3 Japanese shows less than 3 minutes worth watching

Here are 3 tiny weekly shows, each less then 3 mins, that are worth checking out in a small break. (You’ll either need to use a VPN or be in Japan to watch them on TVer) .

風景の足跡

https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/fukeinoashiato/

今、私たちが目にする風景にはそれぞれ物語があります。
あの風景が生まれ変わったきっかけは、何だったのか…
少しだけ時計の針を戻して、その風景の足跡をご紹介します。

This is a charming and heartwarming little show. I love it, even though it’s so short. The narrator introduces a place in Japan, usually a notable building, warehouse, traditional home, bath house etc, briefly shows how it used to look and introduces its history. Then with drone footage they show how it has been renovated (often into a modern cultural institute/shopping area/gallery/hotel etc). Most of the places are fantastic. As an aside, I like the music they use every week in the background, Theme from St Elmo’s Fire, but had never heard of the movie and it turns out some consider it one of the worst movies of all time.

Watch on TVer

ごちそう散歩

https://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/gochisousan/

Presented by venerable comedian Takada Junji, this is a bit like a cut down version of his other ‘walking around’ show じゅん散歩 (unfortunately not on catch up services at the moment.) Go to an area, make a joke about it, eat a delicious foods, all in around 2 minutes. What’s not to like?

Watch on TVer

CHANGE YOUR LIFE〜あなたのくらしを変えたもの〜

https://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/change_nissan/

This show takes a quick look into an invention (normally an everyday product), that was especially innovative (although sometimes they stretch the definition a bit) - often from a number of years ago. For example recent shows have been about superglue, induction cooking, the shredder, and the snap off cutter knife. Normally there is a little explanation from the narrator then a brief interview with the inventor or more likely someone from the relevant company. Vague infomercial vibes but you can usually learn something interesting.

Watch on TVer