Having squirmed in
some embarrassment at the violent depiction of American
"history" in the Wild West show, I was somewhat startled to
realize that a Japanese audience would not necessarily
consider that depiction pejorative. The harshness depicted
in the geisha performance reflected a historical reality
that still informs Japanese manners and sensibilities. The
village offers educational as well as escapist
entertainment.
The park is commonly called the Ninja or Samurai Village,
and a spectacular outdoor ninja performance is a major
highlight. In displays of great athletic and acrobatic
skill, ninja stalk one another and battle enemies. The body
count is impressive, and audiences are left emotionally
drained and happily breathless.
As remarkable but far gentler in content is the geisha
water show. A broad comedy of conniving thieves and innocent
travelers, the show hinges on a display of magic tricks and
hidden fountains. The performance is a stunning exhibition
of apparently effortless precision timing.
Ocean bounty.Escapism, natural beauty, fun-filled
activity, and educational worth are all embodied in
Yokohama's Sea Paradise. This is rapidly becoming one of the
Tokyo area's most popular daytime and evening destinations,
for both dating couples and families.
Opened in 1993, it attracts more than seven million
visitors per year. Entrance to the park is free, but there
is a charge for rides and amusements. Although Japan's
largest aquarium and dolphin shows are the feature
attractions, the Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and other
amusement park rides draw the most business. Park officials
compare their fare policy with Tokyo Disneyland's
"all-included" entry fees, pointing out that visitors have a
greater freedom of choice in how they spend their money and
return more readily to Sea Paradise.
