Dive into the vibrant, surreal world of Kirsten Dunst's take on a new wave classic.
The Song
The video features Kirsten Dunst covering "Turning Japanese", a hit song originally released in 1980 by the British new wave band The Vapors. The original song, penned by David Fenton, was intended as a love song about pining over an ex-girlfriend and the feeling of going "slowly crazy" from a broken heart, not literally about becoming Japanese or a controversial euphemism for masturbation, as is often rumored. It prominently features a distinct "Oriental riff" played on guitar.
The Vapors had hoped to avoid being "one-hit wonders" by delaying its release to be their second single, but it ultimately became their most recognized track.
The Artist
Kirsten Dunst is primarily known as an American actress, with a prolific career spanning from her debut in 1989. She gained early recognition for roles in films like Interview with the Vampire and Jumanji, and later starred in the Spider-Man trilogy as Mary Jane Watson. While she has showcased musical abilities in films like Get Over It!, this video stands out as a unique venture into a more explicit "music video" format, albeit within an art context.
Chart Performance
Kirsten Dunst's rendition of "Turning Japanese" was not released as a commercial single and therefore did not appear on official music charts. It was created as an art project, rather than a mainstream musical release. The original Vapors song, however, was a major international hit, reaching number one in Australia for two weeks in June 1980 and charting significantly in the UK and Canada. It was also a minor hit in Japan.
Cultural Impact
Kirsten Dunst's "Turning Japanese" video, officially titled "Akihabara Majokko Princess," was part of the 2009 exhibition "Pop Life: Art in a Material World" at London's Tate Modern. Directed by McG and produced by acclaimed Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami, the video sees Dunst dressed as a "magical princess" or "Sailor Moon"-like character, complete with a bright blue wig and schoolgirl skirt, dancing and singing through Tokyo's iconic Akihabara district.
The video garnered attention for its vibrant pop art aesthetics and Dunst's commitment to the performance. However, it also sparked debate and backlash among some Japanese youth culture and bloggers who felt it was a cliché and made light of Japanese street culture, "pandering to the lowest common pop denominator." Despite this mixed reception, it remains a notable and quirky piece of pop culture history, bridging celebrity, art, and music.
Fun Facts
- The video was directed by McG, known for films like Charlie's Angels and Terminator Salvation.
- Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami, known for his "superflat" style, produced the video and collaborated on the concept.
- The video was filmed in Tokyo's Akihabara district, a hub known for its anime, manga, and electronics culture.
- Dunst reportedly embraced the role, being a fan of Japanese street culture herself.
- The original song's music video was among the first 200 played on MTV, receiving heavy rotation and boosting its exposure.
- A user on YouTube noted that Kirsten Dunst "absolutely nailed this :) A great fun video, it shows the real spirit of Japan, and she looks stunning ❤️".