I want to watch now!
1
One thing this article doesn't mention is the vast cultural differences you'll witness, at least in season one of Terrace House, which took place in Tokyo. I won't give away any spoilers, but some drama unfolds near the end that shocked my American sensibilities.
2
We live in Japan and this show has been educational for language and culture—but the writer is missing all the action and drama that are just below his threshold of perception. The show is packed—crazy—for those who understand Japan.
Here's an assignment: re-watch, and pay attention to how differently the commentary cast treat and speak about those who are non-Japanese or "half" Japanese. Race and ethnicity talk is everywhere and not flattering despite all attempts to be polite.
The writer of this recommendation is missing out on a bigger side of the show: all the characters constantly live with the internalized pressure of knowing how everyone will see, view, and judge very subtle behaviors—much is happening that isn't stated but can be inferred once one is attuned to Japanese culture.
In the previous seasons set in Japan (made by Netflix), nearly every time someone works up the courage to make a move, if that person is turned down in even the most casual way, the one who made the move will immediately leave the show (most famously the one who suddenly declared he was "moving to Africa to study the origins of tap" [dancing]). It's sad, how shame drives everyone, and a reason for the low birthrate and rapidly declining population—just reaching out and being vulnerable is incredibly hard and far more fraught than in America. Watch with that in mind, and see what you think about how relaxed this show is—you'll have more to weep over than just one scene.
Here's an assignment: re-watch, and pay attention to how differently the commentary cast treat and speak about those who are non-Japanese or "half" Japanese. Race and ethnicity talk is everywhere and not flattering despite all attempts to be polite.
The writer of this recommendation is missing out on a bigger side of the show: all the characters constantly live with the internalized pressure of knowing how everyone will see, view, and judge very subtle behaviors—much is happening that isn't stated but can be inferred once one is attuned to Japanese culture.
In the previous seasons set in Japan (made by Netflix), nearly every time someone works up the courage to make a move, if that person is turned down in even the most casual way, the one who made the move will immediately leave the show (most famously the one who suddenly declared he was "moving to Africa to study the origins of tap" [dancing]). It's sad, how shame drives everyone, and a reason for the low birthrate and rapidly declining population—just reaching out and being vulnerable is incredibly hard and far more fraught than in America. Watch with that in mind, and see what you think about how relaxed this show is—you'll have more to weep over than just one scene.
15
Thank you; this is just the thing when I don't want something jolting like The Handmaid's Tale. I knew it felt different just from the first 10 minutes and knew I could get into it—the hyper awareness of six young people meeting for the first time. I am skipping the celebrity commentary though. They really break the mood and are annoying.
2
I think this is the scariest example of mind control that I've ever read. The worst part seems to be that the author doesn't even realize it.
3
Sounds interesting, sort of. But who has the time to watch reality shows from Japan or anywhere, none the less binge watch?
I do like the idea of introducing more civility to society though.
Norway's somewhat answer to this is of long, extended footage of knitting,
a wandering cow and long train rides. They apparently love it and it's become a national obsession. Boring is the new beige.
I do like the idea of introducing more civility to society though.
Norway's somewhat answer to this is of long, extended footage of knitting,
a wandering cow and long train rides. They apparently love it and it's become a national obsession. Boring is the new beige.
I was drawn in by the season on Netflix, but then I couldn't bear to watch it any longer when the sexual politics underlying the politeness and sweetness started to emerge. Reading this review is going to send me back to finish up the season, though, because of the other charms of the show. I like the cooking culture, the clothing and hair, and the rather formal and lovely social interactions that begin with the very first arrivals at the terrace house and carry through each day - the people performing them are made more beautiful.
4
I watched a few episodes and found the show both underwhelming and problematic in its reinforcement of traditional gender/sexuality norms. Its a Japanese show so certainly there will be cultural differences. But this is like a sanitized Real World without the sex and without the honesty. Less drama for sure, and certainly less 'trashy'. Instead of finding comfort in the mundanity I just felt icky and far removed from the world these people inhabit.
4
I streamed Terrace House: Boys and Girls in the City on Netflix after the election and it was the only thing that could restore my faith in civility, decency, and humanity. This show is the perfect antidote to brash reality tv gimmickry and the 24-hour news cycle of doom.
23
agreed! this show is like a lullaby.
9
This article depressed me very much and made me fear more than usual for the fate of the human race.
11
After reading this I'm tempted to give show 2nd chance (wasn't captivated the first time around so maybe I didn't watch enough episodes).
6