Japanese TV Shows - March 2006

Saiyuki

" Monkey magic casts spell in Asia
The original 1978 series still has a faithful following. An ambitious remake of Japan's most successful television drama Saiyuki (Monkey) is causing a stir across Asia.
The new version of the 1978 drama broke ratings records last month with one in three Japanese viewers tuning in.
Companies in Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore have secured rights and makers Fuji TV have had inquiries from Thailand, China and Malaysia.
It is based on a 16th Century Chinese myth following hero Monkey's journey to India to obtain Buddhist scriptures.
The fantasy drama, first broadcast by Japan's Nippon TV Network, was a mix of lavish special effects, witty performances and martial arts.
The remake has remained faithful to many of the original elements - the fighting stick that shrinks to fit inside the human ear and the magical cloud that Monkey uses to travel great distances.
Fuji Television's most significant decision was to cast Shingo Katori as the show's hero.
Mr Katori is one of five members of SMAP - one of Japan's most popular boy bands. The Japanese heart-throb will be the first actor to play Monkey after Masaaki Sakai more than 25 years ago." (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4715788.stm)

The show airs Monday nights at 9pm.