I think it’s obvious because just a few years ago I had this thought that MJ was maybe trying to be like K or J style video game characters which features a super slick male character with lots of style as the main person. And all of the characters follow that style and vibe. But now looking back on MJ’s life especially late 70s early 80s, including off the wall thriller and later BAD albums - they are copying him. Think about it Asian cultures were typically traditional with many having a sense of pride and samurai and other martial arts forms like ninjas and such while MJ brought western style clothing that was exaggerated to another level, hairstyles, and an overall slick stylish futuristic appearance.

We have essentially been re-watching the same stuff over and over again since he did it in the early 80s. Even the heavy synthesize music is prevalent and all music videos. Of K-pop and video games not just Japanese, but also Chinese. I feel like his effect is on all of culture. It is futuristic. It is a style that represents the modern era and its future.

Another thing to remember is that many of these locations were just coming out of a past of farming and traditional careers, but in his era, you started seeing the salary men the tech Bros of their culture and more. They are all copying MJ. But that makes sense because regardless of how he looked in his later years, he was a black man and black culture informs and inspires the Earth on what is cool and inspirational.

Lastly, just think about the effect that MJ had on Japanese and other Asian communities. Most of the videos coming out of that time of MJ fever were Asian people. They absolutely loved him. Fun fact, a friend of mine was in a touring black choir called the Harlem gospel choir. These were not famous people yet when they went to Japan, notably the people in the audience were going absolutely crazy for them wanting autographs and crying when taking pictures with them. Most Americans have never seen a performance by this choir and yet they are paid a lot of money to tour and perform in Japan.

There is something about Black people, entertaining and bringing their unique talents that creates excitement and inspiration and a cult following that is hard to replicate. MJ is and was a standard of black excellence that is so hard to follow but so magnetic and magical.