Sesame Street - Big Bird In Japan (2004)

A Sweet Childhood Memory

While on a tour of Japan, Sesame Street's Big Bird and big, fluffy dog Barkley miss their bus and find themselves wandering Tokyo. In their confusion, they learn a wee bit of the language, experience Japanese cuisine, and encounter a kind but secretly somber young woman who offers to help them get to Kyoto so they can return home with their group. As the young girl visits family and friends to say goodbye, for she must make a trip home as well, Big Bird and Barkley are left to explore on their own a few times and at one point visit an elementary school where they see a performance of a play about a bamboo princess. This turns out to be a significant bit of information for Bird later on.

1988's "Big Bird in Japan" is well remembered by folks who grew up with a much better version of "The Disney Channel" than what is currently available. It was played from time to time along with other Big Bird adventures (though it wasn't made for the Disney Channel and probably originally ran as an NBC primetime special, like Big Bird in China from 1983). If you grew up watching this one, you'll likely be thrilled to see it again on this DVD release. Though I didn't find any of the songs to be unforgettable, there is enough beauty, plot, and gentle humor to make it interesting for anyone to watch if they are capable of watching simple, sweet, family programming (of course, many people are not). The program's target audience is naturally very young, so it doesn't get too deep into educating viewers on the culture. Topics covered here are chopsticks, how to say good morning, taking off your shoes indoors and sleeping on the floor, and things like that. It's a nice introduction to Japan for the youngest audiences. It's also one of my recommendations for those planning a trip to EPCOT center with young children who don't intend to rush through World Showcase.

The only extras are a ton of brief samplings from other Sesame Street DVD releases. If you like this one, the other titles I'd recommend are: "Big Bird in China", "Follow That Bird" (a big screen feature!), "The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland" (the other Sesame Street big screen feature), "Sesame Street Old School", "Fraggle Rock", and anything with The Muppets! "Sesame Street: A Magical Halloween Adventure" and "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street" also sound promising. In fact, I think I've seen that Christmas one before, and it's good, retro stuff! I also highly recommend "Don't Eat the Pictures: Sesame Street at the Metropolitan Museum of Art", but that 1983 classic is still not available on DVD.
June 8, 2008

ESOL class Loved this One!

I showed this DVD to my middle school class per request. They loved Big Bird in China initially but after awhile it got old and too long. I was surprised to find out how much they really liked it in the long run. Most of my students are Chinese, Korean and Japanese. This DVD was shorter and a bit more enjoyable than the China one. The songs were a bit off key and unlistenable but I understand the DVD was made for younger kids. The rest was magical and the kids loved it. As long as they could chat and walk around during the songs, the rest of the DVD was fun for them. I liked it and thought it was very sweet. December 13, 2007

Hm.... Not sure about this one.

I lived in Japan for several years, and speak Japanese. My toddler son is also learning Japanese and I thought this would be a good introduction for him to understand the concept of the country called Japan. It was very skimpy on cultural education. I had hoped the wonders or customs of Japan would be highlighted. Instead, Big Bird gets lost and meets a sad woman who ends up being the bamboo princess. It is all quite subtle and lost on most children, I would guess. Most of the songs are English, not Japanese.

I was quite disappointed with this video! On a positive note, I was surprised to see that my 2 year old son seemed to be interested in it. We'll see if it can hold his interest the 2nd time through.... I'm doubtful. I know Sesame Street can do better highlighting a culture!! October 20, 2007

My favorite

Of all the Sesame Street DVDs I have gotten so far (123 Count with Me, Learning About Letters, Learning about Numbers, 25th Anniv., What's the Name of that Song?) I like this one best! Although those listed are also good - all have great music and are fun and funny, especially Learning About Numbers.

This movie has great production values, a moving story (I laughed, I cried), Broadway-level songs, and lots of funny little jokes. Plus, you get to see some of what Japan looks like. I like the fact that the movie has great music. What does Nathan (18 mo) get? - a very happy Mom, singing along. That's entertainment. July 27, 2006

I'll have-a this one and he'll have-a that one!

"There sure are an unusual amount of people from Ohio!"

I'm 24 and just got the urge to go looking for Big Bird in Japan down in the basement of my parents' house. The happy childhood memories, and a few inside jokes with my sister, came flooding back as I watched this relic from my past.

It's funny how at such a young age certain things are imbedded into your brain. I remembered all the songs, and how eerie and beautifully sad the story was. I remember how red and glossy the princess' lips were when she sang her song to the moon. I remember all the Japanese words they taught me, my early fascination with chopsticks and raw fish. And I remember the glowing bamboo stump at the end credits. I think this movie might have been my introduction to the dark side of the moon. Thank you Big Bird. June 17, 2006

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