Aisuru futari

[Michael Badzik]

Aaron Gerow wrote:

>As Markus mentioned a few days ago, one of the big hubbubs in the papers 
>has been over the yarase (faking) incident in the popular TV show "Aisuru 
>futari, wakareru futari" ...

>The incident again raises the issue of reality in Japanese versions of 
>"reality TV".  Any one see the show and want to comment?

For examples of yarase on television one might start with a look at the 
magazine _Josei Seven_ (Nov 11-18 issue) which had an article on 
_Aisuru Futari_ that featured a sidebar describing ten incidents of yarase 
on television occurring during the last 15 years. Even NHK has had a faked 
show.

One would think that the public would not be too surprised at incidents of 
yarase, given the frequency with which it occurs. So I wonder how much 
of the uproar over the supposed yarase was actually exaggerated by the 
media. In cases like this one it is common for reporters to showcase the 
complaints of those most shocked and upset, and ignore those who would 
just shrug it off. Was this how it was mostly done, or were reporters 
actually trying to honestly sample public opinion?

I also want to say that this is one of the most ugly shows I have ever 
seen. The bad acting and dubbing in the re-enactments, combined with 
lighting and makeup seemingly designed to make the guest stars look as 
frightening as possible was ugly indeed. But no less so than that was the 
relentless taunting and goading of the married couple (for their own 
good of course!).

So rather than being disappointed if this show had been faked, I think 
that it would be a good thing if it had been completely staged, because 
it would be so painful to imagine that people sincerely seeking help 
with their marriage had been put through what these couples were. And 
sad that there would be couples so desperate that they would put their 
marital future in the hands of geinojin. (Any people out there whose 
first choice of marriage counselor would be Dewi Sukarno?)

Michael Badzik
mike at vena.com