One of the more misinterpreted songs of all time, word was that "Turning Japanese" refers to the Asian facial features people get at the moment of climax during masturbation. In a VH1 True Spin special, they asked The Vapors about this song, and they explained that it is a love song about someone who lost their girlfriend and was going slowly crazy. Lead singer Dave Fenton said: "Turning Japanese is all the clichés about angst and youth and turning into something you didn't expect to." It was inspired by Fenton's relationship problems. Hope this helps!
I love how Lex always gives him the side eye to subtly see how he’s reacting…and he’s usually just staring at their screen, no emotion, no reaction, lol.
The Clash, the Jam, Madness, UB40, the Specials, the Police, OMD, and with all that (and lots more besides) the St Winfred School Choir can still grab the number one chart slot for the Christmas week with this absolute banger th-cam.com/video/rsXJcIODLtQ/w-d-xo.html
This was huge when I was in high school. We never worried too much about the meaning of the lyrics. Just loved the catchy and unique tune. Thanks for the memory.
Had my 16/17 year old daughter and her friends in the car heading for their jazz choir performance when this song came on. They were all singing it happily (and very good singing). When it was finished I told them the true meaning with the squinting eyes. Both the male and females in the car were very quiet for a long time in shock and awkwardness. Classic dad embarrassing teen moment!!
I was senior at High school 1983, but 1980’s Japanese Visitors I have cameras and they take so many pictures all the time!!! Remember in the 80s we don’t have cameras, And people Take pictures on vacation and party!
Kids today, can’t watch or just enjoy and live in the moment, noticing this a lot lately with reactors, wanting to know the meaning rather than enjoying the music for what it is, even if you need to understand it, listen it to it multiple times, don’t try to analyse everything it’s like being at a concert and videoing it on your phone rather than living in the moment and being part of the concert.. weird generation this me generation.
@@maverick2242 Agreed... but I'm guilty of shooting video during concerts... mostly because the music I love is getting rarer, and I want some things to look back on. I do try to moderate it though... 👍
Very much a local band to me, and I saw them live in 1979 at a couple of local pub gigs (they even played at my school!). It's very easy to hear the influence that the Jam had on them, being another local band, and they were at times managed by both Bruce Foxton and Paul Weller's father.
Couch Gang should do a new Wave Stream and get some good songs from Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, New Order, The Psychedelic Furs, and the dozens of less popular one and two hit wonders that made-up the alternative sound.
The one missing ingredient - which is probably why these are so fun - is they didn't grow up with this so have no frame of reference of the music scene then, what was happening 6 months before, etc. Birth of Metal, Punk, New Wave, yada yada - shit was hoppin' then.
Right with you Kelli Franklin! Each song at a dance would come and go but whenever this track was played I immediately looked for the nearest girl and led her onto the dance floor, regardless of a potential horrid pink dress!
I would also say that back in the 80s a Japanese stereotype was as tourists in America they loved to constantly take pictures. It's in a lot of movies of the time. That's the impression I got upon hearing about being obsessed over photographs and "turning Japanese".
If you were around you likely recall that Japan and Australia were both very hip in the 80's. And certainly compared to North Americans Japanese did take a lot of photos--they were commonly shooting their food long before social media made that idea common. I recall North American and European tourists in Fiji in the 80's marvelled at the purpose of shooting meals before eating them. That 'wonder' seems quite quaint by today's standards where it's common. That overall photography trend was starting to rise already as we were exposed to Japanese culture, so it was true that we really were shooting more photos than before. But absolutely nothing compared to today. I heard a stat not that long ago, that in one year, we'd taken as many photos as had been taken in history, up to that point.
I don't know if it holds trues anymore but in the 80s the stereotype of Japanese tourists loaded down with cameras was often true at US landmarks. I remember being at the Grand Canyon and seeing an entire Japanese tour group unload off a bus and not only did they all have cameras, a few had multiple cameras, and one really stuck out in my mind because he had a camera on a neckstrap and a second neckstrap for the lens which had to be at LEAST a 300mm.If you know anything about photography you know lenses that big for telephoto shots aren't cheap now but back in the 1980s a lens like that would have easily cost more than many cars.
I was a freshman in high school when this came and I didnt know what it was about either in 1980.It wasnt till I became a senior that a friend of mine explained it to me and had the same look in my face like Brad. Its simply a song about self love when your a man. Same way I found out about Cindy Laupers songn "She Bop" is about a woman and self love. What can I say about the 80s we were weird and out there but we loved it!!!
I never understood it that way. I think he's referring to the old stereotype of the Japanese tourists being obsessed with taking pictures of everything. He's so obsessed with photos he thinks he must be turning Japanese.
More songs that were popular in the UK please. Can't think of any other reactors really covering stuff from outside what was popular in the US. Much kudos to you guys. check out the jam, the stranglers, Early stuff by the clash. The specials and selector. The buzzcocks and for an a US flavour the cramps or tom waits.
Hearing this for the first time, on a road trip home, it quite literally blew me away. I didn't question it. It was just fun. Lol The 80s were free, baby.
Lead singer Dave Fenton said “Turning Japanese is all the clichés about angst and youth and turning into something you didn't expect to." Certainly a catchy Power Pop New Wave-ish tune.
Thank you for this! I'm revisiting my youth. A song about a failed relationship. I always took the bit about getting a doctor to take a picture as getting an x-ray - but I'm a simple lad. Spoofed by the (altered) signage in the varsity library "No talking, no drinking, no eating, I think I'm turning Malaysian".
i didn't understand the lyrics either when it first played on the radio. then years later i heard someone use the phrase 'turning japanese' in reference to the "M-word"........
A few songs recs about on same topic: The Who "Pictures of Lily", Green Day "Longview", Cyndi Lauper "SheBop", and (debatably) Billy Idol "Dancing With Myself" (and The Divinyls "I Touch Myself" lol)
I blacked out when I lost control on them streets that day. I was packed like a dirty can of sardines that day on my way to that shitty job no one wanted. I think i got whited out when I realized :/... my own fam (they're supposed to care too much ___) didn't care for me bc I think privelage actually means 💲. Something were not apparently known for. Bc intelligence Idk I pulled all this sh out my ass bc haha?
The Vapors! Nice! This song reminds me of the sock hops in high school. The teenage cover band the school hired played this song and played it well. Throw in some "What I Like About You" by The Romantics and "Never Say Never" by Romeo Void and you might find yourself lost in 1982. This song also reminds me of the Michael Keaton movie from 1986 called "Gung Ho" directed by Ron Howard. "When a Japanese car company buys an American plant, the American liaison must mediate the clash of work attitudes between the foreign management and native labor."
Back in my day, the joke was 'turning japanese' meant a guy was becoming 'squinty eyed' from spending too much time in the dark, doing the, you know, thing.
One of the more misinterpreted songs of all time, word was that "Turning Japanese" refers to the Asian facial features people get at the moment of climax during masturbation. In a VH1 True Spin special, they asked The Vapors about this song, and they explained that it is a love song about someone who lost their girlfriend and was going slowly crazy. Lead singer Dave Fenton said: "Turning Japanese is all the clichés about angst and youth and turning into something you didn't expect to." It was inspired by Fenton's relationship problems.
Many years ago, I think on MTV, there was an explanation I heard from one of the members of the band that "Turning Japanese" is a euphemism for your squinted eyes while displaying your "o-face". If true, I'm thinking the slow section where he's "all alone" and "surrounded by strangers" is setting the stage for a masterbation session.
Been waiting so long for you to get to the Vapors. I’m not disappointed in your reactions …. Have this on vinyl ….the rest of the album is incredible . Underrated even back then. Ps as young teens we would sing . No sex no drugs section on the bus coming home from school . Such a great throw back !
This band are great, new wave, power pop band, they are seen as a one hit wonder because this song got so big, but theyve done a few albums and some other great singles, Paul Weller of The Jams dad was their manager.
@@john0691 I like it, but yeah they have loads of better songs in their back catalogue, like Toy Dolls - Nellie the elephant, i much prefer the B side Fisticuffs in Frederick Street, but the A side was such a massive hit, cos its daft and silly lol
Oh the innocence of youth lol Yes he is obsessed with her hence why he wants a photo of everything about her.. But yeah the eyes... Lol Another good song from the era was Sound of the Suburbs from the Vapors.. (about living in outer London)
When listen to the song. Then two days I listen to channel and the radio station changed for I had new wave and punk albums and I got to become DJ and playing music and getting albums and I became a DJ and saling record for 42?years
Ahh Turning Japanese.. Eyes closing at the moment of climax. The picture from the inside isn't a picture inside guts, it's a bit lower down. Personal trivia: My first dance with an ex was to this song.
yea, but that that was debunked in an interview with the band. Lead singer Dave Fenton said: "Turning Japanese is all the clichés about angst and youth and turning into something you didn't expect to."
My husband and I watch your videos every day and I just wanted to say how fun you two are! Lex, you’re so funny! I love you’re personality and how you get so excited and have unique analogies of the songs. Please check out one of my favorite bands when I was a young adult. Siouxsie & The Banshees. Try the song Spellbound. It’s super fun! She was my idol haha but it’s good post punk. She’s an icon. Thanks!
Good for Brad & Lex for playing obscure recordings that were outside the norm. This was a briefly popular song by a band never heard from again. Think Devo but not as clever.
In this episode of Brad & Lex, the suggestive clue dropping song seems to baffle both members of the duo by the band's vague yet bold message. Even their theme music doesn't know but upon further review of the tape, Brad was able to manage a minor "side to side sway" while Lex fashioned a very low key "ponder bop".
No I don't like it. The over sexualization, especially of female Asians or just that sh in the same sentence has a bad connotation. What if painted all these other races in relations to their stereotypes & things they're known for but in a bad light where I made them feel vulnerable. I could take my time to do it to each & hammer in my point but I'd guess that'd make me the "bad guy." I wanted to like this but this song is straight dumb. And I'm sorry I'm late but I do believe this song is way b4 my time. Idc I'd other asians appeared in ish to "make it ok." Bc if they all jumped off a bridge, I fn wouldnt. It's a hell to the nah 4 me
@@ahhwe-any7434 I totaly get what your saying, it was an old 70's mindset which thank god doesn't fly these days. The tune itself is fantastic but i wish the lyrics were different or i was ignorant to it. Unfortunatly they're not which sours the song and the racial stereotyping is plainly there for all to hear. Hopefully current bands will learn from this and not even consider writing about negative racial/sexual subjects. I agree with you definatly!!
An important part of the puzzle is to know that, back in the day, one of the stereotypes about the Japanese is that that they always carried a camera with them and took a million photos. The rumor at the time was that "turning Japanese" referred to the face that people made when they climaxed (i.e., typical racism about slanted eyes) but the lead singer said it's really just about a dude obsessed with some chick.
Japanese tourists had a reputation of taking a lot of pictures. This was way back when before iPhones. I don't know if that same stereotype holds, but I'm guessing that's what they are referring to. 1/12/22, 4:43 p.m.
The meaning of the song. BunniMonster is CORRECT. Eyes closing or even squinting, at that magical moment, possibly after surrounding themselves with pictures of their sweetheart, in the dark. Was very funny to see your reactions on this one.
"What does it mean?" hahahahahahaha It is from an old joke I heard in the late 60's or early 70's but nowadays people take things too seriously and would call the joke offensive.
Song is about fapping, the expression made when fapping, and the doctor taking a picture line is referring to an x-ray. Hope this helps! Love you guys.
“I want a doctor to take your picture” refers to an x-ray. Such a great song. I believe he’s in jail and has her pictures to “turn Japanese” to. They had a lyric wrong where he says “I’ve got you picture, I’ve got your picture, I’d like a million of them all round MY CELL”, as in prison cell.
Back in the day, our local radio station said they couldn't say on the air what the song was about, but if you were over 18 you could call in and they would tell you. I was 15 and one of my 18 year old friends called in for us. They said it meant the facial expression men/boys make at climax. Also, the line about taking a picture of your insides, does not refer to 'sticking a camera inside' as you mentioned. They didn't have that technology at the time. It means an x-ray ("picture").
When this came out the Japanese Economy was kicking into high gear. Many Japanese traveled the USA and Europe/UK(where the song is from) Japanese were masters of 35mm Cameras and used them extensively, a stereotype emerged as Japanese with cameras taking pictures of everything. This was the true meaning of the lyrics.
Songfacts: One of the more misinterpreted songs of all time, word was that "Turning Japanese" refers to the Asian facial features people get at the moment of climax during masturbation. In a VH1 True Spin special, they asked The Vapors about this song, and they explained that it is a love song about someone who lost their girlfriend and was going slowly crazy. Lead singer Dave Fenton said: "Turning Japanese is all the clichés about angst and youth and turning into something you didn't expect to." It was inspired by Fenton's relationship problems.
Brad and Lex are simply too young. In the 80's there was a "playfully racist" stereotype about Asians and particully the Japanese that they walked around taking pictures of everything on vacation. You'll see it in early 80's comedies too. We were all too ignorant to realize that might be offensive to point out. That's what "Turning Japanese" is exactly about.
In a VH1 True Spinspecial, they asked The Vapors about this song, and they explained that it is a love song about someone who lost their girlfriend and was going slowly crazy. You also have to remember that at this time a lot of American bands that were not that popular in America were HUGE hits overseas. Tokyo and Germany were popular touring spots for American bands. The Vapors, Cheap Trick, and many other bands made a ton of money touring overseas.
I was waiting for someone to react to this song and start screaming cultural appropriation.. or something. Thankfully, you guys are not those folks! 😆 If it makes you feel any better, I never knew anyone who had a clue what this song was about. It sounded good, that's all we cared about.
I was 16 when this came out. My dad was military and had gotten orders to be stationed in Japan. The kids in high school didn’t let it go. Every party I went to had this song dedicated to me.
LMAOOOO @ this reaction. We didn't know what it meant at first, either. But our parents told us we would go to the devil if we did it, let's put it that way. bahahahahaaaaaa I laughed so hard when Lex said Eeeewwww. My same thought!! But we loved the song. Freaking Brad's reaction was hilarious, too.
haha , i was around when this came out...never really paid attention to lyrics so never knew what it was about...and still dont tbh lol....catchy tune though....good one guys
![The Vapors - Turning Japanese (1980) [1 Hit Wonders Of The 80s] *DayOne Reacts*](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/b-bKrQWLNKo/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Vapors - Turning Japanese (1980) [1 Hit Wonders Of The 80s] *DayOne Reacts*](/img/tr.png)
One of the more misinterpreted songs of all time, word was that "Turning Japanese" refers to the Asian facial features people get at the moment of climax during masturbation. In a VH1 True Spin special, they asked The Vapors about this song, and they explained that it is a love song about someone who lost their girlfriend and was going slowly crazy. Lead singer Dave Fenton said: "Turning Japanese is all the clichés about angst and youth and turning into something you didn't expect to." It was inspired by Fenton's relationship problems.
Hope this helps!
Saw that one too
It confirms my theory (face pulls from excessive wanking, lol)! Thanks!
He later became a lawyer, and I'd call that a very legalese description of what leads to masturbation.
Yep. He's a jerkoff artist.
Love this song
These lyrics really sent Brads scowl into overdrive.
Lmao
haha, yep.
I love how Lex always gives him the side eye to subtly see how he’s reacting…and he’s usually just staring at their screen, no emotion, no reaction, lol.
Sometimes music is just pleasant sounding noise
That strange wonderful musical transition from the late 70's into the early 80's... what a great time to be a teenager.
The Clash, the Jam, Madness, UB40, the Specials, the Police, OMD, and with all that (and lots more besides) the St Winfred School Choir can still grab the number one chart slot for the Christmas week with this absolute banger th-cam.com/video/rsXJcIODLtQ/w-d-xo.html
Dam straight.
I was born in 64 and agree that from around 77 to 86 was amazing !
@@sicr7373 Class of '82 FTW! Born in '64 also!
....Great time as a teenager to hear these great songs and bands. '78 was my wake up year....and from then to 81/82 was superb
I was a kid when this came out and I loved it, had no idea what it was actually about until years later, ah the innocence of youth.😂👍
The youth are rarely innocent very long as puberty steps in.
I was in Highschool when this came out…..
I was in grade 8, and we used to pull our sides of our eyes with our fingers, and dance.
Were we way off base or what.
Rule of thumb. If a song sounds sort of silly, don't take the lyrics too seriously.
Lexi gets it ...... Brad never does.
@@classic-kool yeh, she gets into the music while he intently scrutinises the lyrics for ….?
Ya they sucked the life out of that fun song.
@@lmen255 I think it was only Brad who did that.
I agree. It could be a subliminal thing involving entering a new love in Japan. (or not) But so what. You're right! Don't take it too seriously.
This was huge when I was in high school. We never worried too much about the meaning of the lyrics. Just loved the catchy and unique tune. Thanks for the memory.
People today think too much and try to find shit to offend them!!
It’s about punching the clown, pull starting the chainsaw, flubbing the dolphin, yanking the crank, hurting mcsquirtin!
In other words: turning up turning down turning in turn around!
Bashing the Bishop, choking the chicken, chafing the carrot, saying hi to my monster. These people are terminally dim.
I knew that this one would throw you two through a loop…you’re both too precious for this world! 😂
Hahahaha!!!! "Poor things" I said to myself.
Same. I’ve been waiting for this one though.
Right. And we're all way too far gone. Joe's Garage, any FZ really.
😂🤣❤️
@@williamweiss6128 love Joe's Garage
Some songs have deep and meaningful lyrics.
Some songs are simply catchy tunes and the lyrics are just there to give the singer something to do!
And some songs are about beating one off 🙂
@@Bongo138 Is anyone going to tell them that it's about the face you make?
@@douglasfrantzen3011 , 😂 I wonder what they'd think Ebenezer Goode by The Shamen is about?
@@Bongo138 It's a shame when they get so caught up in not understanding the lyrics, they don't even say if the liked the music or not.
@@douglasfrantzen3011 , I know what you mean, although it's more Brad that does that.
I had to click on this to watch some confused expressions and you guys didn't disappointed. lol. hahahaha
Had my 16/17 year old daughter and her friends in the car heading for their jazz choir performance when this song came on. They were all singing it happily (and very good singing). When it was finished I told them the true meaning with the squinting eyes. Both the male and females in the car were very quiet for a long time in shock and awkwardness. Classic dad embarrassing teen moment!!
yikes
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Brilliant
I was senior at High school 1983, but 1980’s Japanese Visitors I have cameras and they take so many pictures all the time!!! Remember in the 80s we don’t have cameras, And people Take pictures on vacation and party!
A lot of music is simply very "right brained." You listen and you feel where it takes you, it isn't a poem to be decomposed for literal meaning.
This song is about masturbation lol
Well said!
Kids today, can’t watch or just enjoy and live in the moment, noticing this a lot lately with reactors, wanting to know the meaning rather than enjoying the music for what it is, even if you need to understand it, listen it to it multiple times, don’t try to analyse everything it’s like being at a concert and videoing it on your phone rather than living in the moment and being part of the concert.. weird generation this me generation.
I've noticed they'take things literally
@@maverick2242 Agreed... but I'm guilty of shooting video during concerts... mostly because the music I love is getting rarer, and I want some things to look back on.
I do try to moderate it though... 👍
Turning Japanese was a term used way back for male self gratification. When you're at your "peak" your eyes squint. Thus the meaning of the term.
Very much a local band to me, and I saw them live in 1979 at a couple of local pub gigs (they even played at my school!). It's very easy to hear the influence that the Jam had on them, being another local band, and they were at times managed by both Bruce Foxton and Paul Weller's father.
Wow..pretty sure this some was on one of my Mini-Pops albums in the early 80s🤣
Don't take music too seriously. A Catchy, feel good tune with great vibes. Not main stream. Ev.one loves it for the originality and Jumpy- ness of it.
You guys are on a New Wave tear! This takes me straight back to my junior prom with a horrid pink dress dancing to this! Great memories!
Couch Gang should do a new Wave Stream and get some good songs from Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, New Order, The Psychedelic Furs, and the dozens of less popular one and two hit wonders that made-up the alternative sound.
I remember that new 🌊 era back in the days
The one missing ingredient - which is probably why these are so fun - is they didn't grow up with this so have no frame of reference of the music scene then, what was happening 6 months before, etc. Birth of Metal, Punk, New Wave, yada yada - shit was hoppin' then.
@@terrylandess6072 👌👌👌👌👌
Right with you Kelli Franklin! Each song at a dance would come and go but whenever this track was played I immediately looked for the nearest girl and led her onto the dance floor, regardless of a potential horrid pink dress!
I would also say that back in the 80s a Japanese stereotype was as tourists in America they loved to constantly take pictures. It's in a lot of movies of the time. That's the impression I got upon hearing about being obsessed over photographs and "turning Japanese".
If you were around you likely recall that Japan and Australia were both very hip in the 80's. And certainly compared to North Americans Japanese did take a lot of photos--they were commonly shooting their food long before social media made that idea common. I recall North American and European tourists in Fiji in the 80's marvelled at the purpose of shooting meals before eating them. That 'wonder' seems quite quaint by today's standards where it's common. That overall photography trend was starting to rise already as we were exposed to Japanese culture, so it was true that we really were shooting more photos than before. But absolutely nothing compared to today. I heard a stat not that long ago, that in one year, we'd taken as many photos as had been taken in history, up to that point.
That's really not what it's about haha
@@s.mcpherson6354 It's about masturbation. Sorry to have to tell you!
😂
I don't know if it holds trues anymore but in the 80s the stereotype of Japanese tourists loaded down with cameras was often true at US landmarks. I remember being at the Grand Canyon and seeing an entire Japanese tour group unload off a bus and not only did they all have cameras, a few had multiple cameras, and one really stuck out in my mind because he had a camera on a neckstrap and a second neckstrap for the lens which had to be at LEAST a 300mm.If you know anything about photography you know lenses that big for telephoto shots aren't cheap now but back in the 1980s a lens like that would have easily cost more than many cars.
You two overthinking this is fuckin adorable.
I was a freshman in high school when this came and I didnt know what it was about either in 1980.It wasnt till I became a senior that a friend of mine explained it to me and had the same look in my face like Brad. Its simply a song about self love when your a man. Same way I found out about Cindy Laupers songn "She Bop" is about a woman and self love. What can I say about the 80s we were weird and out there but we loved it!!!
I never understood it that way. I think he's referring to the old stereotype of the Japanese tourists being obsessed with taking pictures of everything. He's so obsessed with photos he thinks he must be turning Japanese.
Then allow me to say it 80's style.... It's the face you make when wacken the weasel!
@@rossmacintosh5652 ..... In an interview, band member said it was about masturbation.
@@retrodejavu6399 So true lol!!
@@rossmacintosh5652 it’s not. It was about ‘self love’ involving a pic of a girl
I almost got in trouble at work for explaining this song to a co worker.
More songs that were popular in the UK please. Can't think of any other reactors really covering stuff from outside what was popular in the US. Much kudos to you guys. check out the jam, the stranglers, Early stuff by the clash. The specials and selector. The buzzcocks and for an a US flavour the cramps or tom waits.
Jilted John- Gordon!
I agree
This song should be played at every anime con for kicks
Hearing this for the first time, on a road trip home, it quite literally blew me away. I didn't question it. It was just fun. Lol The 80s were free, baby.
Brad, you crack me up with your faces.. Lol
Lead singer Dave Fenton said
“Turning Japanese is all the clichés about angst and youth and turning into something you didn't expect to."
Certainly a catchy Power Pop New Wave-ish tune.
Yeah, don't think so...
Thank you for this! I'm revisiting my youth.
A song about a failed relationship. I always took the bit about getting a doctor to take a picture as getting an x-ray - but I'm a simple lad.
Spoofed by the (altered) signage in the varsity library "No talking, no drinking, no eating, I think I'm turning Malaysian".
There's actually some pretty decent guitar work in this song! Both the rythym and the guitar solo.
I went to school with the guitarist - Bishop Reindorp in Guildford.
i didn't understand the lyrics either when it first played on the radio.
then years later i heard someone use the phrase 'turning japanese' in reference to the "M-word"........
Song went to number 1 in UK and everyone singing it and didn't know what it was about look it up
I'm pretty sure the "doctor's picture" refers to x-ray and not photo-colonoscopy.
A few songs recs about on same topic: The Who "Pictures of Lily", Green Day "Longview", Cyndi Lauper "SheBop", and (debatably) Billy Idol "Dancing With Myself" (and The Divinyls "I Touch Myself" lol)
The best is Bram Tchaikovsky’s “ Girl of My Dreams” about a love affair with a blow up doll he orders in the mail,in my opinion anyway.
I blacked out when I lost control on them streets that day.
I was packed like a dirty can of sardines that day on my way to that shitty job no one wanted.
I think i got whited out when I realized :/... my own fam (they're supposed to care too much ___) didn't care for me bc I think privelage actually means 💲. Something were not apparently known for. Bc intelligence
Idk I pulled all this sh out my ass bc haha?
The whole Japanese part reference is to an old stereotype of Japanese love taking pictures
The Vapors! Nice! This song reminds me of the sock hops in high school. The teenage cover band the school hired played this song and played it well. Throw in some "What I Like About You" by The Romantics and "Never Say Never" by Romeo Void and you might find yourself lost in 1982. This song also reminds me of the Michael Keaton movie from 1986 called "Gung Ho" directed by Ron Howard. "When a Japanese car company buys an American plant, the American liaison must mediate the clash of work attitudes between the foreign management and native labor."
Back in my day, the joke was 'turning japanese' meant a guy was becoming 'squinty eyed' from spending too much time in the dark, doing the, you know, thing.
One of the more misinterpreted songs of all time, word was that "Turning Japanese" refers to the Asian facial features people get at the moment of climax during masturbation. In a VH1 True Spin special, they asked The Vapors about this song, and they explained that it is a love song about someone who lost their girlfriend and was going slowly crazy. Lead singer Dave Fenton said: "Turning Japanese is all the clichés about angst and youth and turning into something you didn't expect to." It was inspired by Fenton's relationship problems.
Someone finally revealed to you two what it was about
Ty, sitting here reading the comments, looking to see if anybody knew the meaning or not. Now I don’t have to explain it.
He's lying. lol.
Yep, in other words the face you make on the vinegar stroke.
Can't really say on VH1 it's about having a wank though.
Many years ago, I think on MTV, there was an explanation I heard from one of the members of the band that "Turning Japanese" is a euphemism for your squinted eyes while displaying your "o-face". If true, I'm thinking the slow section where he's "all alone" and "surrounded by strangers" is setting the stage for a masterbation session.
All I can say is my mom and I used to sing every word of this song along with her Japanese BF and it was a huge song for us.
Been waiting so long for you to get to the Vapors. I’m not disappointed in your reactions …. Have this on vinyl ….the rest of the album is incredible . Underrated even back then. Ps as young teens we would sing . No sex no drugs section on the bus coming home from school . Such a great throw back !
Please try The Stranglers -- "No more heroes", "No mercy", "Golden Brown" :-)
Golden Brown is so Great.
Or Peaches!
The 80's: you had to be there (and even then, sometimes it dioes't help)
hugs to both of you ;)
This band are great, new wave, power pop band, they are seen as a one hit wonder because this song got so big, but theyve done a few albums and some other great singles, Paul Weller of The Jams dad was their manager.
Always thought this was the weakest song from that album
@@john0691 I like it, but yeah they have loads of better songs in their back catalogue, like Toy Dolls - Nellie the elephant, i much prefer the B side Fisticuffs in Frederick Street, but the A side was such a massive hit, cos its daft and silly lol
John Weller was also managed The Jam didn't he? Thought Bruce Foxton managed these?
@@charliegeorge9393 thought it was these or The Chords, sure it was these that his dad managed
I was in high school when this came out and I JUST found out what it's about. Love the internet.
My former high school self likes that you did this one.
It was written during a time when Japan was investing in and buying up American real estate. Japanese phobia was sweeping America.
The band are English & the song is about wanking
I always loved this one-it's just quirky and fun! New Wave deliciousness. ❤
Oh the innocence of youth lol
Yes he is obsessed with her hence why he wants a photo of everything about her.. But yeah the eyes... Lol
Another good song from the era was Sound of the Suburbs from the Vapors.. (about living in outer London)
According to an interview with the lead singer back in the '80s it's a facial expression when he waxes his dolphin... End of story
When listen to the song. Then two days I listen to channel and the radio station changed for I had new wave and punk albums and I got to become DJ and playing music and getting albums and I became a DJ and saling record for 42?years
I think the true reaction of this song comes when Brad and Lex finally understand what this song is really about.
It's about the same subject as Dancing With Myself and I Touch Myself
Ahh Turning Japanese.. Eyes closing at the moment of climax.
The picture from the inside isn't a picture inside guts, it's a bit lower down.
Personal trivia: My first dance with an ex was to this song.
Lead singer Dave Fenton said: "Turning Japanese is all the clichés about angst and youth and turning into something you didn't expect to."
an ode to Japanese fascination with cameras....and photographs.....he's so into the photos of his girl...he thinks he's turning Japanese...
Turning Japanese is a euphemism for let's say something Brad is possibly familiar with and probably has turned at least once in his life 😁🤔
pokin smot?
yea, but that that was debunked in an interview with the band.
Lead singer Dave Fenton said: "Turning Japanese is all the clichés about angst and youth and turning into something you didn't expect to."
100 % spot on
You guys are too much, man. 🤣
If you really want to check out a couple of great 80's hits,try "The break up song" by The Greg Kihn Band or "Ah,Leah" by Donnie Iris.
LOL. this was on the play list at my first wedding in 1992. I was into new wave & punk mic. Always being a rock fan.
My husband and I watch your videos every day and I just wanted to say how fun you two are! Lex, you’re so funny! I love you’re personality and how you get so excited and have unique analogies of the songs. Please check out one of my favorite bands when I was a young adult. Siouxsie & The Banshees. Try the song Spellbound. It’s super fun! She was my idol haha but it’s good post punk. She’s an icon. Thanks!
Hong Kong garden as well
Sometimes songs do not have profound, philosophical lyrics. They just are what they are ....fun, mindless songs.
Don't know why U guys are always so hung up on what a song "means", sometimes they dont mean shit.
Well said! It is just a song!
Love this song .. haha .. funny .. have been singing this for decades .. just a really fun song!
Good for Brad & Lex for playing obscure recordings that were outside the norm. This was a briefly popular song by a band never heard from again. Think Devo but not as clever.
Was great to dance to in clubs..
Devo was not a one hit wonder. They made great meaningful music
@@jefferylaufman8213 that’s my point, but I didn’t make it very well
Fun, killer, new sound. About the same time as My Sharona by The Knack.
In this episode of Brad & Lex, the suggestive clue dropping song seems to baffle both members of the duo by the band's vague yet bold message. Even their theme music doesn't know but upon further review of the tape, Brad was able to manage a minor "side to side sway" while Lex fashioned a very low key "ponder bop".
Long Duc Dong....
"Oh sexy girlfriend...Bonzai!"
No more yanky my wanky The donger needs food
Love the Kirsten Dunst version for a little eye candy.
Japan made alot advances in electronics in the 80s
Fun song. I hear this and I think you have to do "Our House" by Madness
Preferably the 12" version.
One of those songs that can stick on your head, youll be singing it to yourself before you know it.
You can work it out if you study the lyrics, but it's probably best to just enjoy the song😀
No I don't like it. The over sexualization, especially of female Asians or just that sh in the same sentence has a bad connotation. What if painted all these other races in relations to their stereotypes & things they're known for but in a bad light where I made them feel vulnerable. I could take my time to do it to each & hammer in my point but I'd guess that'd make me the "bad guy." I wanted to like this but this song is straight dumb. And I'm sorry I'm late but I do believe this song is way b4 my time. Idc I'd other asians appeared in ish to "make it ok." Bc if they all jumped off a bridge, I fn wouldnt. It's a hell to the nah 4 me
@@ahhwe-any7434 I totaly get what your saying, it was an old 70's mindset which thank god doesn't fly these days.
The tune itself is fantastic but i wish the lyrics were different or i was ignorant to it.
Unfortunatly they're not which sours the song and the racial stereotyping is plainly there for all to hear.
Hopefully current bands will learn from this and not even consider writing about negative racial/sexual subjects.
I agree with you definatly!!
As a 52 year old.... i miss the early 80’s
An important part of the puzzle is to know that, back in the day, one of the stereotypes about the Japanese is that that they always carried a camera with them and took a million photos. The rumor at the time was that "turning Japanese" referred to the face that people made when they climaxed (i.e., typical racism about slanted eyes) but the lead singer said it's really just about a dude obsessed with some chick.
Japanese tourists had a reputation of taking a lot of pictures. This was way back when before iPhones. I don't know if that same stereotype holds, but I'm guessing that's what they are referring to.
1/12/22, 4:43 p.m.
The meaning of the song. BunniMonster is CORRECT. Eyes closing or even squinting, at that magical moment, possibly after surrounding themselves with pictures of their sweetheart, in the dark. Was very funny to see your reactions on this one.
gere in the UK we call it the vinegar stroke lol
@@melthebell33 so do we in Oz. Lol
@@spacieneptune sorry, should i have said, The vinegar stroke mate
"What does it mean?" hahahahahahaha It is from an old joke I heard in the late 60's or early 70's but nowadays people take things too seriously and would call the joke offensive.
Kirsten Dunst does a great cover version.
Song is about fapping, the expression made when fapping, and the doctor taking a picture line is referring to an x-ray. Hope this helps! Love you guys.
Aloha, sometimes the 80s were really dumb...but almost always...fun.
I love it. They have no idea what the song is about. Next time they should do Wipe-it by Devo
“I want a doctor to take your picture” refers to an x-ray. Such a great song. I believe he’s in jail and has her pictures to “turn Japanese” to. They had a lyric wrong where he says “I’ve got you picture, I’ve got your picture, I’d like a million of them all round MY CELL”, as in prison cell.
I Love This Song On Memories ! Classic 80s
☆LONG LIVE THE 80'S☆
Back in the day, our local radio station said they couldn't say on the air what the song was about, but if you were over 18 you could call in and they would tell you. I was 15 and one of my 18 year old friends called in for us. They said it meant the facial expression men/boys make at climax. Also, the line about taking a picture of your insides, does not refer to 'sticking a camera inside' as you mentioned. They didn't have that technology at the time. It means an x-ray ("picture").
When this came out the Japanese Economy was kicking into high gear. Many Japanese traveled the USA and Europe/UK(where the song is from) Japanese were masters of 35mm Cameras and used them extensively, a stereotype emerged as Japanese with cameras taking pictures of everything. This was the true meaning of the lyrics.
It's about masturbation!!
such a catchy oddball fun song :D
Songfacts:
One of the more misinterpreted songs of all time, word was that "Turning Japanese" refers to the Asian facial features people get at the moment of climax during masturbation. In a VH1 True Spin special, they asked The Vapors about this song, and they explained that it is a love song about someone who lost their girlfriend and was going slowly crazy. Lead singer Dave Fenton said: "Turning Japanese is all the clichés about angst and youth and turning into something you didn't expect to." It was inspired by Fenton's relationship problems.
Sure. And Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds is about a picture John Lennon's kid drew.
So deep. No one cares what this stupid, meaningless, totally disposable song is about.
Love the reaction my 12 year old inner child was laughing, ty B&L
The lyrics relate teen angst or alienation following a romantic breakup to feeling like being from a foreign culture :)
"stop playing with yourself, you'll go blind" "can I do it till I need glasses?"
Brad and Lex are simply too young. In the 80's there was a "playfully racist" stereotype about Asians and particully the Japanese that they walked around taking pictures of everything on vacation. You'll see it in early 80's comedies too. We were all too ignorant to realize that might be offensive to point out. That's what "Turning Japanese" is exactly about.
Nope sorry it's not about that ....its a about masturbation!!
In a VH1 True Spinspecial, they asked The Vapors about this song, and they explained that it is a love song about someone who lost their girlfriend and was going slowly crazy.
You also have to remember that at this time a lot of American bands that were not that popular in America were HUGE hits overseas. Tokyo and Germany were popular touring spots for American bands.
The Vapors, Cheap Trick, and many other bands made a ton of money touring overseas.
I was waiting for someone to react to this song and start screaming cultural appropriation.. or something. Thankfully, you guys are not those folks! 😆 If it makes you feel any better, I never knew anyone who had a clue what this song was about. It sounded good, that's all we cared about.
I was 16 when this came out. My dad was military and had gotten orders to be stationed in Japan. The kids in high school didn’t let it go. Every party I went to had this song dedicated to me.
hahahaha. we used to always use the phrase turning Japanese when making fun of buddies
No one is bewildered as much by the music he listens to as Brad.
dude is smiling, and smoking out
LMAOOOO @ this reaction. We didn't know what it meant at first, either. But our parents told us we would go to the devil if we did it, let's put it that way. bahahahahaaaaaa I laughed so hard when Lex said Eeeewwww. My same thought!! But we loved the song. Freaking Brad's reaction was hilarious, too.
Ah yes, THIS song. Different time but even we thought the lyrics in parts were off putting. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 😜❤✌🏼
I mean there's no other way that Dr. Picture line isn't funky weird!!! 💯
haha , i was around when this came out...never really paid attention to lyrics so never knew what it was about...and still dont tbh lol....catchy tune though....good one guys