Duggars do Japan (and China)
 

I've never seen any of the Duggar shows (family with tons of children- 19 and counting, etc.) but happened to flip to their latest series on TLC, where they hit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Beijing. I was actually impressed with the Tokyo and the Tokyo/Kyoto episodes. It gives a nice quick look at both cities with some interesting activities, and has fun with their complete lack of cultural knowledge. Also (at least as edited) they were gracious and enthusiastic tourists; definitely not in the "ugly American" model.

For example, they take on a "challenge" where they split into two teams to buy seafood at Tsukiji to later use at a sushi academy. The "samurai experience" was also cute and looked like fun. Yes, they didn't use the right terminology for lots of things, and a recurring joke is how they keep using Spanish to respond, but in a way I found that to be more honest. It didn't give me the semi-queasy feeling I get with most reality shows.

Also, it gets bonus points for never using a variation of the phrase "unique mix of ancient traditions with modern technology." I thought there was some contractual obligation for any show about Japan to beat that dead horse.

Had no idea that there were so many rickshaws in Tokyo.

The older ladies in Asakusa were thrilled to bits to meet the girls after their jinbei shopping and see the photos of their family. One of the very few reality show visits to Japan where the visitors actually bring some genuine joy along with them.

Last time I went to the Czech Republic I'd find myself involuntarily bowing and using the Japanese hand gestures and body language I'd use in Japan. Happily I did just manage to stop myself saying はい and ありがとう, but only just. The Duggars must not be particularly fluent in Spanish.

Only thing that made me queasy was seeing the parents choose their fish buying teams. Must be awful to be one of the kids picked last.