[JAPAN] Kitano Takeshi to have special on TV about Japanese educational system

October 29, 2007 by Dennis Amith

Kitano Takeshi (aka Beat Takeshi) will have a special on Fuji TV on the Japanese educational system according to a Televiews column by Daily Yomiuri’s Wm. Penn.

Penn writes, “On Saturday, Oct. 27, Takeshi is broadcasting his third annual white paper on Japanese education. This year, the theme of Takeshi no Kyoiku Hakusho 2007, a live, five-hour Fuji TV special running from 7 p.m. to 11:55 p.m., is sekinin (responsibility) and how to define it in terms of the nation’s education system.”

“At the Web site, you can report on your own educational experiences, answer survey questions or even take an advance peek at the test they have created to measure one’s sekinin kan (sense of responsibility), which will be administered on the show. Naturally, the focus is on the responsibility of parents and teachers but, refreshingly, the site is also looking for your opinions on TV’s role and responsibility.”

“Television plays a huge part in educating–or miseducating–the nation’s kids yet the importance of its role is too often overlooked by the TV crowd themselves. No matter how great the teachers or how responsible the parents, TV still wields a very big influence and it needs to be held as accountable for its actions as other teachers.”

“Takeshi and Bakusho Mondai, perhaps the most socially conscious variety show hosts around, will lead the studio debate.”