Why I HATE Japanese TV · Forty Pirates

@Abroad in Japan

Why I HATE Japanese TV

Abroad in Japanyoutubethe post

A deep dive into the reality of Japanese television, debunking myths and sharing the creator's awkward experiences as a participant, from Brexit interviews to spicy pickle challenges.

3 places · 3 experiences

1
Takeshi's Castle
Playground · East Jakarta City
3.7
Creator's voice
A classic Japanese game show from 1989 where 100 participants battled through increasingly sinister obstacles to take the castle and beat Takeshi. It was notoriously difficult, with only 8 contestants winning the grand prize of a million yen across 133 episodes. The creator grew up watching reruns and moved to Japan hoping to be on it, only to find out it had finished broadcasting a year before he was born.
PV5Q+FQ9 Takeshi's Castle Indonesia, RT.1/RW.4, Lubang Buaya, Cipayung, East Jakarta City, Jakarta 13810, Indonesia
Experience · 1 place
Interviewed on Brexit
I was first featured on local Japanese TV during the Brexit vote in 2016. They wanted an 'expert opinion' from a British person. I had to hold a camera randomly in the frame and pull a face, making me look like a 'fucking murderer'. I confidently predicted Brexit wouldn't happen, citing strong economic and mutual respect bonds. The next day, we left the EU. The crew then wanted me to exaggerate my disappointment, glaring at a laptop, clasping my mouth in shock, and biting my fingers in despair, all while my camera was stuck next to me. It was a bizarre and forced performance.
2
Japanese TV
Asian restaurant · Lakewood
4.7 (232)Closed · opens 12 PM
Tokyo Hibachi Express & Poke, 1860 S Garrison St, Lakewood, CO 80232
Hyperbolic language — Every show requires hyperbolic language, with everything being 'sugoi' (incredible), 'oishii' (delicious), or 'umai' (really delicious). There's a lack of constructive criticism or negativity.
Experience · 1 place
Eating spicy pickles and 'dadachamame' on TV
A year later, I was asked to feature on a show eating local cuisine in North Japan. I expected pork or ramen, but instead, it was only vegetables, specifically pickles and 'dadachamame' soybeans. I was told to give a big happy reaction, which I failed to do. In a desperate attempt to get a reaction, they secretly drenched some pickles in extremely spicy mustard. I had to actively hide my pain, pretending it was 'delicious' and 'amazing' while feeling like someone put a flamethrower in my mouth. The worst part was on a farm, trying to describe the non-existent difference between regular edamame and 'dadachamame' for 40 minutes, repeatedly failing to make up a difference for the producers, who eventually gave up and faded me out of the 10-second segment.
2
Japanese TV
Asian restaurant · Lakewood
4.7 (232)Closed · opens 12 PM
Tokyo Hibachi Express & Poke, 1860 S Garrison St, Lakewood, CO 80232
Hyperbolic language — Every show requires hyperbolic language, with everything being 'sugoi' (incredible), 'oishii' (delicious), or 'umai' (really delicious). There's a lack of constructive criticism or negativity.
Experience · 1 place
Appearing on Mezamashi TV after Logan Paul's controversy
Six months after the soybean disaster, I found myself on Japan's biggest morning show, Mezamashi TV. This was after Logan Paul's controversial visit to Japan, where he filmed a corpse and threw Pokémon balls at police. As a YouTuber and foreigner, I was summoned to deliver a scathing verdict and seemingly defend all foreign YouTubers. The crew came to my apartment, sat on the floor, and I repeated 'I am shocked and angry' about four times. Of course, I had to set up my camera in the background again. Despite the serious subject, it had a wacky vibe, especially when the presenter knocked on my door and insisted on asking, 'Are you YouTuber?' to which I replied, 'I am Chris Broad.'
3
Mezamashi TV