Variety I

I just luuuurve Japanese Variety Shows. That's despite many of them involving food at least 40% of the time (or maybe it is because?). Of course, not all of them are good. But those that are, are very, very good most of the time. Just by watching these, I have managed to: compile quite a list of potential eating places to try out when I am next in Japan, learn more Kanji and Japan in general, and even generate some philosophical thoughts.

These are the 5 main "genres" of Japanese Variety Shows that I know:
-Quiz shows
-Talk shows
-Comedy shows
-Information shows (including Travel shows)
-Competition shows

So, I figured, maybe I'd just introduce some of the shows that I have seen and enjoyed.

Show: 秘密のケンミンSHOW (Regional Secrets - The Show)
Genre: Information

This show showcases the various items/activities/culture that are unique to the various Japanese prefectures. Watching this show reminds me that the world is a huge place filled with wonderful things, and the Indonesian saying: "Lain padang, lain belalang". (Lit: different field, different grashopper). It is kind of amusing that the people in one region tend to assume that whatever it is they have in their hometown is common throughout the country, and are shocked when informed that it is unique to their region.

There are regional food, regional date spots which almost all couples from that region would have visited at least once, regional items that have made their way to Tokyo and received good reception, and etc. The reaction of the guests (participants in the show that all come from different prefectures) however, hints that these "regional specialties" could well be easily acceptable throughout the country. Which implies that there is an underlying cohesiveness among the unique identities.

I wish that the different Indonesian Provinces could learn these "Prefectural Spirit" from Japan to each develop into regions that can live up to the name of "Jamrud Khatulistiwa" (Lit: The Equator Emerald) and to shine brightly on the blue ocean.