Ep 4. Hey Bim!
- January 3, 2020
- 51 min
-
8.5 (342)
James May: Our Man in Japan season 1 episode 4 is titled "Hey Bim!", and it features James continuing his journey throughout Japan. In this episode, James travels to the island of Shikoku, located in Western Japan. Shikoku is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and the 88 Temple Pilgrimage, a 1,200-kilometer long Buddhist circuit around the island.
As James arrives on the island, he immediately makes his way to a small village called Oboke. Here he meets his guide for the day, Bim. Bim is a local farmer who has spent his entire life in Oboke and is passionate about sharing his culture with others. Together, James and Bim explore the local area and experience some of the unique traditions of Shikoku.
Their first stop is a local market, where they taste traditional Japanese food, including octopus balls, which James finds surprisingly tasty. James and Bim then hike up a nearby mountain to a small temple. The climb is steep, but the view from the top is breathtaking. As they continue to explore the island, James and Bim visit a traditional paper factory where they learn about the art of making washi paper.
The highlight of the episode is when James and Bim attend a local festival in the town of Iya. The festival is called Shikoku Owara Kaze-no-Bon, and it is a celebration of the harvest season. James and Bim participate in the festival by dressing in traditional Japanese clothing and dancing along with the locals. The festival culminates in a fireworks display that lights up the night sky.
Throughout the episode, James is fascinated by the culture of Shikoku and the warmth of the people he meets there. He is particularly impressed with Bim, who embodies the kindness and generosity of the island's inhabitants. James learns not only about Japanese culture but also about the importance of community and how it shapes the lives of those who live in Shikoku.
Overall, James May: Our Man in Japan season 1 episode 4 is a beautiful and heartwarming exploration of one of Japan's lesser-known regions. Through his experiences with Bim and the locals, James learns about the traditions, culture, and values of Shikoku. The episode is full of stunning scenery, delicious food, and joyful experiences that showcase the beauty and diversity of Japan.
