- Source:
- @ryofujii2000 / © Next Library Co.
- Tags:
- Apology / apology press conference / Japanese culture / Parody / Press Conference / Ryo Fujii / Video / video creator
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Japanese apology culture
Although apology press conferences are a common occurrence in Japan, it seems that remorseful faces and long-winded apologies have become more frequent on Japanese television in recent months. From politicians apologizing for sexual harassment, entertainers apologizing for inappropriate contact with minors, to representatives of sports organizations apologizing for physical and moral harassment conducted under their direction, the reasons vary but the style of the press conferences is remarkably similar.
Those who apologize in such situations are often externally motivated by what they consider to be public expectations. In other words, it is not unusual for an apology press conference to be held without a single complaint from the public. Such was the case with the Water Works Bureau of Kobe City earlier this week, where city representatives apologized because one of their employees had repeatedly taken 3-minute breaks to buy lunch. The public criticized both the city's decision to hold a conference for such a matter and the fact that they docked the worker half a day's pay as punishment.
Ryo Fujii's "General Purpose Apology Video"
Perhaps in response to this spate of apology press conferences, video artist Ryo Fujii took to his Twitter account with the following message:
---"You know, it seems there are too many people having to apologize for such trivial matters, so I'm releasing this "general purpose apology video adaptable to all apology situations." I made it before but I couldn't think of a good use for it at the time. Please feel free to use it if you're in a jam. I think it can work as an apology for every possible problem."
Script
Note: In apology press conferences, formulaic expressions and a certain level of vagueness and indirectness are useful to ensure that all possible dimensions and all possible affected parties are accounted for. However, in this parody, Fujii exaggerates such language to ridiculous extremes. A recurring joke is the repeated usage of the character teki 的, which we have translated as "like" or "something like."
We've translated the video for you below, along with screen captures, by permission from Mr. Fujii
At the top left, the text reads: "Last night, some time past 10 pm." At the top right, the text reads: "Breaking News: "About those allegations ... Emergency press conference." Below that, the text reads: "Warning: this video has flash photography."
Source: @ryofujii2000
On this occasion, either the fact that I may have committed an act which may have possibly caused a public scandal
Source: @ryofujii2000
or the mood which was created by such an act may have ended up causing many people to experience feelings of displeasure or feelings of pleasure.
Source: @ryofujii2000
Thus, due to my personal insufficiencies or my over-sufficiencies, I have inconvenienced a great number of people
Source: @ryofujii2000
and I wish to apologize for their having been inconvenienced.
I am very sorry for that.
Source: @ryofujii2000
As far as this incident is concerned, I have been considerably scolded by all of you.
Source: @ryofujii2000
Therefore, in order to become what I should be, not only as an individual, but also as a company, and as an entertainer,
Source: @ryofujii2000
I have possibly achieved something like reaching something like a moment at which I must proceed with something drastic and radical.
Source: @ryofujii2000
This is what I was made to feel.
Source: @ryofujii2000
I will take this incident to be something like a lesson, and from now on, I will strive and strive again in my efforts,
Source: @ryofujii2000
so please continue to provide me something like support going forward.
Source: @ryofujii2000
Moreover, as for the specific details, third parties, as well as fourth parties and fifth parties
Source: @ryofujii2000
have been summoned at my behest to form a review committee which is expected to begin investigating the matter shortly.
Source: @ryofujii2000
Therefore, until their findings are revealed, we are unable to make any further comments.
Video Artist Ryo Fujii
If you are interested in seeing more of Ryo Fujii's video works, please visit his recommended collection of independent videos, commercials and music videos representing his unique brand of humor and creativity here.