James May: Our Man In… (2020)

Awash with curiosity and a sense of adventure, James May is irresistibly drawn towards the enigmatic allure of Japan. This extraordinary nation has remained a puzzle to him, its culture a labyrinth of intrigue. Now, he embarks on a solo expedition to delve into the heart of Japan's society, landscapes, and people, hoping to unravel its intricate secrets. Armed with determination, James embarks on a monumental journey, traversing the length and breadth of Japan, from the frost-kissed north to the sun-drenched south. His mission: to decode the enigma that is Japan, to comprehend the essence of this unique civilization, to understand the driving forces of its culture, and to uncover what its way of life can illuminate for the rest of the world. The journey is challenging. The language is an alien script, the etiquette, a cryptic code. His knowledge of Japan is limited to a miniature tree known as a banzai. Yet, the contradictions of Japan are what make it fascinating. It's a place where timeless artistry and delicate haiku coexist with monstrous Godzilla, vibrant Cosplay, and peculiar passions. A place where serene scenes of cherry blossoms gently surrendering to gravity are juxtaposed with pulsating neon lights, catchy J-Pop tunes, and the chaos of urban life. It's been fifteen years since James first visited Japan as a bewildered tourist. Now, he stands on the precipice of the unknown, ready to leap into the paradox that is Japan. Join him on this captivating quest to reconcile these contradictions, to delve into the heart of Japan, and to truly understand what makes it tick.

James May: Our Man In… is a documentary show featuring James May and created by Tom Whitter.

James May: Our Man In… is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.