What question did this study set out to answer?

The research investigates the portrayal of Japanese culture in 1860s minstrelsy and its impact on racial representations.

February 6, 2026

Japan Black: Japanning, Minstrelsy, and “Japanese Tommy's” Yellowface Precursor

Key Points

The research investigates the portrayal of Japanese culture in 1860s minstrelsy and its impact on racial representations.
Analyze historical newspaper articles from the era
Examine performances at notable theaters
Explore references to Japanese culture in minstrel shows
Identified significant use of yellowface in performances
Documented the popularity of 'Japanese ballets' in minstrelsy
Highlighted cultural misconceptions of Japan during the period

Abstract

Abstract: On the Fourth of July, 1860, the New York Times introduced readers to a new persona treading the minstrel boards: Matinées are the order of the day, two at both the Bowerys, at George Christy's, at Bryant's, and at the Palace Gardens. Here “versatile performers” and “talented danseuses ” will diversify the hours of patriotic emotion with comic pantomime and grand “Japanese ballets,” led by “Little Tommy.” Japan has dropped a little into the sere and yellow leaf, perhaps, for the natives, but for the “strangers from the provinces” the land of blacking may still have charms, and we desire that “all such” may understand that the Japan of their dreams will be on exhibition to-night at Miss Laura Keene's Theatre.

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