Japanese TV continues to

Japanese TV continues to amuse me. Last night I watched a show that focused on poor people. After identifying a target, in this case a man and wife with a small restaurant in Yokohama, the cameras moved in an filmed every aspect of their lives: the lack of customers, their high food costs, their single-room dwelling behind the restaurant.

Jump to the studio. The host polls a panel of three showbiz personalities: what does this man need? He needs to learn to cook chicken. They pack the man off to Kyoto to learn some new dishes.

The cameras follow him as he learns (and fails to learn) from the harsh chicken task-master. Many tears are shed. Pained looks of failure and frustration. But in the end he learns the new menu for his shop.

With the help of the TV program's budget, the shop undergoes a facelift and holds a grand opening. The new menu is a success.

Cut back to the studio. A vote. Does the poor man have to repay the TV program for the cooking lessons and the remodelling? The studio audience and the panel decide. Unanimous vote: No. The man beams and bows low in gratitude.

American shows never mess with people like that. But they ought to; it's very entertaining.