Japanorama Season 2
Japanorama was a series of documentaries presented by Jonathan Ross, exploring various facets of popular culture and trends of modern-day Japan. Each episode had a theme, around which he presented cultural phenomena, films, music, and art that exemplify facets of Japan. The series was colourful in both its creative use of subject matter, and its use of bright colours that helped accent the action on screen rather than distract from it. Subjects were separated by eye catches that often featured the artwork of Junko Mizuno. Ross hosted each episode in suits so bright and stylised they could have been stolen from an anime character. Fans have credited the series for the care that both Ross and the BBC have placed in its production. Time was given to delve into each subject, and he was able to interview various figureheads of culture and industry, including Mamoru Oshii, Hayao Miyazaki, Takeshi Kitano, Takashi Miike with Takashi Murakami and Sonny Chiba. The theme song of the show was Kiyoshi no zundoko bushi by Kiyoshi Hikawa.
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Japanorama Season 2 Full Episode Guide
Cute is perhaps the most pervasive concept in Japan. This episode covers Hello Kitty, Gloomy Bear and Super DolfieMadame Shirota’s Customs and Sayings: Where to throw your toothBottom tooth, throw over your roof. Top tooth, throw under your house.
Topics covered include: Beetle Sumo, 'Kill Bill' star Chiaki Kuriyama, mobile phone controlled robot warriors, a film about a Calamari Wrestler and even eating the deadly poisonous blow fish.
What is considered funny in Japan? This episode covers; Jackass style performances, comedy robot and Hard Gay (comedian).
A review of some of the groups in Japan as well as Japan’s obsession with uniforms. Covered are girl bikers, gangsters and goths. Designer Paul Smith tells about his phenomenal popularity in Japan
The world of Otaku, roughly translated as ‘nerd’, is explored. Such phenomena as Cosplay (dressing in costumes), Maid Cafes and model collecting are covered
This episode covers what’s cool in Japan, including cell phones, pop music videos, robots and even shoes.Nigo, the creator of Bathing Ape, gives a bit of an look into what makes his brand cool.Madame Shirota’s Customs and Sayings: How to laugh.Also explored are the weird videos of Nagi NodaThere is an interview with the star of many of Japans cult films, Tadanobu Asano, known as the Japanese Johnny Depp.The Magic Numbers make their debut on their sell out tour of Japan.
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