Japanorama was a series of documentaries presented by Jonathan Ross, exploring various facets of popular culture and trends of modern-day Japan. Each episode had a theme, around which he presented cultural phenomena, films, music, and art that exemplify facets of Japan. The series was colourful in both its creative use of subject matter, and its use of bright colours that helped accent the action on screen rather than distract from it. Subjects were separated by eye catches that often featured the artwork of Junko Mizuno. Ross hosted each episode in suits so bright and stylised they could have been stolen from an anime character. Fans have credited the series for the care that both Ross and the BBC have placed in its production. Time was given to delve into each subject, and he was able to interview various figureheads of culture and industry, including Mamoru Oshii, Hayao Miyazaki, Takeshi Kitano, Takashi Miike with Takashi Murakami and Sonny Chiba. The theme song of the show was Kiyoshi no zundoko bushi by Kiyoshi Hikawa.
Science Fiction
Jun 9, 2002
This episode includes: "Ultraman", with interview with the director. "Tetsuo: The iron man" (1998). Interview with director. Games, interview with the CEO of UGA. Etiquette: How to enter a room. Astro boy (1963), and Akira. "Ghost in the shell" and "Avalon", interview with director (Mamoru Oshii) Robot pets, and robotpeople. I.K.U., a movie on hi-tech sex.
Entertainment
Jun 1, 2002
This episode is about Japanese entertainment. It includes: "Water boys" TV show and film about male synchronized swimming "Cupheads" Madame Shirota’s Customs and Sayings: How to Laugh. JPOP Idols Interview with Hideaki Anno and footage from the live movie "Love and Pop" (1998). "Hostbed" , this is how internet was meant to be. A interview with Miyazaki and footage of Battle Royale
Sex
Jun 1, 2002
"Warm water under a red bridge", "Paradise TV", 24 hour erotic show. "The realm of the senses". Interview with directors etc. "Kings of pink", Etiquette: Chopsticks! Arousing anime. Starts of with "Plastic Little" (1994). "Legend of the overfiend" (1989). "Figure" (2001), cosplay with masks. "Tokyo Decadence"
Yakuza
Jun 1, 2002
This episode is about the Japanese Mafia Yakuza. It includes: "Tokyo drifter" (1966) "Branded to kill" (1967) "Brother" (2000), interview with Takeshi Kitano Etiquette: How to exchange business cards. Interview with the director Takashi Miike. "City of lost souls" (2000), "Audition" (1999), "Ichi the killer" (2001) Reality TV, "Crybaby". Interview with producer and winner. Pizzicato 5, interview. Defining the difference between anime and cartoons. "The professional: Golgo 13" (1983)
Swords
Jun 1, 2002
This episode is about warriors and swords in Japan. It includes: Manga: "Lone wolf & cub". Interview with "Kazuo Koike". Etiquette: How to bow "Zatoichi and the one armed swordsman" (1971) "Samurai Fiction" (1998), interview with director. "Red shadow". "Ninja scroll" Breadman "Onibaba" (1964) Kanasisters "Supercar"/"White surf style no.5". "Seven Samurai" (1954) "Yojimno" (1961), hosts from Akira.
Horror
Jun 1, 2002
This episode includes: Interview with an architects, and Godzilla actors. Etiquette: Numbers "Kwaidan" (1964) "Scarecrow" (2001) "St.John's Wort" (2001) "Ring" (1998), interview with the director. and "Ring 2" "Barefoot Gen" (1983), interview with writer. JUNKO MIZUNO, interview Interview with "Dir en grey" and fans
