arnesteenbergen Reviews

Terrace House: Opening New Doors (2017–2019)

Intellectually poor, feels like dating show

[6/10 · 14 January 2019]

After my 5 weeks visit to Japan I started watching Terrace House to understand the Japananse culture even better. Terrace House gives some more insight in the "daily life", conversations and behavior. However, it's turns out to be very on the surface when it comes to conversations and panel analysis. Most discussions are on very pubertal level, about who do you like or going to love. It has a strong dating show character instead of real life. Most of the members join to find a new love, yeah right just a choice out of 3 candidates, I can imagine better ways to meet new people. I'm sure many parts are scripted or strongly suggested at least. There are never discussion on topics as world politics, economy, poverty, sustainability, or whatever. Intellectually very disappointing. Further, there is a fair amount of age discrimination by the members and panel. People older than 30 years are considered to be old. Though, they should wish they were there, to represent a broader part of the society and nevertheless bring more intellectual weight to this show. I know Japan is suffering from suicidal behavior merely because of the high pressure of society. Terrace House increases the pressure by inviting merely models, athletes, talented musicians etc. Conversations lead to comparison behavior and probably influence spectator's confidence and life expectations if you personally can't meet these pretentious glamorous goals. Life is way more than looks and gifted skills, this is so one-sided.