ElectricBoogaloo October 5, 2015 Share October 5, 2015 The alluring island of Okinawa, which endures tragic memories from World War II battles, is explored by Bourdain from historical, political, cultural and culinary perspectives. The tour includes a bloodless bullfight over a bowl of Yakisoba, a retrospective meal of Tundabun with the city’s former governor, and a demonstration of open-hand karate experienced first-hand by Bourdain. Link to comment
Dagny October 12, 2015 Share October 12, 2015 I like the Okinawan version of bull fighting. In a not-Okiniwan city, they put an image of the bullfighitng on a manhole cover. I can't find it right now. Link to comment
Scott October 13, 2015 Share October 13, 2015 Not sure if that's what you're thinking of, but the NHK World series "Journeys in Japan" just did an episode on Uwajima, where bullfighting is also big. I believe they decorated manhole covers and other public works with bullfighting scenes there. Link to comment
Happywatcher October 16, 2015 Share October 16, 2015 We were stationed there years ago. He missed covering many of the best parts of the island and culture, mostly because he liked to hear himself spout off about the US Bases. I was disappointed in political Tony, he overdid it and missed covering a great place. 1 Link to comment
ElectricBoogaloo October 17, 2015 Author Share October 17, 2015 I get that the U.S. presence is something that has influenced some of Okinawan culture (ha, like taco rice) but I agree that he spent too much time asking EVERY SINGLE PERSON he encountered how they felt about the military bases and the American presence. It's obvious he was fishing for someone to say they hated the bases and wanted the Americans to GTFO. And that's precious time that he could have spent showing us some more delicious food! I liked most of the other stuff though (the role of Okinawa during WW2, the food, the scenery, etc) which is why I got especially annoyed that he could have spent more time on that stuff if he hadn't insisted on asking everyone about the bases. I dislike when he clearly has an agenda for certain episodes. Link to comment
biakbiak October 17, 2015 Share October 17, 2015 I didn't think it was over done. As an American who has spent time there recently the bases do come up in casual conversation. It needs to be discussed for a variety of reasons none of which the show went deep on. Link to comment
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