| [ Couch Jagaimo ] |
Issue 48 |
|
Susume Denpa Shonen (Onward Airwave Kid) The most famous Japanese TV program in the English speaking world would have to be "Za Gaman" where young kids had to endure the most awful ordeals. It was an obscure program of the eighties that faded into oblivion here. As the late eighties and ninety's rolled around the Gaijin Talent (sometimes a contradiction) became the center of ridicule performing for the masses here. But these days gaijin are more particular about what they are made to do and it is more difficult to find a stooge for the TV directors hunger for sillyness. So then came along Denpa Shonen. Denpa Shonen is a bit of Za Gaman that challenges Japanese youth to carry out silly missions-mostly overseas. It could be anything from asking a supermodel for a date to slapping the face of a famous porno star.Filming is usually done from a distance in candid camera style or with hidden handycams. The more outrageous the better. But this year Denpa Shonen sent two budding comedians on the mission of their life. I suppose many of you have read about Saruganseki, a comedy duo who took on the challenge to hitch hike from Hong Kong to London on $1000. Their money ran out quickly and they had to beg, borrow and work their way across two continents. The two succeeded after 180 days and were greeted at Trafalgar Square by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and a one hour live relay to Japan.The adventures of Saruganseki captured the hearts of Japan as they fought hunger, poverty and culture and language barriers to reach their goal. But I wonder, how much was fact and how much was fiction. Would a cameraman leave his charges to starve for three days? Did the cameraman hitch hike with them? Was there a van following them like a marathon runner, bringing his pain and suffering into the living room. Well, Saruganseki arrived at Trafalgar Square to a fanfare on the 22nd of October, but I had heard that they actually arrived on the 19th. The arrival was staged for the cameras. I wonder how much of the adventure was staged for the cameras and how much is real. (Checkout Shukan's Posts English language editorial on this at http://www.weeklypost.com/) Issue 48 |
|
home | e.mail | opinion | index | help Copyright The Gaijin Gleaner
unless otherwise |
