I watched the fourth episode today (there are only four episodes available out of ten shot), and I must say that the production team did a real effort in making the show a diverse one. Too bad the show's host isn't really interesting, and takes a long time to announce the winners and losers. I understand this needs to be to add a little suspense, but it really drags the show, while there are so many beautiful and funny things to show instead.
Today's topic was fashion.
One group had to work with Tim, a famous street fashion photographer, while the others went to work in a fashion boutique, where they learn some Japanese in the process (Irrashiaimase "Welcome to this store").
They try their very best to help customers, but fail due to the language gap. The store owner didn't really seem to mind though; he said that the gaijin at least tried and they created a special atmosphere in the process.
Obviously, they lack certain traits, such as failing to tink of the little things (bow when presenting something to the customer, walk them to the exit after their purchase while carrying the bag), but this is to be expected.
Fun to watch, to say the least.
I found out where they stayed:
Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu at a stone's throw from Asakusa station. Looks nice, rates aren't bad either.
What I really didn't like was the "judge", a guy called Yamasoto (an actor named
Yujiro, actually). He appears in traditional-style clothing; dark blue kimono and
hakama pants, and gives the contestants their mission for the day in the morning, as well as the outcome at night.
The post-production team did something with his voice to make it sound more impressive, I think, but it just annoys the hell out of me.
Natasja had to leave at the end of this episode. A good thing too; she wasn't open for it and totally refused to understand Japanese culture, so Japan is not her style. Shit happens, I guess.
All in all I must say that I'm really disappointed that they cancelled the show; RTL tries to up the ratings by pushing the new season of Heroes forward, rather than give this show a chance.
Apparently, the money lost on the remaining unaired LiT-episodes is less than what they gain with Heroes. A pity really; I found the show to be very entertaining, I'd like to see the rest of it, and while the website shows that the rest of it will be aired at a later date (yet to be determined), I'm not holding my breath.
Cheers, K.