International Greaser Equivalents: Yanki

Let's excuse my vacation last week with another vacation! We are traveling to the far east to visit the most eclectic greaser equivalent subculture equivalent yet. Here we have the Yanki, a Japanese subculture that gets its name from the American term, “yankee”. The word yankee is just a referent to citizens of the United States. But, in Japanese terms, it holds more of a negative connotation.

Yankis term has been referenced as “a symbol of how far the country has fallen from its glory years”. (1) I’d assume with attaching an American term to their subculture meant either the corruption of western influence on the country or just an emulation of a popular American icon of style. Since after all, greasers did represent working class “hoodlums”.

Yankis are the delinquent groups of the young people that emerged in the 50’s. Yankis are also influence by Japan’s past military tactics, evident in World War II. The group is also influenced by Japan’s famous Yakuza gang. Yanki’s are also working class kids, with an affinity for cars and motorcycles. But rather than customizing older models and hot rods, yankis prefer luxury cars to parody a Yakuza image.

They are by far the most aesthetically different looking than your average American greaser. In some cases, yankis have blonde/orange hair instead of black hair and are typically tanner. The Yanki’s took aspects of fellow Japanese cultures and blended those with their take of a Japanese greaser. Most yanki’s turned out to be construction workers.

It’s refreshing to see a subculture emulate another one that is similar, but with more noticeably different characteristics. I think yanki’s are a refreshing parody of Greasers, whether good or bad. There is an entertaining difference, coupled with an influence upon their respective culture, just like greasers were on Americans.

What do you find most provoative about the yanki? Tune in this Friday (April, 21) as we carry on to our last destination.

And away we go, Rocakbeau ;)

Sources

Shakespeare, Geoff. “6 Japanese Subcultures That Are Insane (Even for Japan)”. Cracked. June 07, 2010. Accessed April 18, 2017. http://www.cracked.com/article_18567_6-japanese-subcultures-that-are-insane-even-japan.html

Spacey, John. “Yanki: Young and Angry in Japan”. Japan Talk. July 15, 2012. Accessed 18 April, 2017. http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/yanki