Japanorama
A BBC documentary series on Japanese pop culture.
Jonathan Ross hosted this documentary series, which examined different aspects of modern Japanese popular culture and trends. Each episode centered on a theme, allowing Ross to showcase films, music, art, and cultural phenomena that illustrated various sides of Japan. The show was visually vibrant, using bright colors to enhance the on-screen action rather than overwhelm it. Segments were divided by eye-catching transitions, frequently incorporating artwork by Junko Mizuno. Ross himself appeared in colorful, striking suits.
Viewers appreciated the care put into the production by both Ross and the BBC. The series devoted time to thoroughly explore each topic, and Ross interviewed notable figures from culture and industry, including Mamoru Oshii, Hayao Miyazaki, Takeshi Kitano, Takashi Miike, Takashi Murakami, and Sonny Chiba. The theme song was "Kiyoshi no zundoko bushi" by Kiyoshi Hikawa.
The show ran for three series, each containing six episodes. The first series aired on BBC Choice in 2002, while the second and third series were broadcast on BBC Three in 2006 and 2007, respectively.
- presenter
- Jonathan Ross
- network
- BBC Choice (series 1), BBC Three (series 2 and 3)
- series_count
- 3
- episodes_per_series
- 6
- first_aired
- 2002
- theme_song
- Kiyoshi no zundoko bushi by Kiyoshi Hikawa
- notable_interviewees
- Mamoru Oshii, Hayao Miyazaki, Takeshi Kitano, Takashi Miike, Takashi Murakami, Sonny Chiba
Lore & Background
Japanorama consisted of three series, each with six episodes. The first series aired on BBC Choice in 2002, while series 2 and 3 were shown on BBC Three in 2006 and 2007 respectively. The series is noted for its colourful presentation, both in creative subject matter and the use of bright colours that accent the action on screen rather than distract from it. Ross hosts each episode in bright, eye-catching suits.
Reader's Guide
Japanorama stands as a significant BBC documentary series that introduced British audiences to modern Japanese popular culture through the lens of presenter Jonathan Ross. The series was praised by fans for the care taken in production, allowing time to delve into each subject and interview key figureheads of Japanese culture and industry, including filmmakers Mamoru Oshii, Hayao Miyazaki, Takeshi Kitano, and Takashi Miike, as well as artist Takashi Murakami and actor Sonny Chiba. Its legacy is tied to its role in popularizing Japanese media trends in the UK during the early 2000s, alongside related programs such as Japan TV and Adam and Joe Go Tokyo. The series remains a reference point for curated, thematic exploration of Japan's pop culture landscape.
Did You Know?
- The theme song of the show was Kiyoshi no zundoko bushi by Kiyoshi Hikawa.
- Subjects were separated by eye catches that often featured the artwork of Junko Mizuno.
- The series consisted of three series, each with six episodes.
- Interviewees included Mamoru Oshii, Hayao Miyazaki, Takeshi Kitano, Takashi Miike, Takashi Murakami, and Sonny Chiba.
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