In Search of Wabi Sabi (Part 1 of 7)

[@esdenaze]

You need to realize that when making a documentary, you need to start from a cert pov. In this case it obviously starts from an exploratory persp. Thus explaining the reason for looking 'ignorant' and asking in english. This sets the tone in this doc: japan has a lot of layers that are difficult to see for outsiders and difficult to explain for insiders. This is what makes the doc interesting whilst keeping the level low enough so everyone can enjoy it, its still commercial to a cert extent.

[@paullewis4801]

This was filmed on a motorola razr

[@mickGPN]

@krane121 - The problem is that very few people are attracted to "the real thing" because it would involve them changing their whole world outlook - but in a subtle and not very spectacular way - so there´s nothing in it for their ego. They prefer to see wabi as another commodity which they can buy into with expensive tea-sets, or talk about in terms they already understand, via this muppet. If you went to a real tea-ceremony, you might not even realise it was happening util half way through :-)

[@youdontsmellbad]

Thanks for uploading this!

[@woobimoobi]

the resolution of this video is quite wabi sabi.

[@user-ej7ss8ei2g]

lmfao

[@RolandTravy]

I disagree with these offensive comments. I think that Marcel Theroux came to Japan with an open mind and maybe slightly emphasized his “not knowing what wabi sabi is” in order to let the Japanese people reveal more than he could by his comments. As far as I’m concerned, this excellent documentary which is not only about Wabi Sabi but also about the ways the ancient culture seeps in to the hi-tech contemporary Japan.

[@spoddie]

4:15 The girl is explaining a different word, wabi also means apology.

[@psyjax2]

Minute 1:25, guy on the phone is like "Crazy Gaijin at the front desk!"

[@dooshmasta]

First mistake: Searching for Wabi Sabi in the most Metropolitan city in the world!

[@mickGPN]

@deusmaverick - Glad we're not disagreeing. But the thing is, I'm not accusing him of a lack of superfical Political Correctness (Such as not knowing Tokyo is the capital of Japan.) Having listened to what he's saying, I reckon he is profoundly ignorant, and pitifully unaware of that. That's my point :-)

[@1855-Gaming]

@mickGPN ah i get you now yeah i agree with you there then. :)

[@MattieMacaya]

4:39 WHAT THE FUCK, why is he complaining about being tired!???

[@ElectricityTaster]

I'm no Japanese good manners expert, but shouldn't he bow lower?

[@auresius88]

@mickGPN You judge very fast... if you ever understand Wabi, I'll eat my hat :)

[@MattieMacaya]

right!! "uhhhhh because english is shallow and were japanese we have many layers" i dunno thats the best comeback i can think of. that guy is such a dunce though.

[@nathanjones4065]

Everyone and everything is wabi sabi. It is how things actually are. You are perfect and what seems imperfect is perfect. The presenter IS wabi sabi.

[@zuziako]

He's so clueless I can't take it :D :D :D

[@animeonly1993]

just learn freaking japanese and then ask them...this dude...

[@patmb2011]

Did he really say "...never mind, I'll ask somebody else?" By saying nothing, the young lady behind the desk was actually saying something. The Japanese logic has always been to avoid the subject... the very act of rationalizing the idea of wabi sabi is to admit one's spiritual failure. I fear this British novelist will never understand the concept he seeks.

[@stuartayre7618]

+patmb2011 It seemed like the young lady behind the desk couldn't speak much English.

[@HerosofCarpeDiem]

honestly he should get the hint....he's just a showman. And there's something about the British nature for just wanting everything and thinking they can understand it by looking up a definition in a book that is just fucking stupid.

[@MattieMacaya]

dude, your sister is going to like what she wants, who are you to say its sick??

[@ReedsToons]

wabby sabby

[@spoddie]

First thing he should have done is learn how to say wabi sabi correctly.

[@mickGPN]

One minute in... and Marcel has already exposed his usual cultural insensitivity. If this clown ever understands Wabi, I'll eat my hat.

[@1855-Gaming]

@mickGPN not disagreeing with u but it is important to realize to making yourself Politically Correct will restrict the knowledge u can obtain. It is usually very impolite and offensive to to investigate into certain cultures to those already involved but u cant truly respect something until you understand its significance. How do u learn the significance by asking those hard raw questions.

[@Lahkesis]

aaaaaawkwaaaard

[@GershonB15]

I've gotta say that there's a lot of bs in here. you know, as someone who is more acquainted with japan (and I'm really not trying to show off or anything, just giving you my perspective), he makes it look as if it is some land of ancient wisdom. what is he asking the guys on the street for? it's as if some east asian guy came to a western country and started asking people on the street about stoicism (western philosophy term). japan is a modern country, you know...

[@animeonly1993]

lol awkward

[@grayfoxfive]

Agree with mickGPN...one minute in and this guy shows what a total jerk he is. Didn't bother watching any more after that.

[@000JP]

this is embarrassing.

[@jessicachou8671]

My sister was watching beginning part and she said wasabi which even worse. Besides I was into Japanese stuff before her all she likes is this yaoi, shonen-ai. guys getting off which each other which is sick. I've watched this programme when first on BBC see personally another Westerner trying to be Japanese in order to make sense of it and failing.