Big Bird in Japan

I love, love, love this special! Today in Japanese class, our Sensei was out, and she left directions for our substitute to have us watch it... on DVD (I had no idea it was out on VHS, let alone DVD). Although there were some... overly melodramatic parts... it was really sweet. And the songs were so fun, everybody in the class was singing along! It's a great way to teach your children a little about Japanese culture. Or to teach yourself... it was a guilty pleasure for my class.

Oh. And, I thought I'd point out that it reminds me of that episode of America's Next Top Model where they got lost in Japan looking for Baby, the Stars Shine bright.

For years i asked people if they ever saw this episode and no one ever had, people told me it didn't exist. Then i finally met someone who saw the movie and this is complete affirmation of the existence of this movie. so for all of those who didn't believe, its real mother you know what! so yeah thats about it, I'm just super excited that this movie is real. everyone of you should watch this movie because it is the best movie that i may have possibly ever seen. My eyes are blessed to have seen this masterpiece, and again to all of you who didn't believe me it was real, well now you know. Now you know mother (shut your mouth) yeah.

I used to love this movie when I was a kid, and it really got me interested in Japanese culture. I still love it, in fact. It introduces you to the absolutely beautiful landscapes of Japan, and really immerses the viewer into Japan's rich culture and heritage. It also taught me that "ohiyo" means "good morning." The premise of the story is that Big Bird gets separated from his tour group, and ends up wandering around Japan, whilst his Sesame Street compatriots attempt to find him. It introduced me to Japanese myth and folklore, which do this day truly fascinates me. Whether you have young kids, or are a young kid at heart, Big Bird in Japan is a true classic.

After Big Bird loses track of his Japanese tour group, he only has a short amount of time to find them somewhere in Japan so that he can get his ticket back home. Its strange that an educational television special to introduce American children to Japan would be structured around Big Bird's desire to return home to America. For much of the show, it appears Big Bird doesn't even enjoy Japan! Consider this song he sings early in the film:

"Why did I come to this far away place? Why oh why oh why oh? Where everyone speaks in Japanese, But they say they're from Ohio.

"I miss New York Where you eat with a fork And English comes in handy. Things were sweet On Sesame Street Where people understand me!"

In the end, Big Bird learns that Japan is an interesting place with an interesting language and culture, despite the fact that nobody speaks English. That might be the intended message, but the message I got was "There's no place like home."

I have loved this movie since I was a kid!! It's classic Sesame Street genius! You get to learn some Japanese: "Ohio means 'Good morning,' that's my favorite one." You also get to hear the very interesting story of The Bamboo Princess. It's so great, and there are excellent shots of Japan. Big Bird and Barkley are traveling all over Japan, because they got separated from their tour group, so it really gives the viewer a chance to see some areas of Japan. The two befriend a young woman, who is leaving Japan the same time they will be. They go along with her to say good-bye to her friends. Along the way, they learn some Japanese words and customs and get to eat yummy Japanese food. It's an excellent movie to watch when your a kid or if you have kids or whenever. It's so cute.