Big Bird in Japan

Following Big Bird's successful wings-across-the-water visit to China, Sesame Street sent its goodwill ambassador to Japan in this 1988 musical excursion that finds Big Bird and Barkley the Dog stranded in Tokyo, where a friendly if mysterious woman helps them make the 300-mile trek to Kyoto to reunite with their tour group. Nothing is lost in translation as Big Bird learns helpful Japanese words (there's a running joke about the greeting "Ohayo," which Big Bird confuses with "Ohio"), eats with chopsticks, spends the night in a Japanese home, discovers origami, and visits the country's exotic and breathtaking landmarks, including Mt. Fuji. This tuneful travelogue takes an engaging supernatural detour when Big Bird's newfound friend is revealed to be the mythical "Bamboo Princess." Presenting Japan in all its splendor, this is sure to captivate youngsters and broaden their Far East cultural horizons beyond anime. Recommended. [Note: Big Bird in China is also newly available on DVD at the same price.] Aud: K, E, P. (D. Liebenson)