Japanorama
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.
Episodes
Jonathan Ross steps outside the mainstream to explore Gaijin - outsiders, those who don't fit in conformist Japan. He meets the Bosozoku, boy biker gangs, and explores the world of Drifting; uncovers the dotty world of artist Yayoi Kusama; and looks at the latest take on the Samurai with an exclusive preview of Samuel L. Jackson's new animation series adapted from the manga, Afro Samurai.
Shinto Penis shrine, host clubs, Takarazuka theatre (all female performer musicals), yaoi manga (boy with boy manga), air sex, latex love dolls.
Segments include: Takashi Murakami (pop artist), Toast Girl (performance artist), Yoshitomo Nara (pop artist), toy-art, Tomohiro Yasui (origami robots), Hard Gay , Keiichi Tanaami (psychedelic artist).
This episode includes: Ultraman, 3 Most important anime (that are not Akira, Ghost in the Shell or by Miyazaki), Princess Tenko (magician), Tarako (pollock roe song), ramen, Sonny Chiba(Japanese martial arts actor) .
This episode includes: Horror manga, a visit to the haunted hospital in the Fuji-ku Theme park, kimodameshi (confronting ghosts), interview with Demon Kogure, Japanese Horror films, Junji Ito (horror manga writer), Kaoru Ijima ("death" photographer), Ero Guro (Erotic Horror films).
Kogyaru (bad girls), Para Para (a type of Japanese line dancing), Maeken (cross dressing Para Para dancer) Bad Girl Films, Reiko Ike (actress), Anna Tsuchiya (actress/ singer), Female Wrestling, Ying Ling (female wrestler), Female Singers and Bands.
