
A “really ordinary person from Australia” attempts to become famous in Japan and is making a film about it.
Ever wanted to be famous in Japan? Maybe this upcoming documentary will show you how. The sneak preview of Big In Japan: An Outrageous DIY Fame Journey was released online one week ago and it looks like a very interesting project – one that is likely to be the subject of a lot of conversation in the foreign community over the coming years.
You can check out the Big In Japan teaser here:
Appearing in the documentary teaser is “presenter” David Elliot-Jones, an Australian who describes himself as “really ordinary”. Elliot-Jones tells us that he has moved to Tokyo with two of his friends on an “open-ended mission” to try and make himself “famous”.
▼ Big In Japan documentary presenter David Elliot-Jones
In the trailer, Elliot-Jones can be seen sitting down in a Tokyo park wearing nothing but a pair of swimming trunks and an onigiri (rice ball) head mask. It will be interesting to find out what kind of other crazy stuff Elliot-Jones intends to do to become famous in Japan.
▼ Wearing an onigiri (rice ball) head mask to become famous
The documentary will also explore the idea of fame and what makes it so desirable:
“In an era of instant celebrity, fame is evolving fasting than ever. But what is it? Why do we want it? And what does it take for an ordinary person to get it?”
The documentary will also follow some foreigners who have already made it “big in Japan” including “feisty Aussie cross-dresser (Ladybeard), a starry-eyed Canadian J-pop wannabe (Kelsey Parnigoni) and veteran TV sweetheart, Bob ‘The Beast’ Sapp.”
▼ Richard Magarey aka “Ladybeard” filmed here as a “normal” guy
Richard Magarey aka “Ladybeard” is mainly famous for dressing up in women’s outfits but also has some talent as a heavy metal vocalist. You can check him out here doing a photo shoot with the also famous “Sailor suit old man”. Magarey’s even gone so far as wrestling with “Sailor suit old man” and joined forces with Japanese pop idols to create the Ladybaby band.
Big In Japan: An Outrageous DIY Fame Journey is currently in post-production and will be released independently by Melbourne-based production company Walking Fish Productions.
Sources: Big In Japan, Vimeo/Walking Fish Productions, Facebook/Big in Japan Documentary
Images: Vimeo/Walking Fish Productions




Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
This is possibly the coziest train in all Japan thanks to onboard hot spring footbaths【Pics】
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Security guard arrested in Shizuoka for abandoning 13 liters of urine at pachinko parlor
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
This is possibly the coziest train in all Japan thanks to onboard hot spring footbaths【Pics】
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Security guard arrested in Shizuoka for abandoning 13 liters of urine at pachinko parlor
Beautiful Starbucks in Kyoto blends into its traditional landscape in more ways than one
After 10 years of secrecy, anime song duo ClariS finally remove their masks and show their faces
Weird toothpaste mascot is a big hit with women in Japan
Is Oni Koroshi sake in a drink box wino fuel or a hidden gem?
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Beautiful Starbucks in Kyoto blends into its traditional landscape in more ways than one
After 10 years of secrecy, anime song duo ClariS finally remove their masks and show their faces
Weird toothpaste mascot is a big hit with women in Japan
Is Oni Koroshi sake in a drink box wino fuel or a hidden gem?
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
Sliced mayonnaise and white chocolate now exist in Japan, bringing sandwiches to glorious new era
Abuse Cafe Japan: We get abused by waitresses in maids’ uniforms at Tokyo’s viral pop-up diner
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Japanese restaurant serves noodles that you fold and eat【Taste test】
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
Kyoto becomes City of Yokai, with Night Parade of One Hundred Demons festival this autumn
J-horror classic Ring 2 airing on Japanese TV with Zen monk offering prayers every time someone dies
Leave a Reply