Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" Gets a Japanese Rework
Michael Jackson's legacy knows no borders, and the latest must-see viral video further proves his influence.
This rendition of "Smooth Criminal" is played by Yoshimi Tsujimoto, a badass Japanese woman who professionally plays the bamboo flute (called a shakuhachi in Japanese) professionally alongside two women playing the koto (which is like a Japanese harp). Decked out in kimonos, the trio put a traditional Japanese twist on MJ's classic song, with fascinating results. Even with the old-school instrumentation, the original energy of 1988 single isn't lost as Tsujimoto nails every staccato note.
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