I spent 3 years in Osaka in the early 90s, one thing I never could quite wrap my head around was Japanese entertainment TV, especially the late-night stuff.

The people at Cracked have it right: a lot of times, I just sat there, gaping at the television screen and saying, “What the Fuh…?”

They’ve got to be among the most fascinating people on earth.

Spurius Ligustinus on April 28, 2009 at 12:21 PM

Must be remnants of the nuclear fallout from ’45. Blame Truman.

Eight minutes of my life. Gone. Never to return.

jennifernaz on April 27, 2009 at 9:00 PM

Thanks for the warning. I’ll pass. There! Fixed it.

Something to aspire to, AP.

blatantblue on April 27, 2009 at 9:00 PM

Thanks for the warning. I’ll pass.

This would have worked about 30 years ago in America when there was a real community of TV/screen celebrities–think of the Carol Burnett Show or Battle of the Network Stars. I could easily see Tim Conway or somebody doing that stunt.

The people at Cracked have it right: a lot of times, I just sat there, gaping at the television screen and saying, “What the Fuh…?”

They’ve got to be among the most fascinating people on earth.

Okay, that necktie technique is tres cool.

irishspy on April 27, 2009 at 9:24 PM

Yeah, but is it possible to tie a half Windsor knot that way?

Maybe… but it would probably take some practice.

Reading all of the posts, there is one thing missing that is an important part of the Oriental culture that we must regain – innovation.

The key to innovation is the ability visualize how things are done, and what makes visualization difficult is that the mind is trained to see things in only two dimensions (width and height). Innovation really requires the ability to add depth to the view, thus watch carefully how the concept of depth is critical to tying the necktie and putting the pants on without hands.

After watching carefully, he is still going to leave the house unzipped. The next trick is to see him come home and get undressed.

“How is it that these are the people who create all of our electronics? They react to this nonsense like they’re small children.” Ever see Jerry Springer????

“Would you expect any less from a country so obsessed with Hello Kitty?” Ever see parents fighting over Tickle me Elmo at Christmas time?

One show does not represent the whole Japanese culture and if you believe that then you should be content that they believe all Americans are fat, drink beer and watch Nascar all day then.

My wife (asian) has loooong black silky hair that everyone admires, she constantly runs the idea past me of coloring it or highlighting it. She went through a phase in the 80′s where she actually permed it…not a good look. Both od my neices colored theirs too, one with blonde highlights the other maroon..I guess the grass is always greener.

Now you understand why he had the skills…. He was rumored to had affairs with over 10 women during the 2 years they were married.

P.P.S. Blond Japanese Chicks, oh yeah.

But I have learned a couple of new party tricks.

- The Cat

Americans simply aren’t this odd naturally.
Man. You have never worked with a bunch of male librarians.

Rosmerta on April 27, 2009 at 11:31 PM

Have you ever been around engineers… always thinking…

I knew there was a missing rule to the Allahpundit Drinking Game: Do a shot every time AP posts a video that he considers proof of the superiority of Japanese television.

SteakRules on April 27, 2009 at 9:21 PM
I love me some drinking games…but you gotta admit…AP is right about Japanese TV. It’s just awesome.

AUINSC on April 27, 2009 at 9:23 PM

Spanish language TV can be pretty funny too.