Japanorama

Ultraseven · (#1 (**permalink**))

J A P A N O R A M A

Did anyone out there watch a BBC documentary series about a year ago called Japanorama hosted by Jonathan Ross?

Sure, Ross' constant use of Japanglish phrases like "Super Likee" and "Super Extra my Beautiful" were very annoying, and it wasn't always entirely accurate with its information (It's Ultraseven NOT UltramanSeven!!

) but his obvious passion for all things Japanese (mostly toys) and interviews with the likes of Junko Mizuno, Junji Ito, Hayao Miyazaki, Sonny Chiba and Takashi Murakami among many others made for a really watchable, informative and fun TV show. A good bluffers guide to all things Japanese (Toys, Architecture, Art, Music, Movies, Fashion, Culture, Language...).

BRING ON SERIES 4!!

Anyone remember Ross and a group of Japanese schoolgirls being scared witless in a 'haunted hospital' horror attraction? LOL!

Nagoyankee · (#2 (**permalink**))

Yeah, I've seen a few episodes of that on Youtube. Wish I could have watched them all on TV but it wasn't aired in Japan, naturally... I did like the ones I saw on Youtube, though. They obviously spent lots of time shooting in Japan, interviewing some of the 'hottest' people of our time. I don't know much about BBC but I was glad it didn't take the National Geographic type of an approach in introducing Japan!

Here's the episode where Ross speaks with Hard Gay:

Ultraseven · (#3 (**permalink**))

Ha ha! What's with that hard gay dude?
Something seriously wrong with some ex-wrestler/'comedian' called Hard Gay thrusting his pelvis in unsuspecting peoples faces.

Ayame90 · (#4 (**permalink**))

Crazy People!

Nagoyankee · (#5 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayame90

Crazy People!

What do ya prefer, the heavily-censored U.S. TV programs?

MissMisa · (#6 (**permalink**))

I've seen quite a few of these, they are really awesome! I've seen the one about Yamanba and the feminist movement in Japan, and ones with Gloomy Bear, and Dollfie in them. I didn't realise that Dollfie thing was so popular. [And so expensive!]

The UK's BBC is very reputable. It's like, funded by the people, for the people if you get me. No advertisements or anything. I don't know how the BBC compares to American channels, but I only really watch BBC programs, I don't tend to watch TV that much anyway really.

AmbeRz · (#7 (**permalink**))

Ah, I didnt watch it but I wish I did...Jonathan Ross is my hero

like seriously...lol.

I've watched the Hard Gay clip on youtube and I think thats about it.

Wasabista · (#8 (**permalink**))

If I did that in public they'd put me on the sex offenders list.

Benny · (#9 (**permalink**))

I loved this series! I think I might go watch it again soon...

You can watch entire episodes at SurfTheChannel - Home - go to tv shows then Japanorama for Season 1, 2 and some of 3.

The rest of season 3 can be found through google.

Hope that helps!

Jaydelart · (#10 (**permalink**))

I watched a few of their episodes.

I didn't like the episode where they tried to explain the issue of perverts in Japan, and went as far as to implying that Utada Hikaru and other female J-pop artists were nothing more than sex objects... Which I disagree with.

Anyway... Overall, it was entertaining, and I did enjoy some of their other episodes, so it isn't that bad.
I wouldn't rely on them as a good source of insight to the Japanese Culture, however.