Translation guide
The practice of non-Black performers wearing dark makeup to portray a Black person, rooted in racist minstrel traditions. In Japanese, the concept is often referred to directly by the English loanword, but historical and cultural equivalents exist.
Referring to the racist practice of darkening one's skin to impersonate a Black person, especially in performance.
The most direct and widely understood term in modern Japanese, borrowed from English. Used in news and discussions about racism.
その番組でブラックフェイスが使われて批判された。
The show was criticized for using blackface.
Referring to traditional Japanese performances where actors darkened their skin, sometimes to portray Black people, but not always with the same racist intent as Western minstrelsy.
Describes the costume or disguise of blackening the face/body. Used in historical contexts, such as kabuki or early modern theater.
戦前のレビューでは黒塗りの扮装がよく見られた。
In prewar revues, blackface costumes were often seen.
Direct translations like '黒い顔' (kuroi kao, 'black face') do not convey the cultural practice and may cause confusion. Use the loanword ブラックフェイス for clarity.
Ganguro (ガングロ) is a Japanese fashion trend involving dark tans and makeup, but it is not related to racial caricature. Do not confuse the two.
ガングロはブラックフェイスとは全く別の文化だ。
Ganguro is a completely different culture from blackface.
Literally 'black painting'. Can refer to blackface makeup, but also to painting objects black. Context is needed to clarify the racial connotation.
彼は黒塗りで黒人を演じた。
He played a Black person in blackface.
Literally 'Black person makeup'. A descriptive term that may be used, but can sound euphemistic or unaware of the racist history.
ハロウィンで黒人メイクをするのは不適切だ。
It's inappropriate to do blackface makeup for Halloween.
An archaic and now highly offensive term for a Black person, sometimes used historically for blackface characters. Strong caution: this word is a racial slur and should not be used.
This is a racial slur. Do not use it. Included only for recognition in historical texts.
その芝居には黒ん坊というキャラクターが出てくる。
In that play, a character called 'kuronbō' appears.