VOX POPULI: China's copying culture exposed by song theft

China is a market where imitations of brand-name products such as "HONGDA" motorcycles and "SQNY" batteries circulate. Apparently, they are meant to be confused by consumers with the Japanese brands Honda and Sony.

China's inclination for copying well-known products is nothing new. But it was surprising to learn that some people there had gone so far as to imitate a Japanese piece of music to promote a big event on which China's national prestige is at stake.

The PR song for the Shanghai Expo turned out to be almost identical to a hit song by Japanese singer-songwriter Mayo Okamoto. After the scandal was uncovered, the event's executive committee belatedly contacted Okamoto's side and asked for permission to use the music. Okamoto reportedly consented, saying "I am honored to receive such a wonderful offer."

The song "Sonomama no Kimi de Ite" (Just be yourself), which was first released 13 years ago, will be used almost unchanged to promote the Shanghai World Expo 2010 that opens May 1.

The Chinese side apparently wanted to settle the matter amicably. The organizers did not file a protest at the plagiarism by the person who "composed" the song. They did not admit to and apologize for the copying. Instead, they opted for an easy and somewhat eccentric settlement.

At first, I took their approach as a joke. China is a country where jokes are acted out in real life. The way China has tried to get off the hook makes me think of a shoplifter pleading for forgiveness in exchange for paying twice the price of the products he or she tried to steal. And the store responds by saying, "What a wonderful offer."

"Let's be more free/ And honest/ And walk without trying to act tough," Okamoto's song goes. Might the words have affected China's behavior? For a country that attaches great importance to appearances, the response was quick and businesslike. The Shanghai Expo opens in about 10 days. Obviously, there was no time to fight over the issue or remake the music from scratch.

The plagiarism controversy was fueled by Chinese Internet users who criticized it as national disgrace. Okamoto is well known in China, and the Shanghai Expo organizers, apparently out of touch with popular culture, became a laughing stock.

No matter how Chinese authorities regulate the Internet, they cannot keep the people silent. We've heard of "HONGDA" and "SQNY" but a new Chinese singer called "OKANOTO," who just happened to make music like a certain Japanese artist, would not be allowed to pass.

--The Asahi Shimbun, April 21

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.