavesofgrass1917 Lol :D
Japan always loves, or more like crazy about, American culture and keeps copying them, and even before the World War two, they had lots of Jazz dance clubs. However Black culture was not very popular among general public until early 70s, then this happened.
th-cam.com/video/y87E04egvco/w-d-xo.html
They became popular because they broke the stereo type of Black women for Japanese, who believed all Black women looked like Hattie McDaniel of "Gone with the Wind"
In the late 70s, Disco became super popular, and around 1980, Michael Jackson exploded there as well, then the huge wave of Hip Hop hit Japan. As the matter of the fact, Japanese kids started to imitate South Bronx's street Fashion a long before American White kids did. If you listen to so called "Japanese city pop" from 80s, if you have not heard them, just search them in youtube, you hear lots of influence of American R&B and Funk.
Now American Black culture, mainly music and fashion, is a big part of Japanese youth culture. However, still Japanese admire American White much more. That is why Anime and Manga characters looks like White. Therefore much more Japanese women are hungry for White men. The host of this video is most like a product White hungry Japanese women as well. If not, I apologize. Now on Japanese TV, there are so many racially mixed TV personalities, and most of them are half White, and their mothers are Japanese, not fathers. So Japanese women who are after Black men are less then the one after White. That is why we are seeing this video. A daughter of the White hungry Japanese woman observes Black hungry Japanese women.
Actually this phenomena is nothing new, in 80s-90, there was a Japanese female author who specialized in romance between Japanese women and Black men, Eimi Yamada, who wrote "Soul music Lovers only" which became a movie as well.
@@leavesofgrass1917 American culture is African American culture and vice versa, also there is not such thing as stealing a culture, culture is fluid and past along to others people.
@@leavesofgrass1917 also there is not such thing as “black culture” unless your specificity referring to African American culture, because as a African American my self I don’t see any culture similarities between my self and a blacks person from Kenya or Sudan.
I have a lot of respect for Okinawa and Amejo subculture. Nanoki's music is lit. Good coverage by Vice on this one.
Thank you
@@nanokiofficial7359 you are good artist.I like your music I discover your channel through cz tiger.
mula flipa was dope.
@@montreal_1_1 thank you for supporting!
My main issue with the Amejo culture has to be how many of these girls are so young. There is a reason why VICE decided to not disclose the girls' ages. It's hard for me to see the Amejo culture positively when many of these girls are in HS.
You see young people adopting all kinds of cultures outside their native one like
I understand what you mean, but it's no different in the US. Extremely uncomfortable, but not exclusive to Japan.
Okinawa is a very interesting place and I would say, if you are living in one of the cities or not necessarily living in the nicer areas, you can definitely see and feel the American influence everywhere, it definitely feels different from the other four main islands.
It’s really interesting to witness and it’s great to hear stories like this
Thank you
No, it's shithole
Currently stationed on Okinawa. That bit where she talks about hearing "no one is perfect" from an American reminded me of a date I went on with an Okinawan girl.
She was telling me about how she planned to go on a diet because she felt too fat. She was already a healthy slim and the thought of that was strange to me, so I told her "I think you're fine as is, I don't think you need to change that about yourself." You could practically hear and see the relief in her, like no one had said that to her ever.
Beauty standards over there are unreal. Basically, healthy BMI = fat. Not that it wasn't the same for the western world in the 2000's
thats so sad
@@kateb2643 70% of Americans have an unhealthy BMI. It's not always just how you can pull off looking good. Most don't want to do the work to stay in shape.
As long as they are not obese like lizzo there good 👌🏾
My spouse is the same way she is about 52kg (115lbs) and thinks she is fat. Even her uchinan friends call her fat. I tell her she is fine and the weight she has is from giving birth to our kids and to me she is sexier now than when she was 103lbs. It is a stigma uchinan people put on themselves and others. it is bad but also a good thing. Big reason you will not see many Okinawans gorging themselves on McD's and always eating healthy.
the amejo style reminds me of an ABG
I wonder if that's where it came from
Nah abg comes from henessey, fake lashes, lv, and dark eye liner. 💁♂️
I feel like if they live in America they will fit in
@@707bear3 amejo literally means American women lmao
basically...minus the blonde/balyage hair.
I admire these women. It’s really brave to be the nail sticking up in Japan…even in Okinawa. And they’re really pretty as well.
I love that Amejo show their true self and isn’t afraid to say things like “I’m not perfect but that’s me”. Many Japanese girls are always putting up a image and you never know what they thinking
Yes but the US took many of Japans rights and did not even give them leniency like japan can’t have a army but they are like the first target of china and North Korea.
@@moumuooo.o2283 They reap what they sow. That's just their punishment for aligning themselves with the Nazis. Japan did a lot of horrible things during world war 2.
Not perfect……because their mixed. As in 100 percent Asian IS perfect?
That makes me sad my son lives in Japan since being in the Navy. He is married to a Japanese woman. I’m quite sure no one is perfect.
@@moumuooo.o2283 yeah well Japan started a war and killed many American soldiers… and what does 80 year old history has to do with today’s world anyways?
@@batorsagandszerelem4474 Many countries did many horrible stuffs. We have the US who oppressed and killed the native Americans and China and their Uyghur genocide. Most humans in general are evil.
Interesting, I live in Okinawa now and I learned something new today, which clarifies some of what I’ve seen around town.
This is interesting but I'm curious, is there a male equivalent?
Yeah there are Japanese dudes who are wannabe rappers, American style , gangsta rap, hip-hop, R&B subculture
Japanese culture becoming American culture..
Yes there is
@@nanokiofficial7359 there are Japanese men who fetishize Black women? Where is their documentary?
@@kaliskunkog2255 but americans do the same
There's even a guy who "came out as korean"
Nice piece of work. I'm glad she was able to express herself. Stereotypes don't have to apply to someone who doesn't accept it. But hey love the life you live!!!
Very conflicted feelings about this
- On the one hand, it's great they're enjoying themselves and why shouldn't they live how they want to. You do you!
- But... otoh it's definitely fetishization. They're latching onto a (kinda insulting) caricature. It was cringe af when she was like "oops I forgot my Japanese!"
Btw Vice has been putting out great work over the past year or so. Drifted away for a while when the quality went downhill, but it's really picked up again lately!
but what about Americans fetishizing Japanese that also has equally negative impact
@@InkSync23 Disagree as I think that's too broad. People are attracted to certain things and maybe they like the cultures they emulate? Hong Kong and Philippines both have huge hiphop subcultures and it's just who they are.
I do think we can fetishize some of it though, yes.
Cuz Japan has a culture and atmosphere to oppress individuality
I have many fetishes… I don’t see much wrong with it.
I'm definitely adding Okinawa to my list of places to visit. Part of me is torn about how Okinawa became so blended but I'm glad there's a mixing of culture here that has fostered more acceptance of people's differences.
American culture is filthy
There's plenty of traditional culture in Okinawa. I was there 3 years since my husband was sent there. It's a beautiful place
@@Afmedic85 That's great to hear, looking forward to seeing as much of Okinawa as I can.
I'll be doing the same. It seems like such a cool place!
@@gennadykalashi5682 Better than yours, "Gennady" 😂🤣
Reporter is gorgeous, goddamn
I agree ❤️
Creepy much, dude 😳 😬
@@policywonk3153 ??
@@policywonk3153 calling a woman beautiful is creepy now?
She's alright. To each their own.
Honestly, I was there in Okinawa a few years ago and didn't notice them. Could be that I stayed away from "America Villiage" on purpose, or that there are SO many crazy Japanese street styles, it doesn't look so different to me.
I commented about that too. In my experience I didn’t really notice them at all. I also did not go to American village a lot.
My visits to Okinawa in 2014 was filled with fascinating historical stories and folksongs from the Ryukyu Kingdom. Personally I feel sad to see this side of Okinawa, but it can’t be help since it was under the US administration until 1972.
I am a product of an amejo and I can say that I did very well in life. I also married a highly achieved Black person who is going back to Okinawa w me to retire with means.
Your statement is rather offensive so I hope you will elaborate and justify your opinion. Thank you.
You could've totally omitted everything you wrote beginning with "Personally".
@@Ckawauchi35 Offensive, Americans are ruining Japanese Culture! That is a FACT! Japanese Birth Rate is in a Nose Dive, and Toyko does not know what to do ! To me they need to bring back the Samurai Culture ! It's the only way to save Japan. And stop this western bleeding Heart Bull shit! It is Offensive that you cant even see the destruction of your own culture!
My first encounter with "Amejo" was in the mid-'90s going to clubs like Manhattans, and Pyramids. I basically grew up in Okinawa. Elementary, High school. a first stint as a Marine, contractor, then Army. I have to say we referred to all women that were dating Americans as Amejo regardless of if they were into hip-hop, rock, or whatever. The ones that were more into hip hop and black dudes most hakojin, and hafu kids called them Kokojos and the ones into white dudes hakojos. Throughout the decades I lived in Okinawa again this is just my perspective majority of the kokojos did not end up married to the black dudes but had their babies and ended up a single in Okinawa, to turn around and marry either an Okinawan guy or a white guy after losing their kokojo dressing and acting. Sorry not sorry but that is what I had seen at least 10 to 20 times throughout my 12 years as an adult there. Those that actually married the black dude majority of the time they stayed in Okinawa and still live there.
The part about kokujyos ending up as single moms and the black father leaving/restationed (military) is spot on. Its basically guaranteed to happen. Surprise surprise
So basically vice tried to prove the stereotype is incorrect when in fact they proved it’s actually 💯 on point
The reporter said she heard some people thought these women were easy and that all they wanted to do was hang with GIs. She then says (at 0:46), "I hear the world 'Amejo' a lot and to better understand how it's used today, I traveled to Okinawa in search of answers." That was the entire video. Did you actually watch it before making your comment?
Whut? 65 likes on this comment, omg
which in fact is really fucked up as American Culture is destroying Japanese Culture! That is NOT COOL!
@@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403 No she did not, as VICE is on a MISSION ! To Push Feminism and Destroy another Culture!
it's incorrect because it's wrong to think like that. that's what they proved . that it's not uncappable to call others those things. they didn't say the stereotype didn't exist.
Okinawa is great, never felt safer. Japan as a whole really. Wonderful culture.
I've enlisted in Okinawa and this video reminds me the great time I had there
I think there's a thin line between finding yourself in a different way of life and investing yourself in an unhealthy manner in it.
And I get that the reporters, especially for VICE from what I can see, are there to listen and not judge, however probing and asking relevant questions to get the whole story is important and I say this as a 4th year journalism student. When she said, "I wear my hair straight and black because that's what US men think when they think of us" I saw that as a HUGE red flag.
I understand that culture and society will influence decisions, however she made it seem as if this was a means of her coming into her own, and living for her. Her getting body confidence from Westerns open perception of weight in comparison to Japan is great, but asking really and truly why she likes what she likes, beyond accepting a vague answer like, "I mean why wouldn't anyone like it" is quite relevant.
Do you believe there maybe an obsession with American culture, specifically the part heavily influenced by black culture in the states, like traditional Japanese women have with Japan's own beauty standards? Would have been a good question.
The impression people these women would be a bit more willing to go out on a limb for a foreigner, specifically US, than they would for a average Japanese man. And that's not preference. That's fetishizing. And I don't feel like that was adressed.
Same tbh
This is equivalent to cringy people who fetishsize other races. Frankly I found it disturbing.
Yep it seemed like she felt as if she wasn't being accepted by her native culture so she went out trying to find acceptance in another culture.
They basically developed self-hate/ internalized racism
There is a cloud 9 fantasy aspect to it that is not grounded in a healthy reality, I think there are many red flags, not to say its all bad but having stayed on the island with military contractors, there is a negative undertone to western worship that locals for many reasons have just cause to be skeptical about.
🤣 . My Mom is from Taiwan. Back in the day , 70’s, her and friends would goto bars where all the American soldiers were. That’s how she snagged my Dad. All her friends have American husbands as well. 15 Asian women grabbed up Americans just to come to USA 🇺🇸 🇹🇼
This shiit is hilarious.
That's the Hussle
Why would they do that? I'd rather live in Taiwan than the absolute hole that is the USA
@@wordedsauce5580 you realize this was back in the 70's? At that time Taiwan 20 years prior had to retreat from the mainland because of the CCP. Taiwan had just lost it's membership from the UN in '71, and the country was being run by a borderline authoritarian government. The Taiwan we all know and love didn't come about until the 80s when they had more democratic reforms. Honestly as Americans, we don't know how good we have it.
@@catsfrommars Still better than the US
@@wordedsauce5580 In what way?
I come from philippines, and I went to Okinawa back in 2018! It’s amazing how at home I felt there! Maybe it has something to do with the all around vibes and mix there! A lot of people speak good english there which surprised me cause having spent so much time in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, that doesn’t normally happen! I like how I could see a lot of Americans there which is pretty common in my country too. And how it has a tropical beach vibe to it like the beaches in my country! I would love to go back to Okinawa and discover more there! 沖縄が恋しい❗️おすすめ！本当にありがとうございます😊！楽しんでください！
I love okinawa. My home
@@nanokiofficial7359 thank you!! I cannot wait to come back! Lots of love from Philippines 🇵🇭! 本当にありがとうございました😊❗️🇯🇵
@@winter10x06 We are waiting for you ❤️
Isnt battle rap a big thing in your country? I seen batak(sorry i got it wrong) vs swave sever.
@@goldbrosproduction2394 yeah it is but a lot of conservative people here see it as classless and dirty hence why a lot of people still look down on it! Too ghetto sounding for them I guess so that's why I look for that kind of scene somewhere else.
I cringed so hard when that one dancer was wearing a durag
Great interview Nano!
She's the Japanese ABG
anime baby girl?
@@fubytv731 no, Asian Baby Girl*
Okinawa is probably the coolest place I have been to, almost moved back to stay, wish I would have.
There are similar subcultures in other parts of Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama), but if feels like because Okinawa is so small and there is a concentrated number of American (Black) military rotating in and out the Amejo subculture has become more deeply engrained.
I can't cosign all the girl-power stuff, but everyone in it seemed like good folks. Nice job!
Thank you.
This may seem obvious, but is that you featured in the video?
@@airwrecktion lol. Naw, I live in Japan. That’s all
@@japanaccordingtoakil i meant to reply to nanoki official. The other person who replied to you.
@@nanokiofficial7359 This may seem obvious, but is that you featured in the video?
Its more Black American culture
Hanako's personality and Japanese voice is quite soothing. I feel like I could comfortably discuss anything with her. She's in the right profession... Either that or she could be a counselor
With me living on mainland japan for the past 4 years and going to all these cities like tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, etc… it becomes very easy to tell which girls go for military or foreigners in general. Nothing wrong with it but the ones that typically go for foreigners typically look almost ethically different from I guess “normal” Japanese girls.
it's all with the power of makeup and frequent tanning.
90% of japanese girls possess the power to tan but avoid it because of the white skin is beautiful beauty standard, use whitening creams sunblock and other bizarre gear.
others in response to that standard take tanning to the extreme using makeup and fake tans to go beyond their skins maximum darkness
I’ll be going to Okinawa next week 😊
@Solaire Of Astora same but 12 years 🤣
@Solaire Of Astora can I come? 😥
I was stationed in Oki 1994-1995 U.S. Marines. What a blast we had. Gate 2, BC St, Banana show..nightclubs were insane fun back then.
Did you had to leave after your mates raped that 12 year old in 1995 or was it another of the thousands of rape cases that cut your visit short?
What was the percentage of US/military personnel on the island at the height of us presence? That probably affected the culture until it evolved to what it is now. Sad that some native Japanese dislike the fusion but if that's that's all that was around at the time of course there's going to be some mingling of culture.
Well you have to understand that East Asians countries and cultures are actually quite xenophobic you just don't hear about as much because it gets overshadowed by other countries ethnic relations.
It doesn't help that Marines abroad are known causing trouble. Bar fights are the light stuff. Google rapes by Marines in Japan and abroad.
Japan is basically occupied by the US military, i totally understand them not wanting them in their country especially when you hear about them causing trouble, rape stories by US GI's etc. Same goes for S.Korea or any Asian country with US military presence
@@davidtran1360 Bingo! Right on the money.
@@davidtran1360 You’re right. Here in Australia, US marines come
Off as arrogant and cocky and constantly get into fights with locals.
in all fairness, american GIs, even the ones in the US aren't good dating material. i heard too many female soldiers saying that even they don't see them as good boyfriend/husband material.
Oh wow, this is pretty interesting. Is there a male equivalent tho? I’m just curious. Naoka is so cool! I can tell she’s a person with substance. I don’t think she’s black wanna be or anything like that. She’s just enjoying black American culture, nothing wrong with that. You do you!
Not really, theres hip hop crowds but they mostly just rap and break dance. If you notice most of the participants in this are female. They all have a thing for you know what. Its basically fetishization of two groups of people.
of course there isnt.
There’s definitely men who do this. But not a negative stereotype with sexual undertones.
They do get a fair bit of side eye or looks of disapproval nonetheless tho. At least mainland.
@@dewilew2137 lol. You must have like 40 comments on this video
Kyle Johnson I sure do.
They call them Yang-kong-ju(양공주) "Yankee Princess" in South Korea.
Ya like back in early 1980s and before. These "princesses" are at least 50 years old now. They phased out quickly as living standard improved and perhaps better than that of US.
All of k-pop culture is hip hop culture mixed with pop.... They literally have rap in every kpop song.
@@MoejiiOsmanTV it's different topic. Literally, not all k pop is hip hop based. K pop mixed lot of different genre of music to appeal to wider spectrum of audience. It's experimental too.
It doesn't sound insulting to me
@@Watch-0w1 apparently it's not obvious to you. it's sarcastic term.
Nice piece, Vice.
the same documentary could also be done about Angles City, here in The Philippines. though, to my knowledge there isnt a direct term that decribes them in Filipino, there is a large demographic of filipino girls who are obsessed with American GIs, carry the stereotype of being very easy, and will only have relations with tourist american men. even if they know it will often end in heartbreak
I miss Okinawa. Only time I felt like a human being. Being Black in America is hell. There everyone was so friendly to me. I am currently looking for a job to get me back there.
Hoping you do! I’m sure it will make you happy there
Why hell?
I’ve lived in Okinawa for over 8 years & still here & this interview is very true for the most part. I also think it’s somethings that some women are not a fan of for Japan or Okinawa. I’ve dated them & dated regular Japanese or Okinawan women & tbh there is a huge difference.
@@green5052 Not only them but I will say “Targets them more then the others.” Which is why they dress & act the way they dress. Even had a few of them thinking that because they are “amejo” that they have the right to say the “n” word & one of my friends was quick to say “Don’t ever say that again.” The girls tell him “Why? Is it not what you call each other?” He is black btw & said no he stopped dating those women because they think they are better then everyone else & think their attitude is cute.
Rydan Bolt I figured smh. Thank you for being honest.
@@dewilew2137 Sometimes honesty can suck or hurt but it’s also something I think would be showing respect overall… I hate to admit it but it’s facts & not personal opinion. I could give my personal opinion but that’s irrelevant. Feelings are irrelevant to facts…
Wait, I remember that guy with a red hat at 8:03 when I was stationed in Oki.
That’s my friend Geo
It so true, I see it all the time the big difference in some woman’s wardrobe compared to the next. I love it, like yess queen.
Thank you
I personally enjoy stories of cultural blending. I know there are valid questions about appropriation that should be heard... but I think we grow as a society by appreciating each other.
I understand everyone opinions and thoughts. I have my own also. We have the right to speak what we want. That’s what makes everyone unique.
@@nanokiofficial7359 do you. That's all you can do. There will always be naysayers but you have to follow your heart
Nah no valid question about appropriation sounds whiny
I think this is a really interesting mixture of ideas from different cultures - it's great that these women are able to feel more 'free' from traditional archetypes such as that woman who didn't feel like she had to obsess over her weight
nice music in this video ^o^
and TACO RICE is the best. I ate it almost everyday the 4 weeks I stayed in Naha. Luckily here in Bangkok I can still find a few places that have it.
Thank you. I love taco rice. ❤️
Please keep making more music. I`m waiting for an EP or an album from you =__^ 楽しみにしています
@@wakazashi20 I will for sure.
Family and cultural traditions are a hard thing to break and change..Good luck..
Thank you
Why break and change in the first place ??
@@AncientSpirit. because not everyone is the same
Dope video ❤️❤️
lol, they have the same shit in Korea and Germany, both places that I have lived in as a former soldier, and to add further context I am black. One of the things I noticed while living overseas is you have this subgroup of women that seem to form their entire identity of what they think American culture , specifically black more often then not. At first I thought it was cool that as a black man I was appreciated and considered cool to be around, rather then the bullshit that consist of in America. But as I got older I began to kind of feel insulted because when I got to know a lot of these women better I realized it was fetish and had a piss poor concept of what it means to be black. And yes they absolutely target soldiers like no other and tend to be a little loose from my experience. To each his own, shits weird.
on god
A lot of it really feels like they took the surface level stereotypes.
I think the right terminology would be Kokujo for an Okinawa woman who enjoys the company of man from African American descend. Amejo would be the woman who likes all sorts of American guys predominantly white guys. Spanjo would be the kind that likes Latino culture, salsa dancing and Spanish culture, make no mistake, Kokujo is considered a racist word by the easily offended blacks.
We're Black Americans not "African American'. None of us are from Africa and our culture is American plus no one says 'European American". Most Black Americans don't even know about Japanese culture so the "Kokujo" or "Kokujin" word wouldn't be considered racist but most Black Americans associate Japanese with Korea and Chinese without knowing much differences, so they would assume that many Japanese are racist or colorist against Black people in general or prejudice towards Black Americans that words describing Black people would have negative associations.
Not sure what the reply comment is talking about but main comment is absolutely right. Amejo is girls that like Americans, MAINLY white. Kokujo and hakujo are the words to specify the girls that like a specific race but no one uses hakujo because it’s generally agreed amejos like white or latin.
yea you sound racist just that lol
don't be mad because they like the brothers BLACK culture is AMERICAN culture hence why everybody and country tries to be like US. Im not for it either though stop the BS if your not truly int the culture as a whole we don't want YOU
Honestly I think yall are looking too much into this. This is just two groups of people fetishizing each other. Just my observation. Also Melenated woman are absent, I would really like to hear what they got to say.
I think it's a combination of all of that.
There's just a heavy level of tone deafness as far as culture is concerned that worries me.
The Black guy saying he doesn't believe in cultural appropriation is like saying he doesn't believe in racism.......absurd and obviously inaccurate and coming from a Black Guy ( the most targeted person) is sad and disappointing.
" Everybody wants to be a n*gga, but nobody wants to be a n*gga" - Paul Mooney
@@ttalav22 Its simply cuz it benefits him with the opposite sex. See the dude towards the end? He openly admitted to it through his gesture
@@mikloridden8276 oh, for sure. That's why they mentioned the g.os that live there are predominantly Black American men ......seems to suits them just fine.
I was born in Okinawa and wish to return there in the near future. So many memories
Why tf they keep calling black culture American culture?
Because
Because no one in Africa referred to themselves as Black - only British/USA refer to themselves as Black culture - you trying to find a way to be acknowledged
Okinawa
*gets karate kid flashbacks*
Damn didn’t expect that place to actually be real
You mean tomi village
Lol Karate Kid 2 was filmed in Hawaii
@@catsfrommars bro I thinking your missing the thread concept .
@@CarlosMedina-oc2yg probably went over my head
Jordan shlansky.
All military don't deserve the right to set foot on any land.
Masterpiece Presentation
Thank you
Nothing to do with culture. The girl just went where she was valued to the most. Traditional Japanese women are very skinny. She is considered fat in Japan, thus her chances with a Japanese man is slim. On the other hand, black guys love thic girls. So she would be more welcomed there. People go where they fit in. Culture is just a biproduct.
No, more like, "black guys love anything that doesn’t resemble their skin color."
@@Earthspirit555 Not all of us sis
Its a big trend with gaijin hunters (girls that only like foreigners). Tend to be the girls japanese men don’t touch
0:10 I loved American Village,nice place to walk around.
Some people say she still has low self-esteem. She is looking for acceptance still.
👀
This is interesting 👌
Yeah, it is more like a Small Philippine than part of Japan 😅
@@babangteo2853 True it is much further away from the mainland so it’s more strongly influenced by nearby islands OoOI👍
8:50 the real reason Nanoko’s mom got upset
You may be right but she is ok now. ❤️
@@nanokiofficial7359 🙄
😂😂😂
Raven Smith did I say anything??
It reminds me of when they started copying Chicano culture which as a Mexican was confusing since generally Chicanos are looked down on (I won't get into the specifics of that) so it felt like out of all of our culture they had to pick the part we aren't the biggest fan of. I'm here because I like Asian culture and learning about it since in a lot of ways it's so different from what I'm used to but I feel like they give the average person the wrong impression. I think what bugs me is that they just take the superficial top level of our cultures so they don't represent it well. So when actual people of said culture show up they automatically don't like you thanks to the impression they gave them out of not being properly educated. Take corn row braids, I learned African Americans did that to hide food in there hair. So yeah I'd be offended if it was reduced to just some badass bitch hair style. The problem with them, koreaboos, etc. is that they equate looking a certain way to to being impowered which is not the point. I can't tell you the reasons certain hip hop or Chicano culture came to be but there is more to it than just rebelling because it's cool which what a lot of people don't seem to get.
Word! They scratch the surface of our cultures and think nothing of it. And then when it’s time to go deeper and really get into it, nobody wants to actually do the work!
Hip hop came from Black people and ricans in NYC had to put that out there. Also They will take from Black culture and then try to exclude Black people out of it mind blown. I love the authentic ones though this is real life not a fashion
Thank you for saying something ❤ I remember when those videos of Tokyo's mock Chicano culture came out too. There seemed to be a lot of Mexicans that thought it was cool 😐 I was like "How do y'all not see how insulting that is? They are just like white people. They don't even know you all or your story but wanna play dress up!"
Idk if most people just ignore it cuz they're offended but there's "nothing they can do" so they just don't speak up but it's nice to see someone gets it.
@@mayas.5050 maybe because as latinos we don't care. The only ones who even get offended by it are Americans themselves as always. There's nothing more to it and we know that the Japanese do it for aesthetics and nothing else. That's fine with us. 👍
gate 2 used to be so wild, lmao
I miss it. COVID made everything close. 😞
@@nanokiofficial7359 besides all of gate 2 offers one i really love is the jerk chicken place i hope theyre doing good in this times.
@@averageChoom I think the Jerk chicken place Blue Cafe is doing ok.
Gam0L556 jerk chicken in Japan?? 😐
@@dewilew2137 oh yes, its not all bento boxes, ramen and sushi here. Some of my favorite places, Cafe Orleans, Pizza Stand NY and Chicken&Papa
the us military base in Okinawa has a very dark history.
We all live and learn along the way. Just here to say that whatever you are doing, it ain’t all there is, and don’t even think for a minute that it is it. I have seen lots of the by products of this around my life, and all I can say is that please just try to be more smart about it. Don’t sell yourself too short. Once you grow out of it, so you won’t be regretting of your past.
Amen to that
Okinawa is the place where you dont need talent just friends to hype you up and put you on.
This Mini documentary is done well and is honest and I agree people should dress up and date, do what they want, but a huge percentage of amejos end up as single mother's and become hostesses.
Okinawa really look like South East Asian. 😅
Nanoki's song is very catchy and nice
Thank you
@@nanokiofficial7359 hello may I know the title? haha I wanna vibe with it
@@jasper.m Goto my TH-cam page. My music there. Also Spotify and AppleMusic. Hope you like it.
it sucks.
@@dewilew2137 you are in every comment section hating on pretty women you sound jealous and mad, here i gave you some attention now so calm down
I lived off gate 5(camp Foster/ Taco bell gate). I lived first in Kitanakagusiku on the economy. Then, later. I lived in military housing near Camp Foster across from the Towers. I miss Japan but, I would rather go to Spain, Germany or Finland now.
The USA "returned Okinawa to Japan"? Okinawa was a totally separate and independent nation called the Ryukyu Kingdom for centuries before Japan invaded Okinawa in the 1600s and then annexed it in the 1870s.
Man…that brought back memories…
As a former GI, the stereotypes are all true. People hate to hear the truth.
Which stereotypes? Just curious
@@mikloridden8276 All of them
@@FatalDonkeyPunch yeah but you're latin american.
It’s funny how no Americans say GI anymore but Okinawans still do
Stereotypes are generally true to an extent or they wouldn’t exist lol
I love amejo-kei cause they look Latina, and I’m an Asian looking Latina*, we could be besties 😭
*it’s a tiktok term where there’s latinas like me, who have the almond, more indigenous features that make us get confused for being Asian. But as one person said like LA cholas too
There was an incident in Miami that was not reported by the US media.
On July 1 of this year, a 30-year-old man, formerly with the US Army in Okinawa, shot and killed a 24-year-old Japanese woman.
The woman had come to the U.S. from Okinawa in late May and had told her acquaintances that she had a foreign boyfriend and was going to meet him.
The victim may have been an "Amejo".
And she may not have been an Amejo. The video even stated how they are not the only Japanese women who date foreigners there.
Let’s be specific. It’s not all of American culture they like but specifically Black and Latino American culture they are going after.
Most GIs coming to Okinawa are black and Latin Americans.It's because they're coming to Oki to get ready to go to a dangerous area.
They joined the army on scholarships and permanent residency.
@@user-se9xw3or6i I am military beat and get up there. Arrived in elementary school and got a job and stay until my early twenties. It is majority
This is more like introducing nanoki because it didn't do justice for Amejos lol She seems like a talented young lady though
I didn’t know there was an actual name for these type of women . I lived In Okinawa for 3 years.
How's life in Okinawa? Is there a lot of places to see? Fun or boring?
They remind me of some Malaysian Bornean locals... There, many girls look like that; pretty, cute and have healthy plump cheeks.
1:11 song name please?
I feel like next time I go to Japan I def want to check out Okinawa... Last time I only stayed in Tokyo/ikebukuro since I have family there but everyone kinda looked @ me so weird although I'm full japanese myself but I was born & raised in America.. I just feel like I'd enjoy it more there, in oki. Lol I mean I have no clue why japanese & Okinawans concider themselves different when they're all from Japan. Technically I'm 75% japanese and 25% Okinawan but I always wondered why it's even considered different?
Two different cultures honestly.
Okinawans were not part of Japan until the 15th century, until which they were pretty much isolated geographically. Which is why they have different languages and all.
Her slicking down the baby hairs made me smile. Lol
I kinda can understand the sentiments of japanese people who discriminate the people that are prone to follow western's culture. Although i don't really care about other people's choices in their life, i cannot get rid of negative feelings towards people who abandon their own roots and following other people's culture especially when it is western lifestyle. Unlike most asian culture, modern western culture seems kinda wild, uncultured, look toxic, kinda indecent n lack modesty. However, i won't care if anyone still want to be part of it, but the feeling still lingers when i see one. Prob just not my taste. Someone might consider my thought as being judgy, but what i can do.. the western lifestyle just seems haughty to me eyes.
Nanoki reminds me a bit of Bibi, a K-R&B artist with some great music.
Thank you
there is no such thing as "good" K-R&B. If it sounds anything like this, it's not even R&B at all. You all will call any music that a Black woman makes "R&B" and then try to recreate it. Create your own shit and stop stealing from us. Be as "original" as you claim to be.
Musically? Not even close, visuals? yes I agree.
@@dewilew2137 relax :)
@@dewilew2137 LOUDER FOR THEM IN THE BACK!