James May: Our Man In… (2020–2024)
Plot
Fifteen years after James May first visited Japan as a baffled tourist, he'll be embarking on a quest to understand the unique, extraordinary and complex country. The birthplace of the haiku and classical art forms driven by the principles of Wabi (stark beauty) and Sabi (natural inspiration) and Yugen (grace and subtlety). Japan is also the place that's given us Godzilla, Hello Kitty, Cosplay, and some of the strangest obsessions on the planet. James will embark on an epic journey across all of Japan from North to South, determined to understand why this unique land and its people are the way they are, what drives their whole culture and what their approach to life can teach the rest of us. James can't speak the language, he is clueless about Japanese etiquette, but at least he knows there's a small tree called a banzai.
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Highest-rated episodes all ranked
- 01
Pickled PlumThe final leg of James’s journey from north to south finds him in Shikoku and Kyushu – the largest of Japan’s Southern Islands and a stunning paradise of blue water and semi-tropical sandy beaches. Cycling, archery, noodle making, and motorbike manufacturing are all in store, plus James is preserved for eternity in a creepy scarecrow village. - 02
DeodorantThe cherry blossoms are out, and James hits the streets of Tokyo with his new guide Yujiro. As James discovers, this unique city is home to some of Japan’s greatest eccentrics and ideas. From obsessive trainspotters, musicians and baffling hi-tech gadgetry to cat superfans, penis festivals and mind-blowing computerised art shows, James tries to understand what makes Japan tick. - 03
Peach BoyJames arrives in Osaka, Japan’s vibrant good-time city, where Pachinko gambling halls, incredible street food, and stand-up comedy are all on the menu. Yujiro, his trusty guide, returns to introduce James to Sumo wrestling, after which James escapes on a bullet train to explore the mysteries of local hero Peach Boy. Then it’s on to Hiroshima and the beautiful Itsukushima Shrine.
Episodes by season
Season01Best season
- S01E01
Go!January 3, 2020James begins his epic journey across Japan on the icy northern island of Hokkaido, throwing himself head first into the physical demands of - S01E02
Cabbage RollJanuary 3, 2020James arrives on the main island of Honshu, and the beautiful region of Tohoku. He seeks inspiration with a mountain expedition and naked pl - S01E03DeodorantJanuary 3, 2020The cherry blossoms are out, and James hits the streets of Tokyo with his new guide Yujiro. As James discovers, this unique city is home to
- S01E04
Hey Bim!January 3, 2020In his epic journey across Japan from north to south, James leaves bustling Tokyo to travel to the ancient capital of Kyoto. Along the way h - S01E05Peach BoyJanuary 3, 2020James arrives in Osaka, Japan’s vibrant good-time city, where Pachinko gambling halls, incredible street food, and stand-up comedy are all o
- S01E06Season's bestPickled PlumJanuary 3, 2020The final leg of James’s journey from north to south finds him in Shikoku and Kyushu – the largest of Japan’s Southern Islands and a stunnin
Season02
- S02E01
Season's bestGod's ApologyJuly 15, 2022James' journey begins on the sunny shores of Sicily, a fascinating island that's been fought over for millennia. Here, where cultures collid - S02E02
House of PainJuly 15, 2022In the beautiful, rural south of the mainland, James is forced to confront a vision of hell courtesy of Dante's Inferno - and a goat that ur - S02E03
Dark MatterJuly 15, 2022All roads lead to Rome, so it was inevitable James would end up in Italy's magnificent capital. But it's not just Romans and ruins, James al - S02E04
Really, Really Nice CheeseJuly 15, 2022James tests his Renaissance man credentials with a spot of art, science, and alchemy in Florence. Emilia-Romagna see the worlds of fast-movi - S02E05
Hey PestoJuly 15, 2022Size matters, as James visits the vast marble quarries of Carrara and the massive Genoa port. Then it's to the elusive, as James searches fo - S02E06
Bye, BimJuly 15, 2022In Milan, James submits to a wardrobe update, tries his hand at some exquisite craftsmanship - and bids goodbye to an old friend. Next stop:
Season03
- S03E01
Season's bestJohnJanuary 5, 2024James' epic journey starts in Mumbai with one of India's top comics. After meeting a Bollywood legend, James heads to Udaipur to fly kites b - S03E02
A Bit Like GlasgowJanuary 5, 2024James finds himself in the capital Delhi, where the heavens open and all the street food is fried. Then it's time to tackle some Indian icon - S03E03
CalamariJanuary 5, 2024In the Himalayas, James experiences Buddhism, tea, and heavy metal. Then to Kolkata, for his big break in Tollywood. And finally, on the man
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