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Thirty Minutes over Tokyo

"Thirty Minutes Over Tokyo"
The Simpsons episode
Episode no. 226
Directed by Jim Reardon
Written by Donick Cary & Dan Greaney
Showrunner(s) Mike Scully
Production code AABF20
Original air date May 16, 1999
Chalkboard gag "I'm so very tired"
Couch gag The couch turns into a shredder.
Commentary Matt Groening
Mike Scully
Donick Cary
George Meyer
Ron Hauge
Matt Selman
Jim Reardon
Guest appearance(s)

George Takei as Wink
Denice Kumagai as Japanese Mother
Karen Maruyama as Japanese Stewardess
Gedde Watanabe as Japanese Father/Waiter
Mako as Battling Seizure Robot
Keone Young as Sumo wrestler

Seasons

George Takei as Wink
Denice Kumagai as Japanese Mother
Karen Maruyama as Japanese Stewardess
Gedde Watanabe as Japanese Father/Waiter
Mako as Battling Seizure Robot
Keone Young as Sumo wrestler

"Thirty Minutes Over Tokyo" is the twenty-third episode and season finale of The Simpsons' tenth season. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on May 16, 1999. In the episode, after being robbed by Snake Jailbird, the Simpsons visit a money-saving seminar, where they learn ways to limit their expenses. Soon, the family can afford a cheap last-minute flight to another country, the only disadvantage being that they do not know where their plane tickets will bring them, which leads them to spend their vacation in Japan.

The episode was written by Donick Cary and Dan Greaney, while Jim Reardon served as director. It was one of the last episodes written in its production line, and its title is a reference to the war film 30 Seconds Over Tokyo. Several guest-stars appeared in the episode, including George Takei as the host for The Happy Smile Super Challenge Family Wish Show. The episode mocks several aspects of the Japanese culture, including the perceived cruelty of Japanese game shows.

The episode was seen by approximately 8 million viewers in its original broadcast. In 2005, the episode was first released on home video, and in 2007, it was released as part of the tenth season DVD box set. Following the tenth season's home video release, "Thirty Minutes over Tokyo" received mixed reviews from critics. Because of a scene in which the Emperor of Japan is thrown into a trunk filled with sumo thongs, the episode has never aired in Japan, as the scene was considered disrespectful.


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