"Japan" by JPEGMAFIA is a song that explores the artist's experiences and observations as an African-American man living and traveling in Japan. The song touches on themes of identity, race, cultural differences, and societal issues. Throughout the song, JPEGMAFIA reflects on his personal journey, feeling like a "bastard without a father" and being "stranded" in a foreign land. He confronts the stereotypes and prejudices he has encountered, both in Japan and back in America. The lyrics also highlight the artist's frustration with the music industry and its preference for surface-level, commercialized content. He criticizes trust-fund kids who rap about trivial subjects instead of addressing real issues that affect marginalized communities. JPEGMAFIA also expresses his solidarity with his fellow African-American men, emphasizing the discrimination they face, particularly at the hands of the police. He confronts the racial bias and violence prevalent in American society, contrasting it with his experiences in Japan. Overall, "Japan" is a socio-political commentary on the artist's personal experiences and observations, shedding light on the complexities of race, identity, and the music industry.
