Question Ehhhhh!

[Ukigumo]

I was attempting to watch this programme but had to switch off because of 'Saskia's' continuous use of "ehhhh", " ohhhh" and "suuuugoooooi" which proved to be distracting! I know that the odd vocal interjection or exclamation is 'required' when conversing with a Japanese person (or they may think you're not listening), but is Saskia overdoing it particularly?

 

[thomas]

She's just mimicking Japanese TV tarentos. She takes her fake affectation a bit far, but so do some of her male colleagues, notably Kyle Card. Again, nothing compared to shows aimed at Japanese viewers.

On a sidenote: this show about Hino in western Tokyo is quite interesting. Hino is the home of Hijikata Toshizō , a vice-commander of the infamous Shinsengumi .

 

[Ukigumo]

She's just mimicking Japanese TV tarentos.

I had to look up 'tarento'. Talent?

She takes her fake affectation a bit far, but so do some of her male colleagues, notably Kyle Card.

I haven't noticed Kyle Card doing it but I probably will from now on Whatever happened to Bobby Judo? Just hearing his name used to raise a derisory laugh.

Again, nothing compared to shows aimed at Japanese viewers.

The habit fills me with murderous thoughts When the Western presenters are given something to eat and they exclaim, "Oiiiiishiiiii"! It really annoys me and I half expect them to rub their stomachs

I think I'm in a bad mood…my apologies.

On a sidenote: this show about Hino in western Tokyo is quite interesting. Hino is the home of Hijikata Toshizō, a vice-commander of the infamous Shinsengumi.

I'm watch on mute, in that case!

 

[Ukigumo]

It's the constant amazement that is so false.

 

[mdchachi]

It's the constant amazement that is so false.

That seems to be the main requirement of the tarentos. The ability express that something is amazing or delicious when it's really quite ordinary. My wife said she could never do that when it comes to the food programs. If she doesn't like it she'll let you know.

I had to look up 'tarento'. Talent?

Yes, basically anybody who has enough celebrity to appear on tv show guest panels is a "talent." For some, that's pretty much all they do. Others have additional skills such as comedians, singers, or actors.

 

[Lothor]

It does beg the question why it's considered necessary for so many TV programmes to employ multiple people to show the 'correct' reaction to everything.

 

[Ukigumo]

It does beg the question why it's considered necessary for so many TV programmes to employ multiple people to show the 'correct' reaction to everything.

It's NHK World I suppose, and they want to appear inclusive of all 'foreigners'.

I think NHK World's mission statement is '…to make twee programmes showing that Japan is a utopia, making hmmmm oiiishiii! food and emphasise that it has four, distinct seasons.'

 

[Lothor]

It's NHK World I suppose, and they want to appear inclusive of all 'foreigners'.

I think NHK World's mission statement is '…to make twee programmes showing that Japan is a utopia, making hmmmm oiiishiii! food and emphasise that it has four, distinct seasons.'

It's most Japanese TV. But please write in to NHK World and explain that it's cringeworthy. They're more likely to change the programming style for a foreign audience.

 

[Ukigumo]

It's most Japanese TV. But please write in to NHK World and explain that it's cringeworthy. They're more likely to change the programming style for a foreign audience.

Despite my forceful, strong letter writing skills, I doubt they'd change the style of their programming since this is probably the image of Japan they're keen to portray; 'nice'.

 

[Lothor]

The Japanese tend to be quite sensitive to foreign criticism. NHK is well aware that most Japanese people will uncomplainingly watch any old pap, but it would be good for it to be reminded that foreigners won't take it. Go on, write the letter! Pretty please.

 

[Ukigumo]

Dear NHK World,

As a foreigner, I'm increasingly finding your programme output to be rather too twee/sickly. A 30 minute programme requires the use of two vomit bowls and a substantial number of tissues. Your Western correspondents contribute to this with wild exclamations of 1) amazement 2) Joy 3) tastiness at the merest hint of Japaneseness. I think Sanseitō needs to deport all of them; after all to what does a lecturer of 'Kimono Culture' contribute when there are diseases and ailments for which to find cures!

May I suggest you programme makers watch BBC documentaries to see how it's done for adults,

Best regards

Angry of Torquay