Popular Japanese rock-pop band Mrs. GREEN APPLE dropped the music video for his new song, “Columbus“on YouTube this Thursday, after being criticized for racism and ignorance by users on social media.. The video was online for less than a day.

The video for “Columbus” featured the three members of the group dressed as historical figures.including the Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus, finding monkey-like characters. Mrs. Green Apple then educates and seemingly controls the ape-men, making them pull carts and greet her.

The song “Columbus” was released at midnight on Wednesday, and the video arrived later that night. Criticism quickly followed. Users expressed their displeasure in the clip’s comments section and on social media platform Twitter, calling the video ignorant and borderline racist.

The main problem seemed to be the inaccurate portrayal of Columbus, traditionally seen as the navigator who discovered North America but who also brutalized the continent's indigenous communities. Others pointed out how the treatment of the apemen resembled colonization and perpetuated racist stereotypes. Some went further, questioning whether the ape characters were meant to represent “primitive” communities in other lands.

Around 3 p.m. Thursday (Japan time), Ms. GREEN APPLE removed the “Columbus” music video from YouTube. The band posted a statement on its official website shortly after, apologizing for the video and explaining that its original intention was to feature historical figures at a “fun party.”

The planning director for the “Columbus” video was Mrs. GREEN APPLE vocalist Motoki Ohmori. The song and video were part of The Coca-Cola Co.'s "Coke Studio" music initiative, which seeks to have famous artists create original music and videos, often featuring Coca-Cola products in prominent locations.

Mrs. Green Apple was formed in 2013 and in recent years has become one of the biggest J-pop bands. The trio consists of Ohmori, guitarist Hiroto Wakai and keyboardist Ryoka Fujisawa. For the anime sector, they have performed theme songs for franchises such as “The Anime” and “The Anime”.Fire force (Enen no Shouboutai)”, “Fastest finger first (Nana Maru San Batsu)”, “Yu☆Gi☆Oh! Arc-V“, and “Boukyaku Drums“to name just a few.

Source: The Japan Times