My favourite TV in Japan is 'Sora Mimi Hour', a 3 minute slot within 'Tamori Club' late on Friday nights on channel 10. More of a diversion, than a proper programme or segment, 'Sora Mimi Hour' is nevertheless a masterful example of making the most out of seemingly ordinary experiences. The programme asks viewers to send in segments from songs which sound like they are being sung in Japanese. These segments are lovingly choreographed into mini video clips which hilariously illustrate the Japanese sounding lyric segment. Thus a phrase from a song sung in english also sounds remarkably like a completely different phrase in Japanese, with completely different meanings. The more surreal or strange sounding entries are awarded with special 'Sora Mimi Hour' goods - a thin towel for mediocre entries, a T-shirt (rarely given) and a wind breaker (I have never seen this given away). Tamori (wearing the sun glasses below) judges each entry and decides which ones merit which award. The programme is, for me, a perfect example of intentional tactical diversion and digression - altering the meaning of lyrics (mostly English songs but also Spanish or Italian) into something totally different which only those who understand the Japanese language can ultimately appreciate. Unbeknown to songwriters and bands, every Friday night in Japan their creations are mercilessly appropriated and gently torn up.
The presenters of 'Sora Mimi Hour'.
Chief judge Tamori reviews the original English lyrics of a song.
where is chris ipod?
Posted by: loco | October 22, 2006 at 01:58 AM