Place, Japan by LOVE&PEACE

This EP is first and foremost an expression of gratitude. I grew up watching anime and have always been deeply inspired by Japanese art. Now more than ever people are obsessed with Japanese art, but often this obsession is upon further interrogation shallow and otherizing. The meme Place, Japan has become an internet shorthand for someone who only appreciates a piece of art or anything else because it's Japanese. I wanted to make a project that shows you can still show love for Japanese art wholeheartedly for the actual substance and creativity of the work without being racist lol. I also wanted to demonstrate the parallels between western audiences and Japanese artists with non-black audiences and Black artists. Both of us have had our culture and personal expression traded as cultural commodity (racialized signifiers of counter-culture etc.) by audiences who sometimes don't meaningfully respect the artist's humanity, usually for the financial gain of larger business structures that extract capital from the artists and audiences. Still, it's clear to see that Black artists love Japanese artists and vice-versa, and this cultural exchange is a longstanding tradition of love and appreciation. I am simply seeking to engage in this exchange with as much love and passion as I can. This EP is inspired by some of my favorite artists of all time. My favorite band. My favorite Director. My favorite anime (Hint: it inspired the song count). I know that these artists and many more will continue to inspire me, and I hope that anyone who finds this project can be similarly inspired. Thank you for listening.

Anonymous Anarcho-communist underground musician. Just getting started. If you know me, no you don't.