this is the perfect microcosm of what being asian is like, just being instantly infantilized when we step out of our model race image that other people have of us
Why do I, as a Japanese person, enjoy creating Black characters?
To put it simply, I started creating Black characters because a Black fan once said to me, 'Thank you for creating Black characters beautifully.
It's a simple reason, but those words really made me happy.
A foreign fan told me, "Japanese anime art and entertainment are racially discriminatory".
As a Japanese illustrator, I had never heard such an opinion from Japanese people. This perspective was new to me.
If Japanese anime art and entertainment are perceived as racially discriminatory from an international perspective, then we as Japanese must face this issue.
Unfortunately, I have heard some Japanese people say, "If foreigners don't like it, they shouldn't watch Japanese entertainment. It's made for Japanese people". This is a foolish thought.
No matter how much they claim that Japanese entertainment is "just for Japan," the Internet has erased borders.
Japanese art and entertainment are no longer just for Japanese consumers.
Can we go against the tide of this era?
No, it's impossible.
Some understanding Japanese have said to me, appreciating my efforts to create ethnic diversity and racial differences, "If you continue to draw Black characters, maybe one day Japanese people will deepen their understanding of diverse racial representation and your work will be properly recognized.
I would be happy if one day I could draw beautiful Black characters in my work for Japanese clients and for foreign fans.