colorism

How Kusama Yayoi’s Death Puts a Spotlight on Japan’s “Whiteness Problem”

The death of Japanese artist Kusama Yayoi prompted many English-language social media users to revisit her racist screeds. Japanese users, for the…

Are Parasols in Asia Racist?

Parasols: Harmless way to avoid skin cancer and wrinkles - or a statement on how white supremacy has dominated Asia?

Japan’s Whiteness Problem, Part 2: The Propaganda Machine

How Japan went from a paternalistic relationship with the US after WWII to a co-dependent one that reified whiteness.

Japan’s Whiteness Problem, Part 1: Colorism

Thalia Harris analyzes Japan's preference for whiteness in foreigners, where it comes from, and why it continues to persist.