Category: The Vapors

Turning Japanese by The Vapors Lyrics Meaning – A Cultural Reflection on Identity and Obsession

When The Vapors released ‘Turning Japanese’ in 1980, it became a formidable earworm with its catchy riff and enigmatic chorus. The ostensibly peppy track has been a point of debate and misinterpretations over the years. While many linked it to racial stereotypes or salacious rumors, the song remains a fixture in the story of New Wave’s invasion of pop culture.

The Vapors

The Vapors’ “Turning Japanese” Lyrics Meaning

This track is popularly believed to be about “playing with oneself”, with the phrase turning Japanese reportedly being an allusion to such. That is, many listeners have concluded that the singer is pleasing himself. He...