It's not easy to run a show for as long as Tokyo Eye, but it is not hard when you have a talented and experienced staff. I consistently ask myself why the show has worsened, but I also still watch because there aren't many other shows available on Tokyo like this.
I've been a loyal watcher of NHK World in both Germany and now the USA for many years. This used to be one of my favorite programs. Here are a list of things that give this show only a 5 out of 10 for me.
First the positive: The show presents unique places not found in a guide book. This is the biggest value. Tokyo Eye, when it started, was fresh and full of energy. The reports really opened my eyes to Tokyo. Some were very funny and creative! The show always kept me thinking and looking forward to the next episode. It inspired me to visit Japan a few years ago! This leads me to the present where things are not as positive.
1) The host Chris Peppler seems to have no passion for this program or Tokyo. After several years, he looks worn out. It is very obvious to me as a long time viewer. It is not NHK's style to keep the same person for so long so I am not sure why he is still the "navigator" when it is clear there are so many other people who have a passion for both Japan and Tokyo and are talented at conveying a better message.
2) The producers / directors are out of ideas. The topics are interesting one week and absolutely boring the next. I never had this feeling a few years ago. Themes like embassy workers, foreign media hot spots, Tokyo Wolesale Guide (great for the .1% of the audience who sell wholesale, I guess) just mystify me as to why a network like NHK would make a show about it ... some topics are fantastic (Akihabara, Ramen, Odaiba) but I have to be honest, it's the same episode from 2 years ago -- but 2-3 years ago, the reporters were better and the show has passion.
3) The current studio. It's ... It went from a colorful magazine-type studio to some strange Space Age theme with all white to ... all blue screens with gaudy computer graphics. This illustrates my point of the show losing quality, creativity and ideas.
4) NHK does not have to equal "boring". There are many GREAT programs on NHK World. This leads me to believe that whoever is in charge of this program is sinking the ship so to speak.
All in all, it's a good show to watch ON SOME DAYS if you can handle Chris Peppler's lack of excitement and the production's lack of creativity and energy. Check the schedule and see what the topic is before investing / wasting your time.
To end on a positive note, as one reviewer wrote, the show is always changing so maybe we'll have a Tokyo Eye that was as good as it used to be in the near future.
