Patrick Macias, who often writes about pop culture in Japan, has some interesting posts on his blog about the Gosperats. This Sony Music recording group is comprised of Japanese men who impersonate black people, and go on stage in blackface. Link, and here's another. Snip from the transcript of a pop music TV show on which they appeared, following Puffy AmiYumi:
Q: "It's been a while since you guys put on blackface. How does it make you feel?"
A: "Strong. Like a light that's been turned on."
Q: "But back in the old days, you were the only guy who didn't put on make-up."
A: "Yeah. I was supposed to be the white guy."
(Cue laughter. Applause.)
(Thanks, Daryl Surat )
Reader comment: Steve Akers says,
There is also live video of a Gosperats television appearance over on YouTube: Link At about halfway through the clip, when they finally perform, it's kinda like James Brown meets Sha Na Na.
