Torture TV: The Japanese celebrity interview

Japan Probe points us to a recent morning Japanese TV segment where young female announcer Yoko Shono 'interviews' American singer-songwriter Norah Jones. The results are ugly. And unfortunately this is becoming a common sight on Japanese TV.

Traditionally, the purpose of an interview is for the less famous person -- normally the newscaster or journalist -- to ask questions of the more famous person -- celebrities, politicians and business leaders. In these Japanese TV interviews, however, the foreign celebrity interviewee is usually presented with various objects and demonstrations from the interviewer. The entire emphasis is on the Japanese interviewer.

In this clip, for example, Yoko Shono gives Jones a dog-related DVD, a toy dog and then forces her to watch her program's own Influ-Busters "Ghostbusters" parody. She asks Jones no questions -- or maybe she did but they were cut out of the segment.

Orlando Bloom and Johnny Depp have received similar treatment in the past, being shown the exploits of little children rather than asked about the art of acting.

Western celebrities are stereotyped as being self-centered prima donnas, but these Japanese TV interviews reveal their sense of decorum and teacher-like patience. When the studios or record labels need them to promote their work in Japan, they will put up with almost anything. Now that's dedication!