JAPANESE "24" FALLS FLAT

Following a much-hyped and sponsorship-laden promotional campaign, the highly anticipated Japanese version of the hit American show "24" hit the screens last Friday, but already it looks like being the latest in a long list of crossover flops.

The main problem with the show, according to Jun Kaneda, the founder of www.24.co.jp, the premier 24 fansite in the country, is the chronic lack of action.

"In the American original, there was action, intrigue and gripping drama," he moaned. "In the new Japanese version, most of the show takes place in the boss' office, with the Jack Bauer character listening to his boss talking, and patiently waiting for him to authorise and stamp his requests."

This, as well as the "dog-amateur" approach - an example being the ludicrous idea to have the main character wearing an ill-fitting blonde wig - has led to thousands of fans swearing they will boycott the show in the future.

Norinobu Masatsuru, President of TIT television, the TV station that secured the rights to make the show last March, refused to comment.