Article: “We are the original creators of death games” Japanese reactions to ‘Squid Game’ winning 6 Emmys
Source: Asia Economy via Naver
Article talks about how the ‘death games’ genre has mostly been led by Japanese content like ‘Battle Royale’ and ‘Kaiji’ but none of which achieved the kind of commercial success like ‘Squid Game’ has. Journalist Matsutani Shoichiro had to say, “‘Squid Game’ is of the ‘death games’ genre where characters are playing games with their lives on the line. It differentiates itself from Japanese works, however, by also portraying the problems in its society. The show’s winning of Emmy awards has shown the weaknesses of Japanese works in this genre. It’s an opportunity for us to think about why Japan’s ‘death games’ works have not achieved worldwide popularity.”
Other netizens said, “I personally think ‘Liar Game’ holds its own to ‘Squid Game’ but most Japanese works are catered to its local audience.” “Japan’s ‘death game’ works are usually focused on provocative scenes, which fail at connecting relatability with the viewers. Most viewers worldwide are more interested in how the content they’re watching reflects and criticizes the ongoings of our society.” A critic said, “‘Squid Game’ reached its fame by word of mouth from its viewers. It has shown that there are no borders when it comes to entertainment, and it’s time that we learn that anyone with a creative idea can be given opportunities.”
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1. [+1,601, -49] Okay but you guys have an amazing anime industry
2. [+683, -32] Okay but you guys have an amazing roster of Nobel prize winners
3. [+425, -35] Their pop culture is way~~~ too childish and on the nose… Nandayo!!! Kakkoi!!!!! Nani shite noyo!!!! And their acting style is also outdated and over the top
4. [+292, -12] Yeah but you guys are at the top for anime with no room to budge
5. [+221, -41] Japan’s style is too otaku weab-ish ㅋㅋ not very mainstream friendly
6. [+65, -1] I think Japan struggles with making mainstream content, whether that be ‘death games’ or any other genre. Even something seemingly normal will end up going down some niche genre or fetish topped off with some serious life lecture… ㅋㅋ
7. [+42, -1] Japan and China just have terrible actors. China especially only cares about their characters looking pretty and handsome with no regard to the actual acting. Japan’s acting style is so over the top with exaggerated gestures. Just terrible.
8. [+41, -2] Okay but you guys have an amazing AV industry
9. [+30, -2] You guys are amazing at animes and mangas, though.. I’ll give you that. But I have to wonder if the Japanese also laugh at seeing such amazing anime works get turned into childish live action dramas??
10. [+30, -3] I don’t really consider ‘Battle Royale’ of the ‘death games’ genre. ‘Squid Game’ is about people volunteering to join the battle royale but the movie ‘Battle Royale’ kidnaps delinquent students and forces them to kill each other. They’re basically creating a country full of murderers. Even ‘Kaiji’ is about a debtor becoming a gambling addict and putting his life on the line for it.
11. [+18, -0] Japanese dramas can kill characters in the same manner as Korean dramas but the vibe just isn’t the same
12. [+16, -1] But you guys create great AV… though I’m sure that won’t get you any Emmys
13. [+16, -1] Japanese content will never be mainstream because their style caters more to the niche/fetish side of media. The people that like that stuff are really into it but it’s difficult to be enjoyed by the majority…
14. [+21, -8] Japanese dramas bore me. Their characters will randomly slam their heads on the ground like “gomennasai~~” or suddenly be exaggeratedly touched by something going “arigatou arigatou~~” and the drama always has to end with some huge life lesson about justice.
15. [+12, -1] But Japan is at the top of the world for AV and anime
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