The title character of "Dora the Explorer," the American animated TV series, is a bilingual Latina girl who often takes the time to teach Spanish phrases to the viewing audience. In the Japanese version (TV Tokyo, Mon., 6 p.m.), Dora and her monkey sidekick Boots speak Japanese and teach English when the situation calls for it.

Dora assists in other ways as well. In this week's episode Sun is looking for Rainbow, who should be stretching across the sky over Rainfall Mountain. Dora and Boots decide to help and stumble across the Rainbow hiding behind some large rocks. She tells the Rainbow that the Sun is looking for him, but the Rainbow is too shy to come out and confesses that he's never stretched across the sky as he's expected to do. Dora tries to persuade him to show himself, complimenting his colors and saying it would be a waste not to show them off. Finally, they depart for Rainfall Mountain together.

Actor Eita became a sex symbol when he appeared last year on NHK's yearlong historical drama "Atsuhime." However, his popularity among young women is based on his reputation as a soshoku- kei, or "herbivore," a relatively new appelation describing men who are not sexually threatening.