Listen to the article
In an era where political correctness shapes much of public discourse, a Japanese TV series humorously juxtaposes the excesses of the 1980s with today’s societal norms, sparking widespread reflection and debate.
Extremely Inappropriate, a comedic series available on Netflix, has struck a chord in Japan by depicting a family man from the 1980s who finds himself in the present day, navigating a world vastly different from his own. This time-traveling narrative not only highlights the stark contrasts between the two eras but also invites viewers to question the progress and limitations of contemporary society.
The series centers around Ichiro Ogawa, a middle school teacher from 1986, who is bewildered by the drastic changes in societal values when he inadvertently lands in 2024. His outdated views on gender, family and labor rights provoke shock and discomfort, yet they also serve as a mirror reflecting the current societal values, prompting a reevaluation of modern-day diversity initiatives and the balance between work and personal life. The show’s success, maintaining top viewership on Netflix in Japan for several weeks, indicates a strong resonance with its audience, as it navigates the delicate balance between humor and societal critique.
Produced by Aki Isoyama and penned by renowned scriptwriter Kankuro Kudo, known for hits like Ikebukuro West Gate Park and Tiger and Dragon, the series cleverly avoids placing one era above the other. Instead, it explores the notion that life, in some respects, has become more challenging. According to Isoyama, today’s society, while improved in many ways, has also become more restrictive, governed by conformity and protocols. The series dares to question the automatic acceptance of what is deemed unacceptable, encouraging viewers to think critically about societal norms.
For viewers like 25-year-old Mao Yamada, the series serves as a reminder that while society has become more accepting of diversity, including LGBT+ rights, the conversation around sexual harassment awareness is complex, suggesting that some areas might be overly restrictive. The narrative of Extremely Inappropriate extends this debate to the workplace, where words of encouragement are misconstrued as harassment, and a frustrated TV producer attempts to censor everything deemed offensive. Meanwhile, Ogawa’s anachronistic behavior, including sexist remarks and aggressive disciplining, contrasts sharply with his encounters with concepts of non-binary identities and sexual consent, challenging the traditional notion that marriage is the pinnacle of happiness.
The series also resonates with older viewers like 68-year-old Kyo Maeda, who views it as an accurate representation of daily life in the 1980s — a time when Japan was rapidly becoming an economic superpower, and societal norms were vastly different. The contrast between the work-obsessed culture of the 1980s and the more balanced approach of 2024’s employees, shaped by the aftermath of Japan’s economic bubble burst, highlights the changing attitudes toward work and life aspirations.
Experts like Takahiko Kageyama, a media studies professor at Doshisha University, appreciate the series’ subtle yet effective approach to critiquing the status quo. The bold themes, especially against the backdrop of recent scandals in the Japanese entertainment industry, demonstrate a willingness to address serious societal issues through the lens of humor and satire. As the industry itself undergoes necessary changes, Extremely Inappropriate timely reflects these shifts, illustrating the complexities of reconciling past excesses with present-day sensitivities.
With AFP
