I Survived a Japanese Game Show (ABC)

I SURVIVED A JAPANESE GAME SHOW presents a classic fish-out-of-water situation. Ten Americans who've signed on for an unspecified reality program are whisked to Japan, where they discover that their "show" is actually a Japanese game show, Majide (Japanese slang for "You've Got to Be Crazy," we're told), where they must compete in a series of physical challenges, ranging from the silly to the humiliating. As they play along, they're also forced to adapt to a culture that seems very foreign to them.

Shortly after arriving in Tokyo, one of the contestants declares that "we are some loud, rowdy Americans." In fact, it seems like the entire cast was selected primarily for their lack of cultural awareness and inability to blend in. Half the time they're proclaiming that Japan is awesome (usually after winning a challenge and receiving some reward), while the rest of the time they're complaining about the cultural differences (cue obligatory shots of people gagging on unfamiliar food and laughing at the hyper-engineered toilets, complete with remote control). These people are stereotypical "ugly Americans," straight from central casting. Consequently, the show borders on insensitive as it plays to the most basic of stereotypes of both America and Japan.

The tables are turned a bit by Rome Kanda, the manic host of Majide, who encourages the contestants to do their best in the wacky events, then makes fun of them in Japanese -- to the great delight of the studio audience. Japanese game shows are famous for their oddball activities, and this one is no exception. In one challenge, the characters wear diapers; in another, they dress as bugs and try to bounce off a trampoline and splat themselves against a giant windshield. Though some of these activities are so silly you can't help but laugh, many of them incorporate an undercurrent of shame, which can be difficult to watch. The reality show trend has become so pervasive that people now seem willing to endure almost anything for a shot a small-screen fame. When Kanda turns to the Japanese audience and slyly notes that "they will do whatever I say," it seems like his comment is directed not just at the 10 contestants on this show, but anyone else who's considered signing on to a reality program.

TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: ABC
Cast: Rome Kanda, Tony Sano
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: ABC