I was in the car with my friend Masami today, and she asked me if I knew what Magical Banana was. But of course! Magical Banana was a segment of brain teaser variety TV show in which celebrities stood inside booths and played a word association game set to a rhythmic beat. It was really popular — kids played it in elementary school to learn language, and we used to play it in high school as a late night drinking game in parks and bars.
In this TV clip from October 1996, Japanese celebrities — including pop diva Amuro Namie — play Magical Banana. It's super fun! You should try it sometime.
What exactly are the rules here? Do you just say related words?
Posted by: Mr_Sands | October 11, 2010 at 05:31 AM
thanks for finding this video! once i saw it i realized i used to watch this all the time with my family. but i still don't remember playing it at Tsubohachi.
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=619752987 | October 12, 2010 at 11:49 AM
And that's how you pay Magical Banana: http://www.jalt-publications.org/tlt/articles/2002/05/elliston
Posted by: Daniel Arruda Santos Anjos | October 12, 2010 at 01:06 PM
http://www.jalt-publications.org/tlt/articles/2002/05/elliston
And that's how you play magical banana!
Posted by: Daniel Arruda Santos Anjos | October 12, 2010 at 01:07 PM
So... should someone start?
Banana to iitara, saru
Posted by: Nomadempire | October 13, 2010 at 05:50 AM
Saru to iitara, Raion
Posted by: Marcomg | October 14, 2010 at 07:27 AM
Lion to ittara jungle
Posted by: Lisa | October 14, 2010 at 01:58 PM