Japanorama
Japanorama

Japanorama

2002 3 Seasons 18 Episodes ⭐ 7.0 Documentary News Comedy

Japanorama was a series of documentaries presented by Jonathan Ross, exploring various facets of popular culture and trends of modern-day Japan. Each episode had a theme, around which he presented cultural phenomena, films, music, and art that exemplify facets of Japan. The series was colourful in both its creative use of subject matter, and its use of bright colours that helped accent the action on screen rather than distract from it. Subjects were separated by eye catches that often featured the artwork of Junko Mizuno. Ross hosted each episode in suits so bright and stylised they could have been stolen from an anime character. Fans have credited the series for the care that both Ross and the BBC have placed in its production. Time was given to delve into each subject, and he was able to interview various figureheads of culture and industry, including Mamoru Oshii, Hayao Miyazaki, Takeshi Kitano, Takashi Miike with Takashi Murakami and Sonny Chiba. The theme song of the show was Kiyoshi no zundoko bushi by Kiyoshi Hikawa.

Japanorama was a series of documentaries presented by Jonathan Ross, exploring various facets of popular culture and trends of modern-day Japan. Each episode had a theme, around which he presented cultural phenomena, films, music, and art that exemplify facets of Japan. The series was colourful in both its creative use of subject matter, and its use of bright colours that helped accent the action on screen rather than distract from it. Subjects were separated by eye catches that often featured the artwork of Junko Mizuno. Ross hosted each episode in suits so bright and stylised they could have been stolen from an anime character. Fans have credited the series for the care that both Ross and the BBC have placed in its production. Time was given to delve into each subject, and he was able to interview various figureheads of culture and industry, including Mamoru Oshii, Hayao Miyazaki, Takeshi Kitano, Takashi Miike with Takashi Murakami and Sonny Chiba. The theme song of the show was Kiyoshi no zundoko bushi by Kiyoshi Hikawa.

Seasons & Episodes

EP 1

Science Fiction

This episode includes: "Ultraman", with interview with the director. "Tetsuo: The iron man" (1998). Interview with dir

EP 2

Entertainment

This episode is about Japanese entertainment. It includes: "Water boys" TV show and film about male synchronized swimmi

EP 3

Sex

"Warm water under a red bridge", "Paradise TV", 24 hour erotic show. "The realm of the senses". Interview with directo

EP 4

Yakuza

This episode is about the Japanese Mafia Yakuza. It includes: "Tokyo drifter" (1966) "Branded to kill" (1967) "Brothe

EP 5

Swords

This episode is about warriors and swords in Japan. It includes: Manga: "Lone wolf & cub". Interview with "Kazuo Koike"

EP 6

Horror

This episode includes: Interview with an architects, and Godzilla actors. Etiquette: Numbers "Kwaidan" (1964) "Scare

EP 1

Kakkoii (Cool)

This episode covers what’s cool in Japan, including cell phones, pop music videos, robots and even shoes.Nigo, the cre

EP 2

Otaku (Nerds)

The world of Otaku, roughly translated as ‘nerd’, is explored. Such phenomena as Cosplay (dressing in costumes), Ma

EP 3

Zoku (Tribes)

A review of some of the groups in Japan as well as Japan’s obsession with uniforms. Covered are girl bikers, gangster

EP 4

Owarai (Comedy)

What is considered funny in Japan? This episode covers; Jackass style performances, comedy robot and Hard Gay (comedia

EP 5

Bushido (Samurai Spirit)

Topics covered include: Beetle Sumo, 'Kill Bill' star Chiaki Kuriyama, mobile phone controlled robot warriors, a film ab

EP 6

Kawai (Cute)

Cute is perhaps the most pervasive concept in Japan. This episode covers Hello Kitty, Gloomy Bear and Super DolfieMadam

EP 1

Gaijin - Outsiders

Jonathan Ross steps outside the mainstream to explore Gaijin - outsiders, those who don't fit in conformist Japan. He me

EP 2

Ai and Koi - Love and Romance

Shinto Penis shrine, host clubs, Takarazuka theatre (all female performer musicals), yaoi manga (boy with boy manga), ai

EP 3

J-Art - Pop Art

Segments include: Takashi Murakami (pop artist), Toast Girl (performance artist), Yoshitomo Nara (pop artist), toy-art,

EP 4

Densetsu - Legends

This episode includes: Ultraman, 3 Most important anime (that are not Akira, Ghost in the Shell or by Miyazaki), Princes

EP 5

Kaidan - Horror

This episode includes: Horror manga, a visit to the haunted hospital in the Fuji-ku Theme park, kimodameshi (confrontin

EP 6

Gyaru - Bad Girls

Kogyaru (bad girls), Para Para (a type of Japanese line dancing), Maeken (cross dressing Para Para dancer) Bad Girl Film

Popular Cast

Jonathan Ross
Jonathan Ross
Host