Search - Sukiyaki and Chips - The Japanese Sounds of Music on DVD

A historical look at quirky and vibrant Japan

The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 11/24/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"
"Sukiyaki and Chips - The Japanese Sounds of Music" is a look at both modern and traditional Japanese music. The scope of the project is actually wider than music per se as it looks at the entire Japanese sonic landscape. For example, a music education class is shown and a former Zen priest explains his concept of music as encompassing natural sounds. At another point, Dr. Tsunoda feebly tries to explain how the Japanese mind is wired differently when it comes to music. Under the umbrella of sound, an exploration is even made into the audio dynamics of archery. While contemporary and classical styles are played off of each other, cross-pollination is also shown. Theater is employed by both styles. In terms of contemporary music, most time is spent on pop music. Keep in mind that contemporary here is defined as that which was popular in 1984. Therefore much of the music sounds like the Japanese equivalent of Wham's 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go' or Culture Club's 'Karma Chameleon.' Fortunately, it's not all bubble-gum pop. The most redeeming group is Yellow Magic Orchestra. This is a Japanese version of Kraftwerk meeting Herbie Hancock's "Future Shock." Even today, newbies can acquire most of the group's discography through Amazon. What would a documentary on Japanese music be without karaoke? With hindsight, this shows an early stage of the entertainment, long before it became popular in the West. It has to been seen to be believed, but at one point, we even experience taxi cab karaoke! "Sukiyaki and Chips" is a historical look at Japan's quirky and vibrant culture."