"The L Word," the American TV drama about lesbian lives, has made its appearance on the island of Japan. Season1~2 is now available even with Japanese subtitle. There are also ads and special-recommendation section for this issue-tackle drama at my Rental DVD shop. Though I'd like to raise a question if this drama would earn as much financial and political success as it did in the US.
The reasons behind my concern
A: The unrecognizable recognition of "lesbian" in Japan
B: Which American drama is favored by Japanese now
First, lesbian is so much less recognized in Japan that some people might think it the fantasy existing only in a porn or anime. The bottom line is It's not out there.
Most of The L Word scenes, which are from powerful/educated women trying insemination to homophobes screaming and marching "You're going to hell!" in front of a museum, are surreal to this smaller island.
How could this socially meaningful drama trigger the similar sympathy in a country of different culture, religion, and tolerance?
Furthermore, looking at the fact "Queer as Folks" hasn't put its foot in Japan even though the drama had aired before "the L word" in its home country, I suspect Japanese drama importers focused mainly on the sensual sex scene of "the L word." I mean, they prefer gorgeous women having tongue kissing, to cute guys having sex.
Secondly, this relationship-oriented drama has already fallen out from " favorite American drama" category. (South Korean dramas have taken over the position)
What is now in the category are such as "24" and "Prison Break." These dramas have a big thing in common: they reek of Hollywood. Especially "24," which has won a huge success and popularity in Japan, is a drama oiled by the atmosphere of the US; when you have a CIA or FBI agents, and the fear of terrorism, it's gotta happen in America. You cannot make a 24-ish drama in Japan. That adds some novelty to an "import drama."
Here is my prediction: "Heros" will outplay "The L Word"
