A Japanese music firm has stopped distributing a music video featuring J-pop group Mrs. Green Apple after it was criticized for containing discriminatory content.
Mrs. Green Apple released the video for its new song "Columbus" on Wednesday.
The video is based on a scenario that the three group members disguised as historical figures, including Christopher Columbus, who reached America in the 15th century, visit an island. There, they meet people who look like apes.
The three teach them how to ride on horses and let them operate rickshaws.
The video drew criticism from social media users, who found it discriminatory, as soon as it was released on the internet on Wednesday evening.
The music firm pulled the video from public view, saying it contains expressions that lack understanding about historical and cultural backgrounds.
They said that checks before the release were insufficient and deeply apologized for causing trouble.
Mrs. Green Apple says on its official website that their songs have been played more than 7.3 billion times on music streaming service websites.