The Mikado/YMMV


 * Critical Research Failure: Completely and intentionally misrepresents Japanese culture for Rule of Funny purposes.
 * But subverts this by including an authentic Japanese marching song, Miya Sama.
 * Also subverted by dint of the fact that its actual purpose was (as with most things G&S) Satire on contemporary British society.
 * Let's put it this way: Gilbert understood the correct way of writing period pieces: Do as much research as possible, and forget everything that doesn't fit what you're trying to write.
 * Memetic Mutation: It's the source of familiar phrases such as "A short, sharp shock," "Let the punishment fit the crime," and even "grand Poohbah."
 * Mexicans Love Speedy Gonzales: The Mikado has always been very popular in Japan.
 * Tough Act to Follow: This was something of the climax of their career.
 * Their next show, Ruddigore, was quite successful but looked like a flop in comparison; Gilbert remarked, "I could do with a few more such failures."