Hollywood finally gets it: Audiences want the real Japan, not dumb stereotypes

For perhaps the first time in history, mainstream media is making real TV shows & movies about Japan

I watched The Last Samurai on the big screen when it came out in 2003, and boy did I love it!

Ken Watanabe as the noble samurai leader Katsumoto, who embodies the spirit of the Bushido code, and of course, Tom Cruise, as the disillusioned American soldier who finds redemption and purpose though “the way of the samurai”.

This epic tale, much like Karate Kid, where a young boy finds guidance and wisdom in the teachings of Mr. Miyagi, a karate master, plays on a Western fascination of a orientalism and exotic fetish-image of Japan.

“Wax on, wax off”

Unlike many who criticize this portrayal, I don't inherently mind it. Just as the number one tourist attraction in Tokyo on TripAdvisor used to be the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku, these films present a yes, fetishized, but exotic version of Japan as envisioned by Westerners, filled with awe-inspiring action, deep cultural reverence, and a journey of self-discovery.

The Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku, Tokyo

How Hollywood bastardized Japan

Sure, this formula has generated a lot of success, but what we don't talk about is the many horrid movies and shows created because this was considered the ‘safe’ way to make Japanese content in Hollywood…

Let me give you an example:

Dragon Ball, perhaps one of the best mangas ever written with the now diseased Akira Toriyama at the helm (sob), with characters like Son Goku's heroic innocence and relentless determination, Bulma's brilliant and often comically self-interested ingenuity, and Kuririn's loyal but enviously competitive nature.

Toriyama's vision presented a nuanced, vibrant world filled with grown-up philosophies and crude humor where the journey for Dragon Balls led to encounters that tested and grew each character's spirit, highly inspired by Japanese & Chinese folk lore and religion. In fact, Son Goku is inspired by Sun Wukong, the Monkey King from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West.

So how did Hollywood handle this treasure trove of magical stories?

Hollywood's adaptation, Dragon Ball Evolution in 2009, truly spat on these narratives, reducing complex characters to mere caricatures to fit a 'Western' mold, believing the original's depth and cultural nuances would be lost on audiences. This decision not only misrepresented the manga but also led to a box office flop, reinforcing the erroneous belief that Japanese anime couldn't resonate in the West.

Ghost in the Shell, another beloved anime, suffered under Hollywood's hand, losing the philosophical underpinnings and nuanced storytelling that defined the anime. Its transformation was visually impressive but lacked the soul and complexity that fans adored.

Even well-intentioned attempts like 2021’s Netflix's Cowboy Bebop fell short. While it tried to remain faithful to the spirit of the original, it struggled to capture the nuanced blend of genres and character depth, proving that mere visual homage isn't enough.

This dumbing down is frankly quite offensive and either assumes that people in the west are too ignorant and dumb to embrace the depth of real Japanese stories, or Hollywood producers have just never been to Japan…

However, things are changing…

The transformation in Hollywood's depiction of Japan began earlier than often acknowledged. Enter "Lost in Translation" – a 2003 masterpiece by Sofia Coppola that quietly revolutionized Hollywood's take on Japan. Though crass, and filled with Japanese stereotypes (the “translation” will be etched in my head for life), it painted a Japan that's intimate, reflective, and real, seen through the eyes of two lost souls in Tokyo.

Its success was a wake-up call. Audiences and producers alike were shocked to discover a hunger for the genuine, the authentic Japan. Yet, this revelation wasn't a quick fix but started a gradual, often faltering, progress toward a more genuine representation of Japanese culture, laying the groundwork for the diverse portrayals we see emerging today.

It's hard to pinpoint the exact catalyst for Hollywood's seismic shift towards authentic Japanese narratives, but when I encountered the HBO (now MAX) show "Tokyo Vice" in 2022 it was an eye-opener. This show is based on the real story of the first Western reporter at one of Japan's biggest newspapers (Ansel Elgort) who befriends an battered, yet hungry for justice detective (Ken Watanabe) in their shared quest to take down the Yakuza.

What makes this show stand out from its predecessors is that it peels back the layers of “real” Japan. It delved into the nation's soul through not just its landscapes or visuals, but through the authentic interactions of Japanese people, the stark realities of office environments, and the accurate portrayal of daily life in Japan.

The show did well enough to be greenlit for a second season, which just came out, and since then it was like the floodgates had been opened!

Following in this new tide, 2022’s Pachinko emerged as a storytelling masterpiece, weaving the lives of Koreans in Japan across generations, showcasing the complexities of identity, family, and survival. Its authenticity resonates deeply, offering a narrative far from the fetishized portrayals of Japan, instead highlighting real experiences and historical contexts. This bold portrayal challenges audiences to confront a multifaceted reality, one that acknowledges the beauty and brutality of life's journey. Through its unflinching honesty, Pachinko invites a deeper, more nuanced appreciation of Japan's historical and cultural intricacies, setting a new standard for storytelling that yearns for authenticity over simplification.

In the same breath, the Netflix adaptation of One Piece emerged in 2023 to show how anime adaptations was done! Unlike its predecessors, which stumbled in their attempts to capture the essence of the beloved manga series, this adaptation stood out for its unwavering dedication to staying true to Eiichiro Oda's iconic work.

For the first time, the vibrant world of the Grand Line and the Straw Hat Pirates was brought to life with a level of dedication that left fans in awe. The show's success can be attributed to its incredible attention to detail, from faithfully recreating iconic moments to capturing the unique personalities of each character. This authenticity resonated deeply with audiences, who had longed to see their favorite characters and story arcs portrayed with the same depth and nuance as the manga. Rather than attempting to reinvent or dilute the essence of One Piece to fit a Western mold, the creators embraced Oda's vision wholeheartedly. They understood that the heart and soul of the series lay in its rich storytelling, its vibrant characters, and its unwavering spirit of adventure.

Then came Shogun…

A seismic shift in the landscape of television, where every frame pulsated with the heartbeat of feudal Japan. Adapted from James Clavell's novel with the same name, this epic saga didn't just dip its toe into the waters of Japanese culture; it plunged headfirst into the depths of history, emerging with a narrative so authentic it resonates with the echoes of centuries past.

Rumors say that Hiroyuki Sanada, known for his roles in Hollywood blockbusters like "The Last Samurai" and "Rush Hour 3", who plays Lord Yoshi Toranaga (a fictional counterpart to the real head of the Tokugawa clan, revered for uniting Japan and ushering in an era of unparalleled peace that lasted for four centuries), refused to participate in the show unless it honored Japan in its truest form, and shockingly, the producers were fully on board.

The production spared no expense in its pursuit of authenticity. From elaborate sets meticulously crafted to replicate Edo-period architecture to the extensive training undertaken by the cast to master the intricacies of samurai combat, every detail was a labor of love. Scenes depicting traditional Noh performances required months of preparation and substantial financial investment, showcasing the dedication to preserving Japan's cultural heritage on a global stage.

Yet, amidst the solemnity and gritty realism, Shogun didn't shy away from the harsh realities of feudal society. The solemnity of samurai rituals, such as the gut-wrenching act of seppuku, and the unforgiving consequences of defying social norms were depicted with unflinching honesty. This commitment to authenticity, while risking alienating some viewers unfamiliar with Japanese culture, ultimately elevates Shogun beyond mere entertainment, transcending borders to become a testament to the power of storytelling in its purest form.

Real Japan is back!

With Hollywood grappling with significant setbacks such as the mega flop Indiana Jones: Dial of Destiny, and the new Marvel universe veering off course, opportunities to captivate audiences with authentic stories have become a rare commodity.

It should have been called Dial of Dementia, amiright?!

And perhaps because of this, Hollywood has dared to show depictions of the real Japan, and boy do the audience love it!

These shows have become the talk of the town, rivalling Western-focused shows like Succession and Stranger Things, and I believe this is only the beginning.

On top of that, this newfound interest in genuine Japanese storytelling seems to draw audiences directly to the source of true Japanese content. Films like the latest Godzilla movie, not only a blockbuster hit in the US but also an Oscar winner for Best Visual Effects on a budget dwarfed by its Hollywood counterparts, and Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron, snagging an Oscar for Best Animated Film, showcase the international acclaim and appetite for Japanese narratives. And let's not even start on the explosive popularity of Japanese animes like Demon Slayer and One Piece, which are setting new viewership records in the West daily.

The new kings of the US box office

I guess that with my financial hat on (this is a finance newsletter, after all), I am a staunch believer in the rekindled interest in Japanese culture, signaling a renaissance for Japanese media companies. The likes of TOEI Animation, the powerhouse behind Dragon Ball, Nippon TV, the steward of Ghibli and seminal works like Death Note, and Studio Pierrot, the creative force behind Naruto and Bleach, stand at the cusp of an unprecedented opportunity.

In conclusion, Japan is not just back; it's on a trajectory to redefine global entertainment paradigms.

As Hollywood continues to navigate its way through creative droughts and box office disappointments, the shining light of Japanese content, rooted in genuine narratives and cultural depth, offers hope and a roadmap to success.

Japan is back, indeed, and it's back with a resounding impact that reverberates across entertainment industries worldwide…

Announcement:

I'm profoundly grateful and thrilled to share that the real-life protagonist of Tokyo Vice personally recommended my video on the topic. Please, if you haven't already, take a moment to watch it here!