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John Lindsey
23rd October 2003, 04:54
http://mdn.mainichi.co.jp/news/20031023p2a00m0dm003000c.html

A television drama that became a hit in Japan 20 years ago will be supplied to an Iraqi broadcaster free of charge as part of the Japanese government's efforts to support people in the country during the rebuilding process there, it has been learned.

The drama, "Oshin," will be supplied to Iraq's IMN television station through the Japan Foundation, the Foreign Ministry, which has jurisdiction over the foundation, said.

"We hope that people seeing the life of a Japanese woman who overcame various difficulties to survive a tumultuous period will offer encouragement during the period of rehabilitation after the war," a ministry official said.

The move is being promoted as a "soft contribution" that differs from the approach of dispatching Japan's self-defense forces to Iraq.

A total of 96 out of the show's 297 broadcasts will be aired, centering on the early years of the heroine's life. The Japan Foundation will cover the 3 million yen cost for the rights to the broadcasts, which belong to the Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK).

The shows will run in English, and an Egyptian television station will supply subtitles in Arabic.

Joseph Svinth
23rd October 2003, 04:58
Probably Fess Parker in those old Disney shows would give 'em the wrong idea, as would Gunsmoke and Bonanza.

Tripitaka of AA
5th November 2003, 06:18
I wouldn't mind watching that show... sounds good. :)


As for alternative imports, how about some classic shows;

Little House on the Prairie

High Chaparral

Bilko, the Phil Silvers Show

Star Trek (Shatner et al.)

Fawlty Towers





Somehow, the thought of these shows going out dubbed into obscure languages in diverse cultures around the world is comical, yet it has already been going on for 50 years or more. There are very few countries in the world that don't "Love Lucy" or feel "Bewitched" by Samantha, or want to buddy up like "Starsky & Hutch".