TV REVIEWS : ‘Japan in America’ Views Culture Clash

“Between Two Cultures: Japan in America,” a look at the culture clash between Japanese nationals living in the United States and the Americans who come in contact with them, has the soft focus and feel of an “official” documentary put out to present a pleasant side to myriad thorny political and social problems.

No doubt that’s because of the show’s underwriters: the International Business Communications Council, an “association of Japanese automobile, computer, electronics and machinery manufacturers committed to improving global cooperation and understanding.”

Producer-writer Peter Argentine clearly understands where the money is coming from: In “Between Two Cultures,” serious issues ranging from racism to economic warfare are touched upon, then quickly become opportunities to bring about positive transformations in the parties involved. Michael Crichton need not apply.

There are some interesting issues raised, but the show’s tone mitigates their impact. There is no mention of violent crimes against Japanese visitors, such as the fatal shooting of two teen-age college students in San Pedro last Friday. And much of the “gee, Mom, those people are different from us” material will be old hat to Southland viewers well-versed in the multicultural lifestyle. * “Between Two Cultures: Japan in America” airs at 10:30 tonight on KCET-TV Channel 28.