Asia Close Up: Japan and Cambodia

Offering two distinct profiles of life in Japan and Cambodia as seen through the eyes of two young people who live there, Part One introduces viewers to Satomi Tamura, a 13-year-old seventh grader at Notre Dame Girls School in Kyoto, Japan. Narrated in her own words, Satomi takes us through her school day, which includes classes in calligraphy, computer science and English. At home, Satomi's parents celebrate a birthday and travel to a local shrine. She confides that someday she hopes to work for the United Nations. Part Two profiles Sok Thea, a 13-year-old boy living in rural Cambodia. One year ago he stepped on a mine on the way to school and lost his leg at the knee. Sok's narration is compelling, as he dispassionately describes the rejection he faces from his classmates and the economic pressures placed on his family, who must sell their oxen to pay for his hospital bills. Longing to be normal, Sok journeys 100 miles to Phnom Penh to be fitted with a prosthetic leg and begins to believe there is some hope for the future. Although both segments are somewhat wanting in production value and sparkling insight, the second vignette is engaging. At $16.95, these profiles are probably of value to parents and teachers who may want to introduce students of similar age groups to life in Kyoto and rural Cambodia. More titles may follow in the series. Recommended, with reservations. Aud: H, P.(R. Ray)