I first saw this on YouTube with my little sister who absolutely loved it so I decided to buy her the disc. The story is very simple with Big Bird and Barkley visiting Japan for a few days before going back home to Sesame Street. After Big Bird and Barkley wander off, they miss their tour bus and tour group as the 2 find help with a mysterious lady and try to make it back on time. I love that the story is so simple yet finds many ways to incorporate a bigger narrative and also teaches kids and even adults about Japanese language and culture. It has a very bittersweet ending which is handled very well by Big Bird to not make it seem all that bad. All in all its a very good film for the kids or the whole family. I admit that I find myself watching it on my own from time to time as its just that good!

Video quality is pretty good and is leaps better that how its presented on YouTube. Being only in 480p, the picture does have noise and perhaps some artifacts every now and then but remains sharp enough to notice many details on Big Bird, Barkley, and the woman. Colors and the picture are nice and bright although black levels aren't entirely good but good enough for the film.

Audio on the other hand is just as good despite it being in I believe only stereo. I have surround speakers but I noticed that some scenes (such as when music plays) output the sound to other channels.

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so sweet even grown-ups I know have enjoyed it

Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2004

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I saw this when I was 9 yrs. old. I've seen it subsequently on PBS/Disney Channel several times since over the years and still enjoy it. Big Bird and his canine pal Barkley travel to Japan and within less than one day of arriving in the country are lost with very little money, no plane tickets home and unable to communicate in the native language. Fortunately, a lovely but mysterious young Japanese woman befriends them and takes them acorss Japan learning the language, meeting interesting new people and seeing the amazing sights. The scene with the children's play of THE SHINING PRINCESS OF THE BAMBOO alone is worth seeing simply for the incredible costume design. All-around entertainment for kids 1-100!

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Nicole

My Childhood Relived!

Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2020

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Product came neatly packed, and what is shown on the seller's store, is EXACTLY what came. I am completely satisfied with the entire transaction of ordering. The package arrived in a timely manner. I loved this movie SO much as a little girl, now I get to enjoy it with my two little boys!

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chris frisbee

Not worth it

Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2023

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If you wanna watch some thing, you should do big burgers to China. It’s more exciting than big burgers to Japan. I want is big bird goes to China first and was really pumped to watch. Big bird goes to Japan. But it’s not as exciting it in Japan.

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Deck_the_Holls

Classic

Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2012

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I remember this special from when I was a kid in the late 80s and bought it to show my boyfriend last year before he went to Japan on business. Even as adults, it was every bit as enjoyable as I remembered. It's a cute one that serves as a nice, entertaining cultural introduction to Japan for children, something you didn't see a lot of then. I plan to pass this to my nephews. Good quality for VHS. Just wish that PBS would put more vintage Sesame Street specials like this one on DVD for future generations to enjoy.

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Lizzie

Great video

Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2009

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This is a wonderful video for children learning about Japan. My third graders love it!

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Laura M.

Fantastic!

Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2015

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This has been a favorite of mine since the day it aired. We had it on VHS but after 30 years the tape went bad and I wanted to show this to my son and keep the tradition going. He's 21 months old and loved it, it brought back memories for myself. We love the girl that walks the moon.

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Kaye S. Miller

Loved this dvd about Japan and culture

Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2010

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We LOVED this dvd,VERY cute and informative about the Japanese people and their culture. Our 18 year old son LOVED it and makes him want to go to Japan even more. The story was cute and the play the little kids did was PRECIOUS!!!! You'll love it!!!! : )

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Sesame Street - Big Bird In Japan

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