Disney
the journal of Michael Werneburg
twenty-seven years and one million words
It was inevitable. We went to the Disney operation here in Tokyo.
Perhaps unsurprisingly for a family where no-one's a fan of Disney*, it happened because Mari'a employer needed someone to check out a demonstration being put on by a would-be supplier.
We watched the show, and Ken paid attention. When presented with something like this he either gets into it immediately or watches it with a grave expression on his face as if concerned with what he sees. The "Mickey and Pals Day Off" show we saw was definitely in the latter category.
We did the tour of the grounds after watching the rather lackluster show and Kenny enjoyed nothing more than chasing the pigeons, admiring the ducks, and waving at the train. After we'd left, Mari said that Disney really doesn't offer the slightest bit of educational material. I agreed, and added that they didn't have anything that engages the imagination, either. All they have is spoon-feed entertainment of a certain form. I've never understand Disney and I guess I never will**. I liked "Lilo & Stitch", and I liked "Finding Nemo" and I hope they produce more of the intelligent and creative work and rely less on flogging the now 90-year-old Mickey Mouse.
Speaking of "Finding Nemo", we tried to sit Kenny down and show him that movie (via a $5 copy that Mari bought in a certain populous country where licensed materials are surprisingly cheap). But Kenny wasn't interested, and restlessly tried tinkering with the display instead. He's just not old enough for filmed entertainment, I suppose.
*I'm not sure how anyone got their head 'round building a Disney operation in Asia when ol' Walt himself was such a racist, but I suppose the corporation was willing to put their pro-Nazi past behind them in the name of a buck or two. And in that I'm sure they're not alone. Boy I regret that Disney wound up owning the rights to Winnie the Pooh.
**There are a lot of hardcore fans in Japan. And to my surprise, the Disney thing attracts a lot of young couples on dates! 変な国！