TV in Japan

There are few experiences in your life that will prepare you for what you are about to see. At first, it may or may not seem that shocking, but I assure you over time you (if you share my sensibilities) may find what follows some of the most compelling television ever made. At least if taken in digestible doses.

First, some back story.

Oh! Mikey is the product of Yoshimasa Ishibashi, an avant-garde director in Japan, and originally aired on Ishibashi’s show Vermilion Pleasure Night. VPM included appearances by zombies, sexy sci-fi drug dealers and many other assorted oddities but none with the lasting appeal of Mikey and his family the Fuccons.

Let’s get this out of the way . Mikey and his family are mannequins.

But, really, they are so much more.

Part satire of the American Family, part dada-inspired absurdity, the Fuccons family start going in one direction and then suddenly turn every which way at once.

From cheating spouses to magical squids on sticks, it has it all. At least all I need. I purchased one of the DVDs when I was in Japan a couple years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since.

And without further adieu (thanks to the glory of Google Video), I give you a very long clip of Oh! Mikey 2nd.

If you liked that taste (actually I think a thirty minute video is more than a taste), I suggest you look into purchasing some of the Oh! Mikey collection on DVD. There’s a link to an Amazon listing for one of the DVDs and others can be found online at various import shops.

More on Mikey:

Meet the Cast
The Wikipedia Page
The Official Trailer for the English Dub Version - IMO, the English weakens the hilarity.