Inside Japan’s Chicano Subculture | NYT

Chicano Culture in Japan

The video explores how Chicano culture—closely associated with Mexican American life in Los Angeles—has developed a following in Japan. Walter, who grew up in L.A., visits Nagoya and Osaka to learn how the culture traveled and what it means to Japanese fans.

In Nagoya, he meets Junichi, a longtime leader in Japan’s lowrider scene. Lowriders originated in the 1940s and became symbols of rebellion, resilience, and beauty in the Chicano community. They have inspired Japanese enthusiasts for decades.

In Osaka, Walter visits La Puerta, a shop run by DJ Miki Style that imports clothing from Los Angeles. Seeing Chicano and gang-related imagery sold as fashion prompts Walter to consider cultural appropriation and who benefits financially. He also meets artist Night tha Funksta, whose work emphasizes positive aspects of Chicano culture, and rapper MoNa, also known as Sad Girl, whose music has earned her an international audience.

The video frames the story around belonging. The people Walter meets do not see their Japanese identity and their connection to Chicano culture as mutually exclusive; they embrace both.

Presenters and Contributors

• Walter (host)
• Junichi
• Miki Style
• Night tha Funksta
• MoNa (Sad Girl)