| Description |
1 online resource (streaming video file) (51 min. 39 sec.) ; 312013517 bytes |
| Summary |
In the 1960s, with the WWII Pacific conflict with Japan still fresh in the memories of most adult Australians, a TV show that was completely Japanese in traditional culture, dress, martial arts and violence appeared suddenly on Australian after-school screens. Within weeks, The Samurai kicked The Mickey Mouse Club off its mantle to become the most popular children's show in Australia. Shintaro! is a unique Australian story, telling of the endearing legacy in the hearts and minds of Australians who experienced a unique sensation which swept a nation. The Samurai had many angry adult critics. Only 20 years before Australia had been in a life and death struggle with Japan. The bombing of Darwin, and the titanic fight against the Japanese Army in New Guinea were deeply ingrained in Australian culture. Channel Nine was bombarded with letters demanding the show be taken off air, but far outweighing the generational anger was the overwhelming response from children. The show was a ratings sensation.For 30 minutes a day, five days week, Australian children watched their hero, Shintaro battle his mysterious Ninja enemies. On the surface, The Samurai was about flashing swords and flying stars, but there was a strong moralistic value of good triumphing over evil; a Japanese version of heroes defeating villains in the style of the classic western. For the first time Australian children had access to a culture radically different from their own and they embraced it with vigor. In 1965, a Sydney promoter, booked The Samurai's star, Koichi Ose (Shintaro) for a promotional tour and live action shows based on the series. Koichi Ose arrived from Japan and was greeted with a superstar's welcome by 6,000 fans. In Melbouren Ose flew into a deafening welcome from over 7,000 fans. He was completely overwhelmed. It was the biggest crowd at Essendon Airport since the arrival of The Beatles, a fact reported in the astonished Japanese press. Koichi Ose performed 12 shows in 15 days at the Sydney Stadium and at Festival Hall in Melbourne before returning to Japan. Shintaro! is a cultural exploration into how and why Australian children took so fanatically to a show from a radically different world. It looks at children's perception and the equally profound perception of their parents and grandparents. (Commissioned by SBS in English) (Documentary) M (L) CC WS |
| Event |
Broadcast 2009-11-04 at 20:30:00 |
| Notes |
Classification: M |
| Subject |
Children's television programs -- Evaluation.
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Martial arts -- Psychological aspects.
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Samurai films.
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Australia.
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Japan.
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| Form |
Streaming video
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| Author |
Callan, David, cast
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Sinigaglia, Marco, director
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