May 30th, 2008Is Japanese TV Missing Something?
Another milestone in my life is reached today as I can now officially say that I’ve spent a year of my life in Japan. Although this total is the sum of three visits, and it’s not really that long, it’s important to me as it proves that I really can stay here for the long haul.
That said, ask me in another four years if I still feel the same way.
Putting A Finger On The Intangible
Japan has quite a bit to offer its residents, natural and foreign alike. But, despite all the products and services, tangible or no, there is something missing.
During my time in Vancouver, I watched very little actual TV. This was for a number of reasons, one of which was mentioned here. However, one thing I remember quite clearly from my youth in Ontario was the number of colourful, high-energy breakfast cereal commercials. Not only were we entertained by the animated mascots, but we could also learn valuable lessons about life and prejudice.
Lucky Charms taught me that it’s okay to harass and rob the Irish. Trix taught me that taking away someone’s food because they’re different is a normal thing. Cocoa Puffs showed us that being dangerously hyperactive is not only a great way to get what you want, but the sole justification necessary to explain why we’re eating something that we haven’t payed for. Then last, but certainly not least, Tony the Tiger taught us that optimism, when mixed with a goal, can take us to unimaginable heights.
Who is there to teach these things to Japanese children?
No Complete Breakfast?
Something that’s surprised me during my stay in Japan has been the size of each breakfast. Both Reiko and her mother have a habit of waking a little early in order to prepare a selection of eggs, sausage, salad, fruit and just about anything else you might want to eat in the morning. Not only does this require waking up at some Godless hour, but a certain amount of planning and effort as well. Why not simply let the kids pour their own bowl of sugar-coated grain, toast half-a-dozen pieces of bread and grab an orange? According to the TV, this is all we need for a complete breakfast.
This isn’t to say that I’d much rather eat a bowl of cold, milk-drenched flakes instead of a hot and fresh meal, though.
Has anyone else living outside of North America seen something like this? I’d be curious to know what kinds of differences exist between what we see now, and the TV we’ve grown up with in Canada and the U.S..
Is it just the TV that’s missing the cereal or the entire country? I would hope it’s just the TV and that you can still get those things at the store.