I should stop being selfish.

Blogs-- okay, they're not only about me, or else I wouldn't be posting on the internet! No, I have been selfish for the past few days, in the sense that I have been gone the entire time, and I don't really have much of interest to say. Look at me, right now, at 11:40 pm writing this (or whatever the weird clock at blogger.com says)! But then again, I have to try as hard as possible to keep you all reading. (Gambatte!)

So, due to the "Summer Hiatus" of the channel ABC, there have been a multitude of new shows premiering, which include "Wipeout", "Opportunity Knocks", "The Goode Family", "Life on Mars", "High School Musical: Get In The Picture", etc. etc., you get the point. Among this truckload is one show I've seen called "I Survived a Japanese Game Show", yet another series, with the Japanese twist I so admire. Not being too crazy over the ABC network, I initially took this sweet and tantalizing premiere with a grain of salt. However, when I saw it just tonight, it blew my mind! Not to... advertise it or anything, I don't get paid for it... but... okay, I'll just tell you about my experience. (I'm not quite sure what a plot-spoiler really is or isn't, so if you want a brief synopsis, please read the next few paragraphs on the show. If not, I would not be surprised! Hahaha!)

"I Survived a Japanese Game Show" begins as a normal, run-of-the-mill reality show, quite reminiscent of "Real World" or "The Mole", where each contestant starts out in a bus, at the beginning of their adventure. However, the host of the show must have "overlooked" the purpose of the show, and told each bright and excited, yet unknowing contestant that they had, that whole time, been traveling to an airport, and were on their way to Japan. At that point, each of them began the expected enthusiastic wails, which consisted of "Konnichiwa, baby!" or "Sushiii!" and even quick, animated traditional Japanese bows. After their long, tiring trip to Tokyo, the lot breathed in the fast-paced air around them, and bathed in the lights of surrounding skyscrapers, yet still not quite sure of the basis of their arrival.

When they reached their traditional Japanese style house, they were shocked into learning to sleep on futons and using remote-controlled toilets. However, the biggest shock came to them when they journeyed to a "popular" television studio the next day, and were introduced to the purpose of the show--- they were meant to be the guinea pigs of Japan! Why not laugh in other people's expense, especially when they are made to eat as much clay-like substance off of their teammates' heads in as short time as possible? Who wouldn't make fun of people who are put in an extremely uncomfortable situation, especially when everyone around them who could possibly help them does not speak their language?

Okay, so laughing at the expense of others makes up more than half of modern television shows. Oh-- and you say that's why you're sick of modern media? Well, I'm dreadfully sorry.

If anything, watch "I Survived a Japanese Game Show" as a way to learn a thing or two about Japanese culture-- because, believe me, the show does not come up short on the culture aspect. Dropping people in an unfamiliar setting and watching them squirm is one of the best ways for a person to learn to adapt to their surroundings.

In conclusion-- it's a pretty good show. Though it at some times definitely follows the patterns of most reality shows on ABC (heck, even on MTV), hey? What else can you expect from an on-a-whim series on ABC? I'm not asking for an epic show here, nor should you expect one. But, I'm sure you'll enjoy most of it, a comedy while learning things you've never known before. I give you my blessing. Go ahead. (Also, in the sidebar, I've given you a link of a Youtube video which is the prime example of why you should be afraid of Japanese game shows. VERY afraid. It is also not for the squeamish... so, viewer discretion, blah blah.)

Anyway, a quick ironic thought: The show "Wipeout" on ABC is quite, QUITE similar to the show "MXC" (Most Extreme Elimination Challenge) which was aired on Spike. MXC, in turn, was the redubbing to the JAPANESE GAME SHOW, called "Takeshi's Castle", which connects to "I Survived a Japanese Game Show" once again! So,what's with this, ABC? Have I been getting through to you, or what?!

Also, before I end this novel, I'd like to tell you about a website that I heard of, called "expertvillage.com", which is a nice little youtube-like website which teaches you how to do... anything you want! Why yes, a DIYoutube. This is one of the implements I use to learn Japanese phrases, characters, the whole schmear. However, you can look ahead to find your own interests. See for yourself!