Studio 360: In Japan

Kurt lands in Tokyo's Shibuya - glitzy and bustling, it makes Times Square look quaint, and it's the epicenter of teen culture. Kurt meets up with blogger Lisa Katayama, who takes Kurt to a girl haven: the sticker picture booth. Striking poses against glittery pink and purple backdrops just might be Japan's secret to happiness.

Next, the Japanese schoolgirl image was made famous by comic books and cartoons. But not everyone thinks they're so kawaii (cute). What do Japanese women make of this archetype? Lisa Katayama met three young art stars whose work reclaims and re-invents female pop imagery, in some disturbing ways. But don't call them feminists.

Finally, Roland Kelts, an expert in Japanese pop culture, takes Kurt to Akihabara, a retail paradise for otaku - obsessive fans of Manga and other Japanese culture. But a recent tragedy casts a shadow over the fun and games. [Broadcast Date: January 9, 2009]