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By Bret Federigan
MSN TV
It's Keystone Kops meets Kabuki on "I Survived A Japanese Game Show," the new ABC reality series that follows the foibles of 10 Americans plunked down into Tokyo to compete in the ultimate Japanese game show. Guiding them on this cultural tour is host/guide Tony Sano, himself no stranger to the culture and language of the country of his birth, who sat down with MSN TV to talk about what to expect from this totally unpredictable reality show.
MSN TV: How excited are you to host this new Japanese-style game show?
Tony Sano: "It's just been a lot of fun. It's been a great opportunity. I was in the right place at the right time. I got to go back and visit Japan my homeland. It's been about three years actually since I've been back. I got to see my grandma. So, it's been a great thing."
Three teammates operate the movements of a
fourth teammate (aka the "Human Claw") on "I Survived a Japanese Game
Show." |
For those audience members who have no concept of what a Japanese game show is like, could you explain a bit just what American viewers can expect from this crazy show?
"You can expect a lot of stuff you've probably never seen on an American game show. Japanese game shows involve a lot more physical challenges. There's a lot of treadmills, trampolines, and spinning 'things' that get people dizzy. It's just a lot of fun. It's wild and zany. We have that element of the show which is great, but we also have a reality-centered part of the show which is about the contestants' lives in Japan. We follow them as they live in the house. They compete in the show, but they also get cultural rewards and punishments based on how they do in the game show portion. You really get a feel for what it's like to be a foreigner in Japan, which is really interesting."
What about the contestants? How difficult was it for them to adapt to Japanese culture?
"We were lucky to get some really great people. They were very enthusiastic and excited about getting over there. They jumped headfirst into this thing. You know, they had some trouble with food and jet lag, since it was sixteen hours ahead. By and large, they did very well. They were open to learning about the culture and the norms. They did a great job of adjusting. They took a little time, but that makes good television to watch."
Were there any special challenges shooting the show in Tokyo?
"Oh man. We had a lot of challenges with locations. They were all very tough to get to. There's a lot of red tape. But we had some great people working for us over there to help us make it happen. We really got some great footage and came up with something really unique and special."
What are the big differences between Japanese and American game show audiences?
"Japanese audiences are very much involved. They're almost like part of the show, more than here in the states, I think. They're really animated. They play little drums and instruments. If you've ever been to a Japanese baseball game or seen footage, they all have a theme song and they all really get into it. They just have a great time. And that's not to say that American audiences don't have a great time, but I think they're a little more "background" in the show, whereas in Japan they're really part of it."
And how did Japanese audiences receive you, being a Japanese American?
"They were great. They really respected my language ability. They respect people that, you know, learn the culture. I was just lucky to have been born there and to go back there during my childhood. They were very curious to see the show. And I wouldn't be surprised to see the show find its way on the Japanese networks as well."
A contestant stumbles after failing to keep
pace on a treadmill on "I Survived a Japanese Game
Show." |
So your show is actually like a Japanese game show?
"Very much so. The game show portion was produced by Japanese producers and was shot by a Japanese crew with a very famous studio in Tokyo. We worked hand in hand with them to come up with a game show. They did most of the work putting up the huge stages for the competitions. It's really a great fusion."
Will we get to see you do any of the challenges yourself?
"I wish. There's times that I really wanted to go in and get right up in there. But not this time, unfortunately. Maybe next time."
So what would you say are the major differences between American and Japanese game shows in general?
"The main difference would be that most American game shows, aside from some 1980s Nickelodeon game shows, are mostly less physical. You know, it's mostly trivia or maybe you're spinning a wheel and guessing letters. You know, the game shows in Japan are just rock 'em, sock 'em. You work for your money. You get a little messy. And you have fun. You laugh at yourself. You laugh at your friends. You have a good time with it. I think it's something that Americans are gonna really enjoy, and it's going to be fun to see Americans take part in these Japanese game shows."
Any thoughts on what your being a Japanese American host of a network reality show means to the Asian American community?
"You know, the producers had to get somebody who was part Japanese to do the show! I appreciate all the support. I'm really proud and honored to be representing the Asian American community. What else can I say? It's a great thing for everyone involved."
"I Survived a Japanese Game Show" airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on
ABC.
