Nippon Spotlight: Your Guide to Japanese Entertainment

  Michał, originally from Poland and deeply interested in Japanese food culture, is particularly fascinated by "unagi" eel kabayaki. His passion for Japanese cuisine began 11 years ago when he first tasted unagi kabayaki in a Japanese restaurant in Poland. This experience led him to learn cooking methods via the internet and eventually prepare unagi kabayaki at home, despite never having been to Japan. Michał's love for unagi is evident in the way he handles and prepares the large eels at home. Unable to find specialized unagi knives in Poland, he uses Japanese deba knives instead, battling the eels with techniques learned from YouTube. His effort and passion culminate in a Japanese food party with his family, enjoying the delicious unagi kabayaki after grilling, steaming, and double-grilling it on a barbecue. Recognized for his enthusiasm, Michał was invited to Japan, making his first visit five and a half years ago. He visited the Shimanto River in Kōchi Prefecture, a t...

  ( The text and this image are not related.)   "Sarameshi" is a popular variety program broadcasted by NHK, focusing on the lunchtime habits of people across various professions, shedding light on their work and daily lives, and exploring Japanese food culture and the lifestyles of working individuals. Since its debut in 2011, "Sarameshi" has continuously captured the hearts of viewers by showcasing the lunch situations of workplaces and households throughout Japan. Sarameshi: A Glimpse into Japanese Food Culture and Life through the Lunches of Working People The greatest allure of "Sarameshi" lies in the opportunity to peek into the lunchtimes of a broad spectrum of Japanese workers, from common professions to more unique jobs. The program features the lunches of office workers, doctors, Self-Defense Force personnel, artists, and agricultural workers, among others. These meals reveal the lifestyles, passions, and values of these individuals. Diverse Life...

  ( The text and this image are not related.) PythagoraSwitch is an educational program for children broadcasted by NHK Educational TV in Japan. Since its inception in 2002, the show has offered children the opportunity to learn about scientific thinking and logical problem-solving skills in a fun manner. The name "PythagoraSwitch" is inspired by "Pythagorean devices" that demonstrate cause and effect or chain reactions, with various such devices appearing throughout the show. PythagoraSwitch: Stimulating Children's Curiosity with Educational Entertainment PythagoraSwitch goes beyond merely providing knowledge; it aids children in discovering and understanding scientific phenomena and logical thinking in their daily lives. Composed of diverse content such as Pythagorean devices, animations, songs, and quizzes, the show draws out children's imagination and creativity. Pythagorean Devices: The Charm of Chain Reactions One of the show's major highlights is ...

  (This illustration is not related to the text.) Discovering Dr. Denjiro Yonemura: Japan's Beloved Science Communicator If you're living in Japan or have an interest in Japanese culture, you might have come across a charismatic figure known for his explosive science experiments on TV. That person is none other than Dr. Denjiro Yonemura, often simply referred to as "Denjiro-sensei." Renowned for making science accessible and fun, Denjiro has become a household name, captivating audiences of all ages with his enthusiasm for science education. Who is Denjiro Yonemura? Dr. Denjiro Yonemura is a Japanese scientist and science communicator who has dedicated his career to educating the public about science in an entertaining and engaging way. With a background in physics, Denjiro-sensei has a knack for breaking down complex scientific concepts into digestible, enjoyable experiments and demonstrations. The Magic of Denjiro's Science What sets Denjiro apart is his unique ...

 (This image is not related to the program.) For expatriates in Japan, discovering local anime series can be a gateway to understanding and appreciating Japanese culture and humor. 'Kaiketsu Zorori' is one such anime that has captured the hearts of viewers across the country with its unique blend of adventure, comedy, and life lessons. Here's why this charming series should be on your watchlist. ### What is 'Kaiketsu Zorori'? 'Kaiketsu Zorori' follows the adventures of Zorori, an ambitious and somewhat mischievous fox who dreams of becoming the "King of Pranks." Accompanied by his two boar followers, Ishishi and Noshishi, Zorori travels across the land in pursuit of his dreams, facing various challenges, thwarting villains, and embarking on quests to win princesses' hearts. However, his misadventures often lead to inadvertently doing good deeds and learning valuable lessons. ### Why Watch 'Kaiketsu Zorori' as an Expat? **1. Cultural Ins...

  (This image is not related to the program.) For expatriates living in Japan, immersing yourself in the local culture includes exploring the wide array of Japanese animation, or anime. Among these, 'Nintama Rantarō' stands out as a beloved series that captures the imagination and humor of audiences of all ages. Here’s why this long-running anime series is worth your attention. ### A Peek into the World of 'Nintama Rantarō' 'Nintama Rantarō' follows the adventures of Rantarō, a young ninja-in-training, along with his two best friends, Kirimaru and Shinbei, at the Ninja Academy. Unlike typical action-packed ninja tales, 'Nintama' focuses on the comedic and everyday life aspects of these aspiring ninjas. Their misadventures are filled with lessons on friendship, perseverance, and the importance of laughter. ### Why 'Nintama' Captivates Expatriates **1. Cultural Insights into the Edo Period** Set in the historical Edo period, 'Nintama Rantarō...

 (This image is not a picture of Mr. Horie.) Takafumi Horie, commonly known as Horiemon, is a Japanese entrepreneur, investor, author, and media personality. Born in 1972, he is recognized as one of the pioneers in Japan's internet industry. One of his most notable achievements is the founding of the internet service company Livedoor in 2000. Livedoor quickly grew through its news distribution, financial services, and web portal operations. However, in 2006, Livedoor came under investigation for suspected accounting fraud, leading to Horie's arrest. The incident sparked a nationwide debate on corporate ethics and governance. In 2007, Horie was convicted of violating the Securities and Exchange Law and was sentenced to imprisonment. Despite this setback, his career has been diverse following his release. After being released, Horie has published numerous books and shared his views on entrepreneurship, investment, and life philosophy. His activities continue to expand, including ...

  (This image does not depict Mr. Mizutani.) Yutaka Mizutani is a versatile personality in Japan, known for his wide-ranging work as an actor, singer, and film director. Born in 1952, Mizutani is especially famous for his role as Righteous Sugishita in the television drama "Aibou," through which he has been loved by audiences across Japan for many years. His portrayal of Sugishita, a calm and insightful Assistant Inspector with a unique sense of justice at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, stands as one of his hallmark roles. Apart from his acting career, Yutaka Mizutani has also found success as a singer. His music, running parallel to his acting career, enjoys the support of numerous fans. As a film director, he has shown his ability by directing movies known for their nuanced exploration of human relationships and emotions. Mizutani's activities are not limited to acting, singing, and directing; he also excels as a host on television and radio. His warm persona...

  (This image does not depict Koyuki.) Koyuki is a Japanese actress and model, born on November 21, 1980. She is widely recognized in the Japanese entertainment industry for her unique beauty and acting skills. Koyuki has appeared in numerous films, TV dramas, and stage productions, demonstrating her ability to play a wide range of roles. Her acting is renowned for its deep emotional expression and delicacy, captivating audiences. As a successful model, Koyuki has graced the covers of many fashion magazines with her outstanding style and fashion sense. Her distinctive fashion style has influenced many women and earned her high praise as a fashion icon. Some of Koyuki's notable works include the film "Yomigaeri," "Kami no Tsuki," and the TV drama "Ōoku." Her versatile performances in these works have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards. She consistently takes on new challenges in acting, proving the breadth of her acting range and the depth of...

  (This image is not an actual picture of Chiko-chan.) "Chiko-chan ni Shikarareru!" is an educational entertainment program broadcasted by NHK in Japan. The show centers around a unique CG character named Chiko-chan, who is a 5-year-old girl. Chiko-chan is known for asking why people do not ask the basic questions that come up in everyday life. If the respondents cannot provide a satisfactory answer, she famously scolds them with her catchphrase, "Don't just live your life in a daze!" The format of the show is educational yet highly entertaining, with Chiko-chan posing questions that cover a wide range of topics, including science, history, and everyday mysteries. The answers to these questions are thoroughly explained by experts or guests, providing the viewers with knowledge. The goal of the show is to create an environment where learning is fun. Chiko-chan interacts with other characters within the show as well. This includes a fox character named Kyoe-chan a...

 Sandwich Man is a widely recognized comedy duo in Japan's comedy scene. The duo consists of Takeshi Tomizawa and Mikio Date, formed in 2002. Their stage name originates from the fact that their first performance took place at a sandwich stand. Sandwich Man's comedy is based on insightful humor derived from observations of everyday life, making them beloved across a wide range of ages. Their style is rooted in traditional Manzai (a form of Japanese stand-up comedy), but with their unique twist. While Tomizawa plays the role of the straight man (Tsukkomi) and Date the funny man (Boke), their dynamics are very flexible, sometimes even reversing roles. They are known for their elaborate storytelling and impeccable timing, enveloping the audience in laughter. Sandwich Man rose to nationwide fame by winning the "M-1 Grand Prix" in 2007, Japan's biggest Manzai contest. This victory marked a turning point for them, and since then, they have been active across a variety o...