Rambling Rican

SASUKE RISING OFFICIALLY TAPED!

As was discussed before, Sasuke 28 was FINALLY taping this month in Japan. Taping took place over the weekend (Sunday, November 18 at Midoriyama Studios). After a long 16 month wait we finally have a new tournament!

Sasuke Rising starting line

Sasuke Rising lit up at night (image from the road)

The weather cooperated but the previous week and even day before (Saturday) were all soggy and cold with long bouts of rain. Expect when the broadcast airs this tournament next month there will be a LOT lot of mud.. and everyone in coats! Still, I'm so happy it finally taped!

Sasuke Rising Stage 3 (with Stage 4 Final tower in the background) lit up at night

Initial information that Lost in Ube has found is an airing on December 27, 2012 on TBS (Japan). Seems to be a 3 1/2 hour show (which IMO is the perfect length..). As the date gets closer and we know the dates of the Navi (preshow) and any other specials (if any) I'll post a blog post just on the airdate information.

Sasuke Rising stage 2 lit up at night

Edited December 6: 2 Minute Trailer was added and in it's own blog.
Edited December 12: Sasuke Overseas program schedule.
Edited December 13: Updated with Sasuke Rising Navi program schedule.

Official promo of Sasuke Rising (Sasuke 28) ©TBS
Back Row: Sasuke All Stars Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟, Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩, Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦, Makoto Nagano長野誠 and (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己
Front Row: Comedians Wakky ワッキー and Kinnikun Nakayamaなかやまきんに君

As was noted in my previous blog about the taping of Sasuke 28, Lost in Ube found a proposed airdate for Sasuke Rising to be December 27th. Today it's finally confirmed that it is indeed the premiere date for Sasuke Rising (Sasuke 28) on TBS in Japan.

(PREVIEW SHOWS LISTED FIRST)

SASUKE海外進出

Sasuke Overseas
Sunday, December 16, 2012
16:00 JST(4:00 PM local time in Japan)

Station: TBS (Japan)

2:00 AM (Eastern Standard Time) (SUNDAY Morning)
11:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time) (SATURDAY Night)

Additional Time Conversion

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Sasuke Rising Navi (Preview Show)
Sasuke Rising 直前ナビ（仮）
Saturday, December 22, 2012
16:00 JST(4:00 PM local time in Japan)

Station: TBS (Japan)

2:00 AM (Eastern Standard Time) (SATURDAY Morning)
11:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time) (FRIDAY Night)

Additional Time Conversion

++++++++++++++++++

A message to those using Twitter the day of the events. Please use the above Hashtags to see if we can get this to trend on twitter! #SasukeRising

(SASUKE 28 TOURNAMENT)

Sasuke Rising (via TBS Hot Jjyouhou)
Thursday, December 27, 2012
18:30 JST(6:30 PM local time in Japan)

Station: TBS (Japan)

4:30 AM (Eastern Standard Time) (THURSDAY Morning)
1:30 AM (Pacific Standard Time) (THURSDAY Morning)

Additional time conversion

++++++++++++++++++

Sasuke All Stars Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦, (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己, Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩, Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟, Makoto Nagano長野誠 (with his son Kaiou 塊王)

As of now were not told exactly how long it was going to be but the preliminary reports Ube found was somewhere around the 3 1/2 hour broadcast range. Since the date at least was correct we can assume that the time frame is about right. We know already that the show is still being edited so the exact timing won't be known for another couple of weeks when the full schedule comes out. In the past it has fluctuated in minutes (both starting and ending) so I won't update until the actual schedule comes out (the week of the event). We also don't know what is the date and time for Sasuke Navi.

The new tournament is now officially called "Sasuke Rising" (but for all of us it's Sasuke 28 by chronological order). This is the last tournament for the Sasuke All-Stars. 5 of the 6 Sasuke All-stars were scheduled to compete (Bunpei Shiratori being the only one not competing). TBS also put out a couple press releases in addition to the Hot news on their international promotions site. Of note was the confirmation of Ninja Warrior Europe taping next year. (Preliminary locations Scandinavia, Germany, Central Europe, Italy, Spain and France.)

Sasuke Rising Promo video

Edit: There were a couple promotions aired on TBS (morning news shows - Similar to our morning news shows like Today/Good Morning America, etc.). The promotional videos were showcasing the new tournament taped last week and reiterating the premiere on TBS of December 27.

Sasuke Rising Promo video

For the international viewers we have no idea if we will ever see this tournament air. Since G4TV is no longer in existence at the end of this year it is still unclear if Sasuke will ever be shown and subsequently sold worldwide. :( For those of us who watch this live as usual, a reminder to new viewers, TBS does not do repeats so if you plan on getting up early on Thursday morning start making your plans now since it's a weekday morning for us in the Western Hemisphere. All streaming information will always be handled by SMF and will not be posted on this site.

(Left to right) Sasuke All Stars Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦, Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩, Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟, (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 and Makoto Nagano長野誠

As we await Sasuke Rising's official airing on December 27 (known to us as Sasuke 28) usually we are scouring the internet for tiny bits of information. Normally by now I'd do a blog about "So excited for Sasuke 28!" (As I've done for over 4 years now) with my usual dancing Chiyo-chan clip from Azumanga Daioh that I've had on my site .. forever it seems. LOL This time.. I have a lot to write about! TBS posted on their official Sasuke Rising website a video, (almost a month ahead of schedule!) more specifically a 2 minute trailer. The video is embedded though so it was difficult to get a good copy of it enough to even SEE (let alone to blog). Thanks to the enterprising SMF (Sasuke Maniac Forums) members a copy of the video was finally created. Granted they had to use proxy servers and other stuff just to get it the video to LOAD then other programs to try to capture it to share with the rest of the fans.. It's not perfect (slight stutter) but for now this works. I'm told TBS will release a Youtube Copy in the near future.

The trailer starts with an epic crane shot of Sasuke Rising's new course overlooking the Final Stage 4 tower (left), Third Stage lit up in blue in the middle, Second Stage middle top (big ball of white lights) and the First Stage on the far right. The music is awesome by the way.. seems the music is to the soundtrack of the Dark Knight Rises.

Famous impromptu video from Makoto Nagano長野誠 doing a handstand at the top of the mast (that still echoes (to me) a famous badass of the week article)

This is a full 2 minute homage to the Sasuke All-stars in attendance. (Missing Bunpei) As most of you are finally becoming aware.. this is the LAST tournament with the Sasuke All-Stars. As I mentioned a few times already but worth repeating.. they are now officially retired from competition. Bunpei was still injured so he was unable to participate in this final All-star competition.

Shot from Sasuke 24 (where Shingo failed the First Stage)

Taiwan's Lee En Chiリー・エンチ, Katsumi Yamada山田勝己, the only appearance in this video of Sasuke All-Star Bunpei Shiratori白鳥文平, Makoto Nagano長野誠 and Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦 who was blond that tourney

You hear Nagano speaking in the background - I'm told it's "There is no one who loves Sasuke more than Yamada-san so I can't say that I..." (btw he's labelled as "The Legend")

Also from Sasuke 24 is Makoto Nagano長野誠 and Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩

The video shifts to Nagano doing the ritual canning to Takeda right before his run. Voice is of Nagano telling Takeda to do his best. Though I always found it funny because it looked like Takeda was yelling because it hurt so much! LOL

Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩 and his family (Son Reiya just over his shoulder) and wife Miyako

They of course had to dig up old footage of when Takeda's son Reio was born (he's now like 5 years old LOL) and they found a great photo of his wife Miyako... whom I'm convinced he keeps chained in the basement because you almost never see her!

Famous screech heard all around the world (and torturing poor dogs) from current and 2-time defending champion Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治 which coincidentally happened when Nagano failed the First Stage of Sasuke 24

As they cut to Takeda's voice lamenting that "I still have unfinished business". Most knew he retired after Sasuke 25 due to his new job so this was important that he come back for one final shot at the course before they all were retired.

Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩 - Death by Spider Flip from Sasuke 24

Most of us can't get this image out of our minds when it comes to the most heart-breaking Takeda fail. Most notably Takeda's last best chance at finally getting to the Final Stage of Sasuke. Given his last fail and this one in particular it makes sense he would say he had unfinished business.

This part was cool. I posted the full picture above (as some are already using at their avatar on forums). They walked forward to have one ominous photo of them standing together one last time.

Sasuke All Stars Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦, Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩, Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟, (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 and Makoto Nagano長野誠

What I find amusing is that Shingo always finds a way to mess up the photo.. just saying.. LOL It's like "dude I don't have the puffy chest but I'm going to fake it dammit". Another point.. IT WAS COLD!!!!!!!! So I feel bad they had to go shirtless for the photo-op.

(Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 in Sasuke 3

This part was just silent (no voice-over I mean). Just showed Yamada going up the Final Tower but coming short in Sasuke 3. He's never been to the final again.

Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟 preparing for the Third Stage in Sasuke 14

From there they go to Shingo. They went back to old footage of his last Final Stage appearance which was Sasuke 7. For those who lost track he's been to the Final Stage twice. Once in Sasuke 3 and Sasuke 7.

Close up of Shingo's wife Eiko 英子

Btw.. they are calling him the "The Phoenix from Nakadai Interchange" which on further inspection is amusing. I'm told he hasn't worked in Nakadai in over 10 years.. LOL But seriously who cares.. the video is still epic!

Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟 and his painful exit from the Final Stage Tower of Sasuke 7

And we remember what happened to Shingo.. he dislocated his shoulder halfway up the Spider Climb and fell off the obstacle. Ooooooouch.. to this day he still has issues with that shoulder. I can empathize..

From here you get this AWESOME dramatic lighting of the Final stage tower. I assume they did this in the middle of the night because everything but the new Sasuke Rising sign (behind the Start Line of the First Stage) is turned off.

So you get this epic Final Tower lit with the splash of color on the left from the Sasuke Rising sign. It's pretty sweet if you ask me :)

Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦 during his crab fishing days

Now onwards to Akiyama (whom you remember is my favorite Sasuke competitor) showing his journey through Sasuke and the hardships he's had to endure. When we first met him he was still a hairy crab fisherman (yes.. I said hairy crab...) he hails from a tiny village off of the north end of Hokkaido, Japan.

Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦 taking notes with his poor eyesight

It's interesting that while they have a video of him showing how difficult it is for him to actually see (He has degenerative retinoschisis).. there's a voice-over by him saying "With Sasuke, it's all about whether you clear it or not. There is no sympathy about my eyesight or lack of it."

Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦 training on his own to defeat the Jump Hang

They show footage of him in his snowy backyard in Hokkaido to try to defeat his nemesis the Jump Hang that defeated him 3 times in a row (Sasuke 6, 7 and 8).

Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦 failing the Jump Hang

And showing his defeat in Sasuke.. er.. I believe Sasuke 8 - I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong. LOL I had 3 straight ones to chose from so I think this is Sasuke 8.

Rare and last appearance of Yamada's wife

Interesting that they would show Yamada's wife during this clip but it is a reminder of what he gave up for this show. He promised his wife he would conquer Sasuke one last time and retire. She was tired of his obsession and gave him an ultimatum.

(Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 in Sasuke.. er.. hmm 6? Oh I'm sure someone will correct me
(Edit: That one was 7 though, not 6, 6 had the waterfall thing and 7 had the vertical logs.)

Not sure which tourney this was.. though I'm thinking it's Sasuke 6 because his wife was there and he had to beg her to get on the show because he lost his job.. again.. and was spending waaaaaay too much time obsessing over a television show. We all know what happened though.. he ignored his wife's plea after he failed again and she (or his kids have) never been seen since. Apparently a television show is way more important to him than his own family. IMO Pathetic.

(Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 after Sasuke 10

Then of course the "take a drink" drking game that will get you hammered around the world game of "Mr. Sasuke Crying" that TBS ADORES putting up to remind us of his failures and obsession to this television show.

(Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己

Then the token machine workshop video of him at home (since his wife's family owns the metal factory company .. which promptly fired him..) to show he sorta works.. kinda .. when he wants to.

(Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 in his current job selling beer..

And of course the only job he has now is selling beer (only during baseball season though) where he uses his notoriety to make a living since he's been fired from every other place he's ever been employed... Odly seems a good fit.. but I digress again.. we all know I don't like this guy.

(Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 after Sasuke 10

(Thanks to Lost in Ube) Failure during the 10th prompts the clip that TBS LOVES playing where he is crying and says 俺には…、SASUKEしかないんですよ (Ore ni wa...SASUKE shikanaindesuyo) -- which basically means "For me, there is nothing else except SASUKE" (or SASUKE is everything to him).

and the ~~Cannonball Run from Viking~~ ehem.. er.. Spin Bridgeスピンブリッジ

Now to the stuff I wanted to see. Clips from the CURRENT Sasuke Rising tourney coming up in a few weeks. Seems one of my favorite obstacles is back! The Cannonball Run from Viking :)

Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦 on the Rolling Escargotローリングエスカルゴ

Ooooh they have a camera ON the snail.. that's totally going to make me throw up even more! Mwahahah ehem.. wait.. that's not good.. LOL Anyway it's a cool shot no matter how you look at it. Seems they gave the covering a stone front. Also nice to see Akiyama is doing well on it!

The steps are back and they are eating another competitor! Seems they are throwing in various people to throw everyone off as to who's actually failing. That's normal policy on TBS folks ;)

This is a gnarly new obstacles. It's a cross between the Jump Hang and the Jumping Spider. Trampoline to TWO cargo nets held sideways. This guy tried to go on one side (avoiding the support beams in the middle) but missed the net entirely!

This guy got eated by the (what my husband calls the "nards of doom 2.0" LOL) the way Shingo failed it in Sasuke 27.. that's not good..

TWO WALLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay.. I think TBS wants to kill Yamada.. (and Akiyama for that matter).. Yamada has issues with one wall so you are going to give him TWO? Yep.. behold.. we got 2 Warped Walls back to back baby! (Yes.. one is shorter than the other.. the 2nd one is the standard size)

More death from that cargo net .. er.. jumping .. hangy thingie .. this guy at least touched the net before falling off it..

And because rigging is always epic.. and the fact that the kids on SMF psychoanalyze course pics..there you got an overhead of the First Stage :p

And we got.. wtf.. SWIMMING? There's a SWIMMING obstacle? wtf.. yeah.. they did tell us back during the airing announcement/press release there would be swimming.. I'd fail... I can't swim and it was FRIGGIN' COLD! Props to the poor soul who had to do this.. Oh btw this is a 2nd stage obstacle.

Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟

Ooooooh Shingo doesn't have his hat for Sasuke Rising.. so my husband's hat theory.. wait.. that's been nullified.. new course new rules came into effect after Sasuke 24's course domination. Anyway.. now that's he's officially retired from the gas station he no longer needs to use his uniform! I wonder what else he wore..

Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦

Awwwww this is so cute! Akiyama brought his two sons! Older son is Seiryu (Yes.. named after the Azure Dragon) and younger one is Yoshimune. As an aside and not many people know this.. Akiyama LOVES dragons and the kanji for Seiryu青竜 is imprinted on his trademark red pants! LOL he has Seiryu imprinted on his butt.. er.. pants. er.. cheeks.. okay check where his back pockets would be!

Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩

Hmm does he have medical tape all over his neck? I didn't get a look to see if he had his trademark orange pants since he's no longer a firefighter I was curious to see if he had them or not. I hope he's alright.. I mean he did run a friggin' marathon just the week before with Shingo in Gifu Prefecture..

(Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己

Will he STAY retired this time? That is the million dollar question.. LOL Okay okay.. I'll be nice.. will he fail the First Stage for the 14th straight time? There.. that better? :)

Makoto Nagano長野誠

And of course the Legend with his trademark 100 ready to battle the course one.. last.. time. MAN he's fine.. sorry but this man is gorgeous. LOVE his eyes even if he is still waxing his eyebrows a little too tight these days.. Also glad he doesn't have bright orange hair this time.. a nice change.

And one last Nagano breathing photos.. BECAUSE I CAN.. besides.. shows how nervous he is.. one last time is a lot of pressure.

And there you go.. FRIGGIN' EPIC trailer by Sasuke Director Masato Inui 乾雅人. If you liked it half as much as I did feel free to send him a message via his @inuimasato twitter account. He stayed up late nights and battled a bad cold that took him to the hospital to get this epic trailer (and promot videos and tourney of course) to us fans! Let him know! He's done a great job! Especially after an 8 year absence from Sasuke. :)

SO there you have it! SO EXCITED FOR SASUKE RISING!!!!!!!!!! Official Airing (that's what OA stands for) on TBS (Japan) on Thursday, December 27, 2012! For times and time-zone conversions please refer to the Official airing blog entry.

Sasuke Rising 2 minute trailer (TCM copy)

Thanks again to those in SMF (Rider for the proxy trick to even see the site and TCM for a clean synched copy that was able to be shared within the fandom) for their hard work in getting the video out to the international audience (who couldn't see the video from the main TBS site). I'll replace the above link with the official TBS one once it becomes available.

All-Star Makoto Nagano長野誠 laughing at the demise of an ANW4 competitor ©Las Vegas Sun

After the excitement of the 2 minute Trailer for Sasuke Rising (officially airing 2 weeks from now!) we have more Sasuke viewing news! This Sunday in Japan we have the airing of a half hour special commemorating Nagano's trip to the USA to see American Ninja Warrior (ANW4). The program is called "SASUKE海外進出" or "Sasuke Overseas". According to the TBS Schedule for the 16th it is THIS Sunday, December 16, 2012. It is a half hour program.

SASUKE海外進出

Sasuke Overseas
Sunday, December 16, 2012
16:00 JST(4:00 PM local time in Japan)

Station: TBS (Japan)

2:00 AM (Eastern Standard Time) (SUNDAY Morning)
11:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time) (SATURDAY Night)

Additional Time Conversion

All-Star Makoto Nagano長野誠 and ANW4 Announcer Matt Iseman in Las Vegas for the taping of American Ninja Warrior ©Matt Iseman
(... they are holding a sign saying hello to me! LOL)

According to the writeup for the show on Yahoo, it is indeed a half hour show about Nagano's trip to the United States to see American Ninja Warrior 4. Given that it is only half an hour I'm assuming it's going to concentrate on Nagano's trip specifically. We'll see once it airs. Depending on the content I'll decide if I'll do a full blog post on it or just give highlights.

Sasuke All Stars Makoto Nagano長野誠, (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己, Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟 and Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦

Another program coming up is the highly anticipated Sasuke Rising and any events tied to that. It seems that they indeed created a special for the All-Stars (taped Sunday, December 9) that will air sometime during the Special and/or the tournament. (Edit: Official) date for December 22, 2012. Also, duration of that special is 1 hour.

Sasuke Rising Navi (Preview Show)
Sasuke Rising 直前ナビ（仮）
Saturday, December 22, 2012
16:00 JST(4:00 PM local time in Japan)

Station: TBS (Japan)

2:00 AM (Eastern Standard Time) (SATURDAY Morning)
11:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time) (FRIDAY Night)

Additional Time Conversion

Top Row: STQ'er Kazuma Asa朝一眞, Sasuke 23 Finalist Hitoshi Kanno菅野仁志, Sasuke 27 Finalist Ryo Matachi (Cliffer #2) 又地諒, Leader of the New Stars Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治 (or for me (Cliffer #3) the 2 time and defending Champion (Sasuke 24 and 27)
Front Row: Sasuke All Stars Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦, Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟, Makoto Nagano長野誠 and (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己

As I mentioned numerous times, the new tournament is now officially called "Sasuke Rising" (but for all of us it's Sasuke 28 by chronological order). This is the last tournament for the Sasuke All-Stars. 5 of the 6 Sasuke All-stars were scheduled to compete (Bunpei Shiratori being the only one not competing). So given all of this.. The above picture freaked everyone out (the boards just lit on fire). Why? Because of what it could possibly mean for the future stars of Sasuke now that the All-stars are being retired. Of note is one person far back left row. Asa in particular. I for one am happy but for those who are not familiar with him he was re-introduced to us in Sasuke 27. IF this is indeed the future lineup of Sasuke Stars this makes me very happy. I'm hoping more are in that group but for now I'm happy with the current inclusions. The Future seems very bright!

Ryo Matachi又地諒, Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治, Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦, Makoto Nagano長野誠, Hitoshi Kanno菅野仁志 and (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己

Edit: Thanks to TBS updating so quickly the times for Navi and Sasuke Overseas. In addition they put the list of all 100 competitors participating in Sasuke Rising! That's never happened before! I'm so excited! I'm VERY Excited! Btw.. they look GREAT in Suits! Friggin' awesome photo!

SASUKE in ラスベガス (Las Vegas)
長野誠 (Makoto Nagano) 完全密着(Complete and total Coverage)

As I mentioned before there was supposed to be a special airing over the weekend on TBS in Japan. The original program was to be called "SASUKE海外進出" or "Sasuke Overseas" but when we went to double check the TBS Schedule for the 16th.. it turned into SASUKEアメリカ長野誠VSラスベガス which literally meant Sasuke America / Nagano Makoto vs Las Vegas... then I look at the title in the actual show.. and it's different again.. They replace America with Las Vegas in the title, kept Nagano's name then added Kanzen Micchaku 完全密着(Complete and total Coverage) (thanks Bret again for the help with the kanji). I just work here.. never heard of people constantly changing titles literally the day before the broadcast.. Lord knows it's been done before though so I honestly shouldn't be shocked.. but luckily this ran at the exact time (and duration) as I was told previously. With ample notice I was able to see this! Thank you Sasuke Rising website for the heads up!

TBS Announcer Ayumi A kaogi赤荻歩

Anyway, the program starts with someone I don't remember ever seeing before in the context of Sasuke. Get used to him though.. he's not only narrating, he's a part of this show.. a lot. The program was edited like a documentary type thing. It felt like a Sasuke Mania episode actually now that I think about it. Akaogi seems to have been with TBS for a while though I never saw him before (or if I did, I don't remember)..

Right off the bat they start with visuals of Sasuke's past tournaments.

Sasuke All-Star Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩

Mental note I didn't screencap a lot of this as there's a lot of repeated images from past tourneys. I mean, I had to include the "takeda'ing" up the wall with his usual short run up that made it famous.. but there were a lot of thrill of victory/agony of defeat moments shown.

Nagano getting to one of his 5 finals.

We know this all started back 15 years ago in Sasuke 1 in 1997.

All Star Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟

Gosh.. that was back when Shingo was a baby.. friggin' 23 years old.. and well before he even got the title of Sasuke All-Star. Heh.. maybe we should petition Shingo to wear those short shorts again now that he's 38 years old? LOL!

Anyway we are now in 2012 and this is what the entire special is about!

We're going to VEGAS BABY!!

Home of American Ninja Warrior (ANW4)

Where they totally did a 4 stage course just like Sasuke!

And because this is a vs show (whatever that means LOL) here is Sasuke All-Star Makoto Nagano長野誠 riding around in stock footage of his old ship

Where Nagano returns to the place where his son was concei.. er.. where he visited once before in 2008 with his then girlfrie.. yeah he's been here before and recognizes the streets!

Speaking of recognition, it was nice Nagano was stalked at his hotel! Mwahahhahaha Good job guys!

Where Nagano fanboys in California.. hey.. I know this backyard..

And we visit Miyazaki宮崎 for the launch ceremony of his new ship! Were they throwing candy to the attendees?

And this is where the actual title showed up in the program

And now we officially start the show...

Hmm.. seems we have a roving reporter.. I kinda hate these set ups..

Oh.. I see something in the horizon!

ANW4 Final Stage Tower is visible on the right!

Where they show the course being maintained by someone with a chinese hat..

And test run (hello Mike Bernardo!)

Dude there's totally a goofy guy coming up.. you see him?

Oh! Nagano-san! (what's with the pose..)

Yeah.. not sure about that pose.. just saying..okay okay.. Akaogi's just bending because Nagano is so damn short.. LOL

Anyway they sit.. er.. stand and talk about the American course

For most people, Nagano is known as the Captain of the Konpiramaru 28

Where 300 days a year he slaves away fishing (27 days out at sea with 5 days off for 12 straight months)

And for the love of everything holy he's not a whaler.. we've established he fishes for horse mackerel or what they call Aji アジ

just to prove how f'ing hard his nuts are.. LOL

Hey there's his famous fanclub with his ex-wife, kids and employer!

Because we know that this was his 2nd tournament (but first televised appearance) in Sasuke

And his first failed final

And his second..

But the 4th one stood!

And there was much rejoicing from the All-Stars

and since we don't get tired of watching him win we'll hear his speech again

While the All-Stars strike a pose (Shingo with the Nike shirt, Takeda with his usual aversion to sleeves but doesn't man up and just wear wifebeaters™ all the time and Akiyama whom I wonder if he just sees one big dark blur..

Nagano being sincere about how much he loves his friends

Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦 probably giving up looking at him because he can't see jack anyway

All-Star Bunpei Shiratori白鳥文平 man.. I totally miss him!!!

(Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 looking... pensive (hey I'm being reaaally good now)

Oh I know.. let's dump the bastard in the water because he managed to avoid it all 4 stages

Because THIS was the only reason you were supposed to be thrown in.. (I'm digressing aren't I? :p )

TBS reminding us that 153 countries receive Ninja Warrior.. but now that G4 is gone.. 153 countries won't see Sasuke Rising.. just.. sayin'..

Going for stock footage! Back in 2010 TBS sent 3 Japanese stars to the USA!

And of course since this is a Nagano special I'll note that the other 2 that went were (now 2-Time) Current Sasuke Champion Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治 (white shirt on the right) and Yoshiyuki Okuyama奥山義行 (Black shirt far right)

And although the chyron says 2010 this was 2011 where only his clothes were deemed worthy of going to the USA by G4...

Anyway back to 2010.. where he failed the prelims course.. LOL

The TBS announcer says he was a "Super Hero" in America

And the following year he went to Malaysia

And was interviewed by the press as Nagano was representin

And meeting the Prime Minister made him a "Super Star"

Now in 2012 - April to be exact

He's again instantly recognized by fans in the USA

Signing autographs wherever he goes

And because TBS likes slumming it.. they made him take public trans..

"Ninja Warrior"?

Thaaaaaaat's.. riiiiiiight

LOL he's happy he's recognized in public trans in the US

I told you!!! (LOL)

Seems he was instantly recognized even in the lobby of the hotel

And everywhere he went

and the lobby again (this was the 2nd part from the beginning with the hotel stalkers.. LOL)

Meanwhile back at the ANW4 course Nagano stares into the distance

You see that? THAT'S IT.. that's all the testing he does.. take a picture man.. take a picture!

Okay sign. Nagano approves of this obstacle

meanwhile he's asked if he's going to be running the course

and of course he says he won't because NBC found some legal reason to deny him the opportunity (yes.. that's the official reason folks.. sad isn't it)

But YOU should try! (meaning the announcer)

So.. in a cool night in Las Vegas.. the lone Japanese representative..

Uhm.. er.. ..

Dude.. what goes on in Vegas.. stays in Vegas..

Ooooooh they are doing the mini caning ritual.. wasn't.. sure..

Anyway.. doing the typical TBS sky crane shot while doing long introductions..

TBS Announcer Ayumi A kaogi赤荻歩 does his own long-winded and over-blown introduction about saving the reputation of Japan or some nonsense

Nagano giggles at the absurdity of it all

to the packed crowd of about a dozen people who have no bloody clue what the hell he's saying anyway..

And we're off!

But first.. daaaaaaaaaaaaamn.. Sasuke Rising.. YEAY BABY!!!! I mean it still looks awesome. This is just a quick teaser with images from the 2 minute Trailer

Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦 on the Rolling Escargotローリングエスカルゴ in the upcoming Sasuke Rising tournament!!!!!

SASUKE RISING BABY!!!!!!! BE THERE!

December 27, 2012!

Anyway as if to break the spell of the awesomeness of the 2 minute trailer.. Nagano is back laughing and cheering on the TBS announcer

I'm sorry.. were you expecting differently?

Nagano yells, bends over and starts cackling

TBS Announcer Ayumi A kaogi赤荻歩 - Death by Step Slider

Meanwhile because you know they milk that crane shot rental for every last penny...

Rare photo of Master control

ANW4's top 100 competitors from 6 regions across the USA

Akaogi's totally pumped as we bring you the highlights

First stage.. there were a lot of fails

Awwww...

But who the hell cares? We only care about 2 people!

Brent Steffensenブレント・ステフェンセン

and

David Campbellデイヴィッド・キャンベル

Here's his entry video you might remember

Reminding us that in Sasuke 26 he passed to the 3rd stage where he was fast-forwarded through most of the tourney.. LOL

Nagano wishing Brent Good luck

LOL and TBS just about says "yeah enough about him bring on David"

Because we know TBS loves him

And covet his back yard.. well technically it's not his.. and it's no longer there.. but who cares it's on this special!

TBS reminding us of how close David got to clearing the UCH from last year

David Campbellデイヴィッド・キャンベル the 2-Time 3rd stage competitor

Okay now we explain why we are here again as we saw him already in Vegas.. where can he be going to then?

Ohhhh I see it. This is Death Sasuke! (Santa Cruz, California) (btw David he called it cool)

Dude.. you know what I could totally do with all of this friggin' acreage?

TBS freaking out about the size of the course LOL

Nagano trying out the double Salmon Ladder

And the ultimate cliffhanger he failed in Sasuke 27....

And the Warped wa.. wait.. wtf.. this sucker goes HIGHER?

And a moment of silence to the now dead Death Sasuke as it was dismantled shortly after this visit (the land was sold)

Because I can.. ehem.. sorry back to the course and the real tournament

David!

David Good luck! (yes he said it in English)

David Campbellデイヴィッド・キャンベル

America Number 1

Nagano's name and face are announced to the viewing public on NBC as he giggles..

TBS showing David running the course

Watching intently

Jumping Spider

Nagano watching and talking to the announcer

Sorry that wall looks so damn weird with the flat bottom..

And we ... nooooooooooo! David Campbellデイヴィッド・キャンベル Death by Spinning Bridge (I say spinning bridge because this one was weird.. it .. bounced.. and that's what the announcers said :p

Nagano can't believe what he's watching

.. just like Shingo..

But Nagano loves him anyway

And so does TBS

Nagano saying "next time good luck"

Shame NBC had never had any intention of sending David to Sasuke Rising... but I'm digressing aren't I?

Need I remind you that TBS doesn't like Brent? He's being fast forwarded AGAIN! ROFL

We still get reaction shots though after his clear

And just like that we are onto the 2nd stage!

Where 18 failed..

And Brent still showboats to his homies before he starts..

LOL and fast-forwarded again..

as Nagano is intently watching

As we see him waste ridiculous time..

and barely passes the Metal Spin

As Nagano hops up and down like a kid

And NBC fabrica.. okay I'm being good okay?

Brent Steffensenブレント・ステフェンセン being told he passed Stage 2 by NBC

And the confusion of everyone else there who saw him fail..

wow they passed him didn't they?

LOL even his own posse knew this wasn't legit as there's confusion even among some of the faithful LOL

Nagano doesn't care as he congratulates the one passed by NBC

LOL Nagano said he didn't think he would pass

LOL and Brent acknowledges he didn't know he would either

So.. anyone going to pass stage 3?

But forget that crap.. HOLY MOSES SASUKE RISING IS COMING!!!

Where people are speculating wtf this thing is called..

and there's a SWIMMING obstacle in Sasuke...

Oh yeah Stage 3 and we are TBS and this is Brent so we are fast-forwarding him AGAIN

And .. there goes his shirt

That's okay Ayumi.. we're in America... it's almost expected

You sure?

Yeah you get used to it.. besides.. I've done once before!

Brent rocking the UCH

Thaaaaaaat's right homies I did that!

Nagano having kittens! while the Akaogi looks like he has to pee

btw we are still fast-forwarding btw.. because the wait between the obstacles was epic

so we just go to the Takeda-style fail

oooooooh...

Brent Steffensenブレント・ステフェンセン - Death by (checks SMF to see what they called it) Hang Climbing (same as TBS I think)

And TBS showing the celebration of the UCH as the first American to pass the obstacle

And TBS having to explain to those at home why there's a celebration after he failed the 3rd stage.. Because only Americans celebrate defeat.. it literally was told that it was because he passed the UCH.. At least he wasn't thrown in the water...

And the final interviews about the event

Mental note about Brent.. he wasn't even invited either to Sasuke Rising.. just sayin'.. that's messed up NBC...

okay this is .. weird.. a jump cut making Nagano look shorter than he already is..

LOL Jump cut again.. who the hell edited this?

Speaking of assault on the senses

We go to Miyazaki (where he had to quickly fly back from the USA to go to the Maguro Festival and THEN this event all in a span of a couple weeks..)

K old footage again. Everyone knows the 28th Konpiramaru

and what it looked like in that little boat

Well check out the new wheelhouse of the 50th Konpiramaru

第50金比羅丸

Footage from the Launch Ceremony

Mr. Takasu doing the honors of naming him the ship Captain of the 50th Konpiramaru

And Nagano accepting the honor

I forget what number the big blue ship is.. either way this is the docks in Nobeoka where the ceremony is taking place

Nagano cruising around for the cameras and the attendees

if ya'll are paying attention during past geography lessons that's the island of Kyushu (bottom island) they are on the middle right of that island on the East side.

Maneuvers at sea

Nagano throwing what looks like a bike seat..

LOL and like a Puerto Rican wedding they almost fist fight for the seat!

Damn.. it was just my seat..

Because I can..

Sasuke Rising commercial!

LOL it does look like his seat from the 28th Konpiramaru

I feel gipped I thought I'd see a bloody lip or something considering how hard fought that was

May you enjoy my used butt rest..

So strange not seeing M9 in the credits anymore... Seems DEX did this show. And no they are not the ones producing Sasuke Rising.

And.. because we were just talking about Sasuke Rising.. the last 10 seconds are dedicated to it!

LOL the new Rolling Escargo camera looks sweet!

as this poor bastard's demise looks epically funny!

And there goes the nards of doom.. er.. sorry.. Cannonball run.. er.. sorry Spin bridge taking out yet another person.

and because Nagano tearing up is news in my book..

and.. wow that water tank is deep.. I'd totally fail this thing. I CAN'T SWIM

btw.. doesn't this totally look like Asa??

And Nagano taking his final steps in Sasuke

COME SEE SASUKE RISING NEXT WEEK!

Thanks soooooooooo much for Jason who provided my WIST Feed. Thanks to SMF's blt and scnoi for streaming it to those who stayed up to watch this. Thanks to jams for providing my copy so I can blog this (sorry it's a day late..) and thanks to TBS for actually letting us know this was even coming! Usually in the past I'm bitching because we don't know when things are coming and we had ample notice for this! I'm super stoked for Sasuke Rising. Make sure you come and see Sasuke Navi first this Friday night!

After a huge more than year long void of no Sasuke news.. Sasuke Rising is making up for lost time! We are less than a day away (airs tonight) from the highly anticipated Sasuke Navi (Preview Show) and less a week until the actual Sasuke 28 tourney airing in Japan (airs on Thursday) and we already have 2 videos to talk about! That is in addition to the 2 minute All-Star Farewell Trailer and the Nagano visits Las Vegas half hour special!

We have ~~2 new trailer/videos~~... er. Make that THREE (as I was about to hit the publish button LOL!!) anyway.. THREE new trailer/videos to talk about! First up is a 3 minute international trailer that was posted on the official TBS promotions YouTube Page. It is a subtitled (in English) promotional video for Sasuke Rising with the participation of the foreign countries currently involved.

It shows Shingo, Yamada and Nagano clips from Sasuke past to explain that 2700 attempts (NOT PEOPLE G4.. oh wait.. they are gone so need to shout anymore..) were made on the course over the past 15 years.

And they acknowledge that we will be watching! mwahahahahahhaha ehem.. yes.. I'm waking up at 2 am tonight to watch Sasuke Navi! Damn skippy! Oh yeah at 4:30 am next week! I'll be watching with plenty of popcorn!

They go in a small bit explaining about how US has a spin off named American Ninja Warrior that did their 4th season (technically 8th if you include the ANC competitions but who's counting anyway.. ) and even though this happened NBC still made the American representatives pay their own way to Japan.. /facepalm AND didn't invite the current ANW Stars to compete.. but yeah I'm not raging about that or anything.. nah.. nothing to read here..

Sasuke Singapore debuted this year and sent 2 athletes from that competition to Sasuke Rising (airing next week).

Sasuke Malaysia finally aired this year though it was taped last year. They sent 1 athlete to Sasuke Rising.

Farid whom we met last year conquering what I call the "Nagano" final with the spider walk. Well.. a mini version but who cares that's my favorite final!

Same competition from last year that had Nagano visit and became a superstar by meeting the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

And finally they talk about Ninja Warrior Europe that is currently in the works.

Seems the producer had mud in his eye for this pic LOL They were present during Sasuke Rising's taping (from November) to get a feel for how it runs in one day.

Now they cut to the part I like. Spoilers for this tourney! Mwahahahahhaha

I totally am loving this new camera on the Rolling Escargot. It's showing this poor soul's futile attempt to stay on the snail. Yep you guessed it.. he's going for a drink of the septic sludge!

And the ~~Cannonball Run from Viking~~... er... er.. sorry.. Spin bridge is still one of my favorite if not THE favorite obstacle of Viking.. er.. Sasuke!

Ooh another WHHHHHHIFF of that new jump Hang sideways with poles thingamajig that they have for this new tourney. Looks evil..

I see a string of hairy crab! That can only mean one thing!

Yeah! That's All-Star Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦

And All-Star Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩

and.. wow are they crying?? All-Star Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟

And All-Star (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 who's doing mental steps of how to defeat this course.. one.. last .. time. There. They confirmed already this is the LAST tournament with the Sasuke All-Stars.

The reminder of the full tourney airing next week! But don't forget Navi is tonight! We'll be watching! Worldwide! Mwahahhahaha

TBS promotional video in full

And there is the link above to the first video I just screen-capped. The 2nd video came from a website that we couldn't watch called Dogcatch. The video was region blocked. Luckily, both the TBS international sales and the new Sasuke Rising Facebooks posted the video on their site.

This was a dogcatch produced 12 minute interview with the producer and director of Sasuke and showed a lot of the course.. in the rain.. (presumably from the day before since the Saturday before was pouring and the Sunday taping was clear of rain). View from the startline of the First Stage.

What's cool is that even though most of this is covered in rain and only clips of it the kids on SMF went crazy over the obstacles. LOL but that's nothing new. This is presumably the 2nd stage (oh I'm sure I'll get messages correcting me if I'm wrong)

This is the 3rd stage and all the wild speculation begins about the new Cliffhanger! and that bar.. and what could it possibly mean? omg omg that's totally yada yada.. wait for the tourney folks..

And the final tower with no one on it. Because they taped it the day before and the sky is filled with rain clouds!

And because this is all Japanese.. I have no idea wtf is on the screen. Either way it's there so we see the first obstacle and of course that exploding sign start line.

And we get a nice glimpse of the first stage.. and the 3rd behind that.. oh I can hear the hardcore kids squealing and circling blocks..

Seems they had 3 rookies show up to test the course (presumably of that website that posted the video). TBS' site had this write up:

What happens when average 20-something or 30-something man-or-woman-in-the-street takes on SASUKE? You can guess, right?
Well, now you don’t have to. Check it out, and keep watching as the producers and creators talk about the new SASUKE RISING.

LOL first guy slips on the first step.. badly..

The girl ALMOST makes it.. then slides backwards..

And .. ewwwwwww.. that's a lot of mud..

2nd guy makes it past the steps and he celebrates! LOL

And has trouble mounting the .. ooh check out where they have the camera..

And.. LOL off he goes head first into the septic sludge!

No idea what he's saying but taking the time here to show the rest of the First stage

Man that flying cargo net thingie looks pretty epic..

And we see the first of TWO walls..

Yep.. here is the 2nd wall..

Now they go into the main interview section. (which is long btw and entirely in Japanese)

Sasuke's new Producer is Hiroki Kikuno 菊野浩樹

As he's talking they are showing parts of the course.

Hmm the course seems shorter to me? Nothing wrong with that actually.

Yep that's where the camera is. LOL they provide epic vids of the wipe outs!

Cargo net flying thing into the first of the walls

and right into the 2nd wall (note the fireman poll (left) where you jump down to the 2nd wall)

and the view of the walls from that cargo thingie.. so.. jumping to one of the sides.. wow..

Masato Inui乾雅人 is the Director.

Inui was the Sasuke Director from Sasuke 1-13. After an 8 year absence he's back! Oh and you can see the whole video here. Facebook wouldn't allow me to embed this particular video for some odd reason..

Next is actually links to Sasuke Rising's new Facebook page. Between this one and the TBS prosales page (the ones responsible for international sales of TBS produced shows) we've been kept up to date with all things Sasuke! A nice departure of the last 4 years of pulling teeth!

Next is a link to the tbs merchandising sales website.. seems they now have a Sasuke merchandise section! NO idea if they have overseas shipping so don't ask me.... They have towels and shirts from the current tournament Sasuke Rising!

The shirts are being modeled by the 2 American representatives that paid their way to Japan! Will Dodd and Joseph Lobeck! Glad TBS used their likeness to pimp the new shirts that fit American bodies! mwahahahahha I want a shirt or towel.. just saying..

I was surprised when I went to publish this blog. I was about to hit the button when I decided to check my twitter (which had a few messages waiting for me). Lo and behold a THIRD video link showed up! I was very surprised of the content. P.S. I just noticed that when I screencapped this directly from the page... check out who liked the videos.. just saying :) This message is approved by Yuuji himself! mwahahahahahha

Yuuji video on TBS Facebook

You have NO IDEA how much this makes me VERY happy to see TBS finally promoting their 2-Time and Defending Grand Champion Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治. What makes this video so great is that not only is it a beautifully recorded video .. but it's SUBTITLED IN ENGLISH!!!!!!!! I mean I completely understand that the tournament will not be subtitled, nor Navi.. but I'm so happy we get small clips (one above promoting the tournament and this one promoting Yuuji) further heightening excitement for this tournament AND acknowledging the international crowd that is faithfully watching their show live as it airs in Japan. So THANK YOU TBS for promoting your show. I pray to God that translates to very high ratings. I know as a foreign viewer I'm eagerly awaiting the tournament. I hope Japan is just as excited.

(Left to right) Sasuke All Stars Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦, Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩, Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟, (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 and Makoto Nagano長野誠

Finally, As a daily reminder from TBS to watch Sasuke Rising on their Facebook page they put up a couple of pictures. This one was from today and it had the 5 All-Stars who attended this tourney! (Bunpei was not present). I'm happy to see my boy Shingo still has what it takes to mess up a picture.. LMFAO!!!!! LOOK AT HIM!!!!!!!! he said he was cold because they made him take off his shirt when it was freezing.. I'm sorry but I LOVE that picture. Anyone else super excited for the Sasuke Rising!??

Title for Navi - Sasuke Rising: 放送直前スペシャル
(housou chokuzen special) {Chokuzen is "immediately before"}

It's that time again! This is Sasuke Navi 「SASUKE」ナビ- which is a 1 hour special promoting Sasuke Rising (better known to us as Sasuke 28! Previous Sasuke Navi's can always be found on my site (Sasuke Navi 27, Sasuke Navi 26, Sasuke Navi 25, Sasuke Navi 24, Sasuke Navi 23, Sasuke Navi 22 and Sasuke Navi 21). Massive thanks to Jason again for helping us with the paid service (WIST) and to scnoi and blt (from SMF) for hosting a stream for the community. Massive thanks for Jams for helping us all out in getting a clean copy of the show so I can do this blog! Thanks to Bret for his help with some last minute kanji and translations! Everyone watching online at that time (and remembered the right date.. LOL) is what makes this experience so fun! Btw.. mental note I'm going to take my time with these blogs.. I don't want to get sick. LOL

As you can tell from the frequency of blogs of late that THERE IS A TOURNAMENT COMING! This is the special everyone was waiting for and it's finally here! The tournament preview show starts right at the dramatic night line up in front of the Final Stage Tower. This was in all of the commercials, teasers, etc. aired so far and prominent here.

As it has been said already this is the LAST tournament with the Sasuke All-Stars. The 5 here represented are (Left to right) Sasuke All Stars Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦, Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩, Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟, (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 and Makoto Nagano長野誠 (Bunpei was not present)

TBS Facebook posted the above pic as a wallpaper.. Drool...

Immediately they show Stage 2 lit up dramatically. There have been stark changes to this stage including a huge addition that contrasts it from years past.

We get a spoiler highlight reel right from the top of the show! Wipeout at the Rolling Escargot..

Another at the ~~Cannonball Run from Viking~~... er... er.. sorry.. Spin bridge

And another from the new Jump Hang-type obstacle that had me perplexed for a while

And HERE IT IS!.. We've been calling it the "water tank" for a little while now since we didn't have a name for it.. but THIS is the new Stage 2 obstacle in Sasuke. Now you have to SWIM in stage 2.. wow... poor bastards who can't swim (or can't swim fast) will be crying looking at that..

And the moneyshot of the tournament: (Left to right) Sasuke All Stars Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦, Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩, Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟, (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 and Makoto Nagano長野誠 Take a good look folks.. this is the last time you'll see them compete!

As expected they will be spending some quality time going through the history of Sasuke and the Sasuke All-stars. Starting with All-Star (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 (I'm not even going to try to name the tournaments these clips are from. It's not important anyway :) )

And All-Star Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦

All-Star Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟

All-Star Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩

All-Star Makoto Nagano長野誠

Sasuke All-stars (with Bunpei Shiratori白鳥文平 in the middle) celebrating Nagano's win.

And just to highlight.. not all was pretty with the All-stars. Now TBS takes the time to explain how much they have been sucking lately.. LOL Here's Akiyama totally whiffing on the Half Pipe Attack.

And one of the plank fails of Shingo.. This one being the most painful because he actually CLEARED before his feet tripped him up..

And who can forget the dramatic Warped Wall time out that retired (again) Yamada from a couple tourney's back. (yes.. he's back again and this time didn't have to beg)

TBS interviewing Yamada.. probably being cruel right now..

Akiyama just laughing off whatever he was asked

Akiyama running on the beach in a gorgeous winter backdrop

Takeda in a gym

LOL Nagano's shot looks washed out.. he's running

And Yamada working out at home... dressed up

And yes people are running with pads on their elbows and knees

Speaking of pads.. you place your breasts gently against.. wow could you imagine the male dominated crew rushing to see the camera on this obstacle right about now? LOL

And a top down view of the new Jump Hang.. yes.. another whiffing

Who's cuisine will reign supreme? Crap.. wrong show.. Oh btw the title came right about here.

Just to let you know they used this commercial over and over and over again. The full version was part of the 2 minute All-Star trailer I blogged about earlier in the month.

We're back and they start at the beginning again. Sasuke 1. A project spin off from Kinniku Banzuke back in 1997. One could argue that Sasuke became a lot more famous than it's parent show Banzuke. Btw a little known fact (for those who never followed the original and only listened to G4's horrible dub that was often wrong.. Sasuke's course has always been referred to in Japan as the Iron Castle)

Still showing history of the course over the years (no I didn't post all clips)

Now we are up to 2012. After a long year and a half absence here we are!

The new stage 2! We've got spotlights coming out of the wazzu!

And we got a new chick alert.. Seems we are going to be talking about obstacles already!

And .. oh that's what Inui was talking about. The CG of the First Stage introduction.

Seems they are just highlighting certain features. As you know this is the ~~Cannonball Run from Viking~~... er... er.. sorry.. Spin Bridgeスピンブリッジ in Stage 1.

I actually love this obstacle from the first time I saw it on Viking. I'm so happy it's back. Unlike the bouncy wtf disaster of ANW4.. it's nice to see the original come back with a new polish.

Here they are showing what the old Jump Hangジャンプハング looks like. There have been a few variations on it and a lot of mixing of this obstacle with something else.

This.. is the new iteration of that thing. It's called the Jump Hang Kaiジャンプハング改 and it's basically the Jump Hang with 2 cargo nets facing away from each other. Originally in the earlier video angles provided it looked like the pipes supporting it were vertical but they are horizontal.

Seems straight forward enough.. pick a side and jump .. splash.. yeah.. trying to grab a smaller surface area because it's sideways is going to reaaaally kill a lot of people!

Here it is in reverse (and testing/building phase) where someone tries to grab it from one side

Here's another staple of Sasuke. The Soritatsu Kabe (そり立つ壁) of what I got used to calling it - the Warped Wall because of the G4 broadcasts.

Well damn.. now there's TWO of them. Here's the *Ni Ren Soritatsu Kabe 2連そり立つ壁 or what I call the Double Warped Wall. G4 is dead so I can call it that if I want :p Bite me. basically you start off with the a lower wall

and you end up with the normal size wall everyone is used to. Only.. back to back. The block in black you see on the left is where the firepole is to drop down from the first wall into the well of the second wall.

And there you have it. People who had a lot of trouble with the walls (Cough.. Yamada.. cough) will have a heart attack when they see THIS in their path..

Okay. Now for Second Stage highlights!

It's that chick again..

Ya'll remember the Double Salmon Ladderダブルサーモンラダー

Where you go up one full side then jump and continue another set of rungs up the other side?

Well.. where you TRIED to go up the other side..

Well.. we are going to make it different. Instead of going up one side completely..

They want you to go up jumping across in intervals over and over until you reach the top.

And there you have it. The Swap Salmon Ladderスワップ・サーモンラダー

As you can tell from the building of the obstacle that unlike the CG of the obstacle.. the rungs do not pop in and out.. it's a solid set of rungs. The graphic was to show the direction they want you to go up.

At least that's my take on it. The suckers are bolted in as such. I think the SMF kids are taking the graphic too much to heart. Though we'll see shortly if any of us interpreted the graphic correctly on Thursday. I'm also curious if you are allowed to outright jump the rungs if you can do it.. You know.. the way Keita Tomino富野恵太 (Cliffer #4) did like 3 years ago? LOL

Edit: I asked the director.. he laughed and said no you can't.. ahahahhahahahaha

So that's one of the major changes to Stage 2.

I see Wall Liftingウォールリフティング still finishes the stage.

And.. here is what has people going nuts on the SMF boards.

THIS is what we called the Water Tank (in the absence of a name given before). But it's actually called the Back stream バックストリーム

Back stream is a water tank with jets of water (presumably to give you current resistance?) as you go across the water to the next obstacle.

TBS provided this photo today as a "countdown to Sasuke" on their Facebook page. This is an example of someone inside the back stream in action.

Onwards to the 3rd stage highlights!

In the past they've given you variations of the Cliffhanger (btw.. why is perennial favorite Yoshiyuki Okuyama奥山義行 NOT in Sasuke? Wtf..)

Now.. we have the Crazy Cliffhanger クレイジークリフハンガー

Yes you heard me right.. This is the Crazy Cliffhanger.. why is it called Crazy??

THAT is why.. it's been mixed with the Spider Flip where you have to JUMP from one cliffhanger ledge to another Cliffhanger ledge BEHIND YOU!

Now.. what I find amusing in this whole thing is that I've seen this before.. again.. built by the Cliffers in their endless pursuit of Cliffhanger domination.

I put this up so you can see about how wide the jump is with someone on it.

Usually perspective of the cameras can't exactly show distance very well.

Oh.. and for the record.. those of us who have been following SuperSheep's SIM Sasuke.. THIS IS SHIN CLIFFHANGER ELITE (SCHE).. that's all I have to say.. so technically there are 2 people that should get royalties for this obstacle.. LOL

ANYWAY.. those are the highlights in Sasuke. Are you pumped yet?

Up next are the profiles of the retiring Sasuke All-stars

(Insert of commercial clip that played over and over) Akiyama with his 2 boys.

Anyway we are back with the remaining 5 Sasuke All-stars. If you want to get technical.. the original ones as Bunpei was added last but first to retire.

Akiyama video showing how difficult it is for him to actually see (He has degenerative retinoschisis)

and stock footage of him training at home

And Stock footage of Takeda who is no longer a fire fighter LOL

And Shingo who no longer works at the gas station

Yamada who still sells beer because he still doesn't have a real job..

And superstar Nagano who has been traveling the world

And meeting Prime Ministers

Shingo.. wow this is old. He looks the same though.. that's scary..

Takeda with what we now consider to be an easy cliffhanger LOL

Nagano when he used to not dye his hair every 10 seconds and had his original teeth..

Akiyama at the original Jump hang

Yamada's last and only taste of the final.. so close..

Shingo being bored and playing with his middle finger..

Takeda looking like he needs a nap..

Yamada from previous years

All-star constant reaction.. "Gaaaaaaaah.."

The next section is the All-star section. I decided to break this up into the next blog but here is the preview until I post the new entry. Sasuke All-star Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦 (whom you remember is my favorite Sasuke competitor) who hails from a tiny village off of the north end of Hokkaido, Japan. Where it snows... a lot..

Akiyama is 39 years old (He'll be 40 in January)

Takeda is 37 years old

He's the baby of the All-stars a full decade younger than Yamada

Nagano is my age 40 years old

Wow the camera they used on him is so washed out.. it looks .. weird..

As I mentioned before, Yamada is 47 years old

LOL he hears cars coming..

And decides to stop trying to do pull ups so damn close to the side of the road.. he's about to get run over.. ahahahhahaha I guess that's quite the additional hazard of having such a thing so close to the roadside.

And finally Shingo is 38 years old now

LMFAO on TBS being bastards about this.. The average age of the All-stars is 40.2 years old! ZOMG... open the nursing home!

Mini commercial again this time with just the All-stars. Takeda and Akiyama doing the secret handshake.. can't tell with the damn chyron in the way LOL

Takeda trying to adjust the new knee and elbow pads.. so strange seeing him without his orange pants.. but he no longer uses them.

I hope we have more of a "busy" startline as we have before. He looks nervous..

Shingo's clip which by now I have just about memorized.

Yamada spending time alone in the cold

LOL Nagano passing back the Sasuke Spray I assume he bathed in..

Preview of the next part of the Sasuke Navi Blog!

PART TWO - HERE

(Left to right) Sasuke All Stars Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦, Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟, Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩,(Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 and Makoto Nagano長野誠

Part 1 can be found here!

All Star Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦

This is part 2 of Sasuke Rising Navi. A 1 hour preview show on the upcoming Sasuke Rising (or what we know as Sasuke 28) coming to TBS (Japan) on Thursday! We now got to the portion of the show where they review one last time the backgrounds of the remaining Sasuke All-stars who are going to be retired at the end of this tournament. Yep.. this is the LAST tournament with the Sasuke All-Stars.

LOL so rare to see Akiyama yelling something.. he's usually so reserved on camera! Maybe he's screaming SCREW THIS I'M FRIGGIN' COLD! I mean seriously.. there's snow on the ground and he's nekkid.. wtf.. he's blind not stupid!

So when we first met Akiyama he was was very young! 15 years have past folks!

By now you all know he can't see very well. (He has degenerative retinoschisis)

However he was an avid wrestler.

And fisherman! He fished for hairy crab! Think Deadliest Catch.. but in Hokkaido!

and no for the last time.. HE CAN'T WEAR GLASSES.. I get that question a lot... THINK a little.. if he could benefit from wearing them.. don't you think he WOULD HAVE? /facepalm

I swear his hair gets higher when I see him..

What he's known for - a string of hairy crab (those things are actually expensive.. I suspect people would want to steal the line when he's done.. LOL)

And of course we all know he was the very first winner of Sasuke.

But after his victory.. he started to suck..

aaaaaand suck some more..

and.. suck even more..

But dude kept training hard

and continue to change his look

and still rocking those rock hard abs

and I swear he's plucking those eyebrows a weeeeee bit too thin these days..

TBS drilling the point home he's blind as a bat at night..

Hmm.. first the snow on the ground with the running and now with the log.. are we channeling Rocky IV?

So here we are at Midoriyama with the highest hair yet!

and the thinnest of eyebrows ever..

This is the last tournament for Akiyama as he runs into the history books..

TBS posted this as part of their countdown to Sasuke Rising

Up next we have Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟

Way back in an indoor arena was this crazy spin off from Banzuke

Some 23 year old sporting short shorts and wild flowing hair took stage where the graphics were high tech at the time!

And cleared the first stage!

Unbeknownst to him he would be in EVERY single tournament

awkwardly clearing stages and winning fans worldwide

We chronicled his entire career as he started as a gas jockey all the way to Area Manager

Today he is now retired from the gasoline industry and moving on with his life in a new direction.

Shingo at the bottom of the steps of his home in Tokyo.

He never has to wear that shirt again.

I love looking at him. He's gets really animated!

This part cracks me up. He's told to do a run up stairs but he's all "wait I don't want to get run over... lemme make sure a car isn't coming first!"

So after a quick look he goes up the stairs!

He's like a little kid who can't sit still and botches the pictures.

At first I thought this was the commercial again LOL but it seems this was his warm up shot.

He actually does his final run, for the first and last time, wearing a Descente Shirt (take a drink)

Wow.. he's falling apart! He's trying not to cry!

Give it up yo! Perfect Attendance will be done as of today!

Man I'm going to be crying during his run if he's crying while doing this..

Meanwhile the only man that can pimp a double 80's high collar.. it's All-Star Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩 who is back from retirement JUST FOR THIS SHOW!

When we first met him he was a fireman.

We followed his career up the ladder (sometimes literally)

An intensely competitive guy that always tried to run faster than anyone.

Takeda still holds the record for 3rd Stage appearances - a total of 13 times, including 7 consecutive times.

But holds the infamous title of the most consistent All-star never to reach the Final Stage.

A title he's never comfortable with and wishes he could break.

I swear he's the only man that swaggers while he jobs.. Double collar up to boot!

He came back to this tourney after retiring when he changed careers.

After years of training and commendations he earned the right to be a Heavy rescue helicopter jumper. A small tight-nit elite group. It was because of this change that he didn't want to risk an injury during Sasuke that he retired.

I wondered if he was going to wear this uniform in Sasuke.

But he didn't. Underarmor Fire Rescue EMS FTW!

And no orange pants.

So glad we got to see him one last time to say Good-bye!

We know who's next after the commercial break..

Did I explain how many times they played this commercial?

Meanwhile it's time for Sasuke All-Star (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己

He's been the embodiment of Sasuke obsession for well over a decade.

Take a drink.. it's Yamada crying..

Many people forget that Sasuke was NOT his first foray in Banzuke (as he takes off his shirt)

No that's not porn on your screen.. the insert was from his many Banzuke episodes where he first became famous. (note the high number in Sasuke 1)

His potential was almost rewarded when he got to the Final Stage.

After his failure he never let up and continued to train relentlessly.

Stock footage from one of the jobs he was fired from..

And currently now selling beer at baseball games during baseball season.

Wait.. why are we at Okada's house? It's not even the same prefecture..

Hmm could he have helped? Or just showing an example of shoving as many obstacles in one tiny yard? LOL

Yamada is known also for his Sasuke set in his tiny front yard.

Where he kept adding real obstacles

back at home to continue training

At it's height. This was the jewel of Yamada's life.

But it seemed the weight of the title ミスター (Mister) Sasuke was too heavy.

Now he sits at home surrounded by his old and busted course next to the elevated train.

Man TBS loves doing dramatics don't they? LOL

Still though you can't knock them for pointing out the obvious metaphor here..

His front yard is littered with the remnants of his past. A broken cliffhanger he never fixed.

A rusted Rumbling Dice that hasn't been relevant in Sasuke in over 7 years.

A rusted Warped Wall that's .. strangely reminiscent of the ANW wall I can't stand.. LOL (flat bottom)

Everywhere you look.. it's "old and busted"

Dude.. it's your front lawn.. you could have done something about it..

Meanwhile because TBS are bastards they make this aging 47 year old hike up the same hill again

He was a bit more spry at the age of 35 when he was at the top of his game.

But 12 years is a loooong time and it takes a toll on the body.

Still, He presses on (btw.. Jason was right.. This is a friggin' awesome panoramic shot)

Still though, I wonder what he's going to do with his life now that Sasuke is over for him?

But wait there's more.. LOL TBS hitting the final nails in the coffin as they roll out the suckitude reel.

Not sure what this chyron is. He's failed the first stage 13 times in a row.. not 8. Hopefully I'll get an explanation when someone who reads kanij can figure it out for me!
Edit: The '8 年間' during the Yamada segment means 'in a period of 8 years', during which he failed the first stage. (Thanks Robin Yeoh)

Either way this was the most dramatic of the more recent failures. It was during this run where he retired.

This time without having to beg he's back for one.. last.. run.

Almost melancholic he starts to tear up right before his run.

The crowd starts to cheer loudly for him.

Well.. for Japan that is :) thehheheheh

He acknowledges the crowd as his name is called and everyone is losing their marbles.

And off he goes!

As part of the Countdown to Sasuke Rising, TBS posted this pic yesterday.

Finally the last All-Star to be profiled is the Legend Makoto Nagano長野誠

He's been a mackerel fisherman for the entire time we've known him

Ah yes.. the scene that did not exist in real life.. the picture that was super imposed..

The set up shot that wasn't even in his ship.. His original ship didn't even HAVE that room LOL

While Nagano technically was in Sasuke 7 (where he timed out at the wall but was cut)

His first television appearance was in Sasuke 8

They chronicled his potential as he got closer and closer to complete domination.

LOL the many "training" videos TBS makes people do that they normally wouldn't.

Hey at least when he did his .. he had a realistic chance of really mangling himself if he missed.. LOL

And after he got his new teeth he won Sasuke! The 2nd man ever to do so!

And there was much rejoicing!

I miss him.. Sasuke All-Star Bunpei Shiratori白鳥文平

And the All-star suckitude reel! I half expected clown music to be playing when Shingo did this!

And Akiyama goes into the drink..

LOL and what I come to enjoy.. Takeda and Nagano losing their marbles..

and simultaneously bending down expressing their shame..

okay that washed image is freaking me out..

Nagano (cough with Okuyama and Urushihara) visiting the USA

TBS reminding us that they are up to 157 countries that get G4's version of Ninja Warrior.. too bad nobody is going to see Sasuke Rising because G4 is now dead and NBC couldn't give a rats a$$ about Japan's Sasuke.. /sigh /bangsheadonwall

Oh yeah and Nagano's a superstar for meeting the Prime Minister of Malaysia

And because NBC are tools.. very few people knew Nagano was even IN Vegas to meet him. Luckily he's instantly recognizable and he was properly welcomed by the hardcore fans in the USA.

Insert TBS dramatic eyeballs shot

Because I can.. wha.. I don't have much more time left to do this!

Nagano acknowledging the crowd with a reaaaally stern face!

And.. off he goes.. one.. last.. time..

Edit: TBS' Countdown to Sasuke posted this on Christmas Eve

Edit: TBS' Countdown to Sasuke posted Christmas Day

Thus ends the tale of the Sasuke All-Stars

Speaking of old and busted.. when we return to Sasuke Navi.. "New Hotness" (sorry.. Men in Black reference). Here is the new lineup for the 新世代.

Shin Sedai (新世代) literally "New Generation"

PART 3 - HERE

Thus ends the tale of the Sasuke All-Stars

Part 1 can be found here!

Part 2 can be found here!

Here is the new lineup for the 新世代.

Shin Sedai (新世代) literally "New Generation"
(some call them the "New Stars" deriving from the Allstars)

2-Time Grand Champion Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治 (Cliffer #3), Ryo Matachi (Cliffer #2) 又地諒, Hitoshi Kanno菅野仁志 and Kazuma Asa朝一眞

This is Kanno whom we've seen a couple times in Stage 3

Asa in stage 2 in Sasuke 27

Ryo rocking the chain see saw in Sasuke 27

And Yuuji who by now needs zero introduction! If he does.. you don't watch the show.

Yuuji to me will always be Cliffer #3 to me. (Cough.. notice the UNCLI shirt! cough)

2-Time Grand Champion Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治 (Cliffer #3)

The Sasuke King 王様 or Sasuke Ōsama

(remember Nagano is called the Legend)

Yuuji legitimately (again) demolishing the Final Stage Tower in Sasuke 27

Making him the only Two-Time Champion of Sasuke earning his title the Sasuke King

He's been the leader of the New Generation for quite a while now. Glad to see TBS finally giving him his due and giving him a better title. Sasuke King.

A row of polished high end shoes should be a good idea of what his occupation is by now.

We all know he's a shoe salesman for Haruta Shoes in Tokyo

Ever since losing his first final Yuuji relentlessly trains on ropes.

And uses his environment to do balance training.

He's one of the rare ones that doesn't own a backyard course.

He uses playgrounds, etc. wowing kids.

Man he talks so fast..

Sasuke 24 Finalist Kouji Hashimoto橋本亘司 gets ready for his run.. yeah.. there's a lot of people wondering why TBS hates him. He used to be part of the New Generation but seem to have been demoted again despite his Stage 3 appearance in Sasuke 27.

Being the outright leader of the new generation without the All-stars to cushion the blow will be interesting.

I wonder how the new title will sit with him? We know he runs on the prestigious #88 saddlecloth.

LMFAO.. they brought this title back! This metaphor was used in Sasuke 27. "Tatami" 畳 so it's basically "From a 4 tatami room (meaning the size of the room) to KANZENSEIHA完全制覇"

Sasuke 27 Final along with fellow Cliffer friend Yuuji for an all UNCLI final.

This is how close he's gotten to the top of the tower.

Ryo is a house painter.

And by far the baby of the group at only 23 years old.

It's amazing how much time flies. I remember following him waaaaaaaaay back from Sasuke 21 (his first appearance) in 2008 the first year I started blogging. And to become part of the replacement team after the All-Stars is just.. amazing.

Folks who have read my blog before.. know how small a 4 tatami room really is..

Yep.. that's it.. it's a closet filled with real obstacles in them..

YES he sleeps here!

He trains in this room so much..

That he has the calloused hands to prove it.

What's with the magically disappearing eyebrows today?

Will he make it to the final again? Tune in and find out!

Hitoshi Kanno菅野仁志 - Former Gymnast

Most remember him as a Finalist in Sasuke 23

He's a former gymnast who was part of the STQ (Sasuke Trial Qualifiers) group that finally broke through.

A reminder that he said he refuses to get a real job.. until he wins.. so he's a janitor

at a Pachinko bar..

I follow him on twitter as well (along with Ryo and Yuuji) and have seen him do this as a hobby.

Seems all the skull jewelry and what not he makes himself.

...and he's 9% body fat

He's a weights nut that's constantly working out (I cut out a lot of training video on him)

and a lot of interviews I know nothing about..

and wtf with the eyebrows.. do they all have a fear of eyebrows in Japan?

Anyway he's set to go on Sasuke Rising!

This is Kazuma Asa朝一眞 whom I always refer to just as "Asa" simply because I just got used to it.

Way up this tree....

He looks so quiet and peaceful trimming branches.. LOL

Ah it seems he was a baseball player

No idea how old he was but he has a sports background

There we go. The interviews he was so subdued.. I'm used to seeing him a lot.. spazzier!

The first time anyone ever even heard of him was waaaaaay back in 2008 during Sasuke Maniac's programs showing the Summer Sasuke Trials. This was him timing out at the Warped Wall in Sasuke 21.

This is him at home (hey.. this looks like 4 tatami wtf..) watching his 2nd stage fail in Sasuke 27.

魂：meaning spirit or soul, so his back is meant to read "The spirit of Sasuke or the soul of Sasuke"

After his demise in Sasuke 21 it took him 3 years for another chance at Sasuke. After a few tense fails on the wall he finally passed it!

And promptly had a kittens after clearing the First Stage for the first time.

No idea.. I assume father. I'll find out later.

Asa is better known for his body paint AND HIS PANTS!

I never did figure out wtf they say..

Hey the kanji is the same as last year so this makes it easy!

魂

魂：meaning spirit or soul, so his back is meant to read "The spirit of Sasuke or the soul of Sasuke"

I guess if the Soul of Sasuke got him to the 2nd stage maybe it will work again!

TBS reminding foreigners that this is MIDORIYAMA.. not Mount Midoriyama.. It already means Green Mountain you dopes.. it's redundant to call it Mount Green Mount.. besides.. I doubt anyone says "Mount Paramount"..

The irony is that just like Paramount.. Midoriyama is a TBS recording studio and is flat.. anyway.. here's the registration line for Sasuke Rising!

Thanks to TBS updating it's Sasuke Rising page.. we know the names of ALL 100 competitors!

Tomoko Hagiwara萩原智子
2000年シドニー五輪4位入賞水泳選手
4th place in the 200 meter Backstroke in the Sydney Olympics

Kouki Sakamoto坂本功貴
北京オリンピック体操男子団体銀メダリスト
Member of the Silver medal gymnastics team in the Beijing Olympics

Comedian Kinnikun Nakayamaなかやまきんに君

.. LOL No one seems to be laughing at his schtick..

Most people watching earlier episodes of Sasuke might remember him.

After a looong absence he showed up in Sasuke 27 wearing inappropriate Daisy Dukes..

Wakky ワッキー who we keep saying is the current champion of Genoijin Sportsman #1 since another Celebrity tourney hasn't been made!

During Sasuke 27 we FINALLY saw him pass Stage 1!

Comedian Yoshio Kojima小島よしお

You should know this by now!

NOW does he look familar :p Thanks Ube!!

Oh look! A chia pet! No wait.. Model Nana Suzuki 鈴木奈々

And wtf.. is.. yeah.. Seems the group's name is ゴールデンボンバー (Golden Bomber)

Kenji Darvish 樽美酒研二 is the drummer from the group ゴールデンボンバードラム

Taiwan's sole representative.. and has been for years.. Lee En Chiリー・エンチ

His best result is a finalist in Sasuke 24

Then had a mental lapse in Sasuke 27 and failed the first obstacle by letting his long legs splash into the water.

I'm happy to see him again!

Back in October there were some auditions EVERYONE had to participate in.. (excluding All-stars) that took place in Osaka, Japan and in Tokyo, Japan.

Yoshiyuki Okuyama奥山義行 WHY???????? WHY?? WHY IS HE NOT HERE?!?!?!

Oh btw.. there's TWO people.. see Keita Tomino富野恵太 (Cliffer #4) to his left? (right on the picture).. sigh.. I'll never see all 5 UNCLI compete in Sasuke..

They had to pass an audition part where they represented themselves..

And had to do this rhythmic push up routine

Of which most failed miserably

We are meeting one of the survivors of the process

mmmmmm.. waffles..

Number 13 - Hiroshi Miyamoto 宮本啓史

Oh.. this doesn't look good!

Yeah.. once the foot completely comes off.. the rest of the body follows..

Hiroshi Miyamoto 宮本啓史 - Death by Rolling Escargot

Now going to some high end club

Oh! I know her! Hiroyo Shimada島田裕代 - Those of you might remember she was part of Muscle Musical マッスルミュージカル (which is gone thanks to Monster 9 Bankrupting) She's now a waiter here!

Well we know she's going to be cut from the broadcast. I want to see how far she got considering she's made it in the past all the way to the Half-Pipe attack!

Okay she passed the Rolling escargot

Awwww Hiroyo Shimada島田裕代 - Death by Spin Bridge

We see a group of kids..

Takuma Oyamada 小山田卓馬

HA! I'm 13 years old! SUCK IT!

easily hung on to the Rolling escargot

OUCH.. but the Spin bridge however... ate him..

Takuma Oyamada 小山田卓馬 - Death by Spin Bridge

Taiga Hoshikawa 星川大我

okay HE made it past the spin bridge!

Oh.. our first look at the Jump Hang Kaiジャンプハング改 in action

OH! HE got it!!!!!

Okay he's going through the inside of the right cargo net

Wow this is a time sink..

FINALLY touching the mat on the other side

Here it is.. the Double Warped Wall..

Easily past the first wall

electing to not use the fireman pole and just hopping down

and.. not even close on the "normal" sized Warped Wall

Taiga Hoshikawa 星川大我 - Time up on the Double Warped Wall

Now we see a house being utterly demolished..

So does that make him a home wrecker? :p

Hisashi Kashima 加島久士

Easily past the Spin Bridge

Buuut.. NOOOOOOOOO.. Hisashi Kashima 加島久士 - Death by Jump Hang Kai

And.. wait.. we have a ceremony!

Ms. Pouty Lips and Mr. Car Salesman....

And.. OMG SHINGO LOOKS BORED OUT OF HIS KEISTER!

LOL Sorry.. Akiyama biting his lip to stay conscious, Shingo looking for anything to keep his attention, Yamada also looking bored but doing his best and Nagano lamenting the loss of his wallet and cell phone at the airport (yes that story is real.. long story)!

Ryo and Kanno doing their best while Yuuji looks COMPLETELY asleep! LMFAO!

Oh hey I see the Leader of the Dynamic Trio of Death, Mr. Octopus (Tako Tencho) - Minoru Kuramochi倉持稔 Though it will take some getting used to not seeing the other two compete..

Asa in his own table with another set of STQ'ers that look familiar

I assume he's important.. I'll add the names later.

Do they have to look that engrossed? Seriously..

She seems to be the only one "cheering"

They.. wait I KNOW who they are.. The guy on the left is Masumi Yagi八木真澄 from the comedy duo Savanna サバンナ while the guy on the right is Ayumu Kato加藤歩 from Zambugleザブングル - both of which were in Sasuke previously

And whoever is this overreacting tart.. okay okay I'll be gentle..

Apparently she's saying a joke

Of which Shingo, who's desperate to find something to laugh at, gets a small chuckle

BUY OUR SHIRTS! Sasuke All-Stars Approve!

As I mentioned before TBS has a Sasuke merchandise section!

No idea if they sell overseas...

And that's it! SEE YOU ON THURSDAY!!!!!!!!!!! Remember to use the hashtag #SasukeRising if you are on twitter!

We have a new Sasuke opening!

PART ONE

Sasuke spoilerific review ;) Warning.. incoming blog of Sasuke 28.. if you don’t want to know.. you have been warned :D (Just remember.. the USA Broadcast of this.. will be.. well never possibly. I don't know if we will ever see it.. Yes.. you read that right.. Now with the death of G4 official and NBC not giving a damn about Sasuke Japan.. we may never see Sasuke Rising on US television (or any overseas country for that matter unless everyone buys the original 3 1/2 hour broadcast from TBS). For a preview of this event.. Please see SASUKE Rising (28) NAVI a 1 hour review of Sasuke Rising with fluff pieces of all the major players in the upcoming Sasuke and even a couple of runs that were cut from the official broadcast!

UBE'S Sorta-LIVE-BLOG FOR SASUKE 28 IS HERE !

(Massive thanks to TBS for posting the names of all 100 competitors! Thanks to Ube for his help on the names in English!!)

Here we go! Sasuke One. A project spin off from Kinniku Banzuke back in 1997. One could argue that Sasuke became a lot more famous than it's parent show Banzuke.

Still showing history of the course over the years (no I didn't post all clips). This is Shingo.

Rare time they actually have different Akiyama clips. This from Stage 2!

And Nagano in from way back when he had his original teeth and non-dyed hair!

Now Sasuke has spread all over the world like MISSILES! mwahahahah j/k It's in 157 countries and territories and probably counting all 50 states but hey :p

For us here in the USA.. there's American Ninja Warrior which now seems the only show left Standing now that G4 is dead..

Sasuke Singapore is up and running!

As was Sasuke Malaysia of last year

Hey it's Cat!

Farid Isham モハメド・パリド・イシャム (Sasuke Malaysia Winner)

And TBS reminding us that meeting the Prime Minister makes Nagano a Superstar!

And we are back in present day SASUKE RISING!

Where Ninja Warrior Europe producer has something in his eye..

LOL I want that flag..

(Left to right) Sasuke All Stars Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦, Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩, Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟, (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 and Makoto Nagano長野誠

Here TBS inserted the awesome 2 minute All-Star promo set to the music of Dark Knight Rises (Batman) that I already blogged on so I'll spare the duplication.

Whoa! New starting graphic!

Very fast moving CG of some floating iron fortress in the sky

Heh Inui (the director) has been working on this for a while

It's going so fast it's hard to screencap

Seems to be the stages all exploding into action

I think I saw part of this latter in the broadcast but you get the idea

And this is where the title graphic came in

And just like that.. we got to commercials! Gotta pay the bills!

Oh .. yay.. the ceremony room.. I don't like this part personally.

~~Ms. Pouty Lips and Mr. Car Salesman~~....

Nana Katase 片瀬那奈 and Jay Kabira 川平慈英

I see Mika Izumi (wow it's been a while) and Kinnikun

LOL and as I mentioned in Navi.. the All-stars STILL look bored out of their keister!

Okay.. overreacting tart that bothered me in Navi is back.. so I have to do my homework. I'm told her name is Fukiishi Kazue 吹石一恵

And she's an actress who's hawking a show!

Katsunori Takahashi 高橋克典

Also an actor that is hawking a show

Takejo Aki あき竹城 - Actress

Asako Ito いとうあさこ - Comedian

And 4 of the 6 All-stars in attendance actually found her joke funny

Shingo particularly!

Okay! Onwards to 1st Stage with the new graphics!

Is is bad when I see that phrase and I hear it pronounced in Japanese?

Okay! ① Godantobi五段跳び
Also known as the Quintuple Steps on Ninja Warrior

That hasn't been used since Sasuke 11!

② Rolling Escargotローリングエスカルゴ

Making it's 3rd straight appearance

③ Spin Bridgeスピンブリッジ

Making it's 2nd straight appearance although I STILL consider this the Cannonball Run from Viking

Using the same trampoline as the Jump Hang..

④ ^Jump Hang Kaiジャンプハング改

Making it's debut - a variation of the old Jump Hang

But wait there's more! This is the first of the Two walls.. (this is the shorter wall folks)

⑤ *Ni Ren Soritatsu Kabe 2連そり立つ壁

What I call the Double Warped Wall making it's debut.

It is the same height as before.. just the previous wall is shorter making this look bigger.

⑥ Tarzan Ropeターザンロープ

Lost track how many times they used this specific rope (Sasukepedia says 20)

⑦ Rope Ladderロープラダー

And what I STILL incorrectly call the Rope Wall is considered it's own obstacle. (Sasukepedia not yet updated but 11 times used in a row)

The entire first stage is timed at 105 seconds which is a full 20 seconds off Sasuke 27's time.

Well hello there Sasuke announcing Rookie!

Tomohiro Ishii 石井大裕

And here we go! Sasuke 28.. er.. Sasuke Rising!

Our first ~~victim~~ contestant! Yuuya Fukuda 福田裕矢

Past the steps so that's progress!

Whoa..foot is already coming off the snail!

Yuuya Fukuda 福田裕矢 - Death by Rolling Escargot

And just like that we are at #3!

Comedian Yoshio Kojima小島よしお

NOW does he look familar :p Thanks Ube!!

Okay he's past the steps!

Oops.. he didn't put his foot in right.. and RIGHT off the bat he's out!

Dammit.. they will be cutting back to the studio audience.. this is going to be torturing for me..

See how he put his left foot on TOP of the foot hold?

And just like that his foot had nothing to grasp onto

Comedian Yoshio Kojima小島よしお - Death by Rolling Escargot

Oh hey we know who this is! Torisawa! I wonder what painful mishap he has in store for us right now..

Well I already see a problem.. he's strapping his hand to the bar..

and he one hands it!

LMFAO he almost fell over .. he well.. he strapped his hand TO the bar he just threw down.. LOL Well what did he expect with that weight going down?

Katsuhide Torisawa鳥澤克秀 ready for his run with a silly grin on his face. At least it's not bleeding like last time!

Yay! He passed the steps!

LOL it's hard to see on screenshots but he's flopping all over the place!

and almost falls on his face off the snail!!

Okay! Props for paying attention! He is placing his foot inside the foot holds!

OMG HE HUNG ON!!!!!!

AHahahhahahahah Torisawa is AMAZED he survived it!

Kinnukun can't believe that old man just beat him (Kinnukun fell on it last tourney) while the crowd is absolutely jacked!

But wait.. we've got a set of commercials..

LOL Torisawa is friggin' amazed he's this far into the course!!

Still trying to catch his breath as he stares down ~~cannonball run~~ er.. the Spin bridge

Oooooooooh spectacular fail!!!!!!

ahahahahahah he's chuckling in the water. THAT WAS A GREAT RUN!

TBS doing the slow motion of how he started to lose his footing almost from the get-go!

Barely got to the 2nd ball when he reaaaally lost his footing.

Then the full body drop on the 3rd ball!

Katsuhide Torisawa鳥澤克秀 - Death by Spin Bridge

Next up is Masashi Toyoda 豊田将士 who uses his oar like a baseball bat! LOL

Canoer? Oh. Sasuke Rising page has him listed as a Rafting guide

survives the snail!

Doooooooh.. but got eated by .. whoa did he totally face plant that? Ooooooouch

Masashi Toyoda 豊田将士 - Death by Spin Bridge

Okay.. reading the rising page.. Atsugi Middle School Health and Physical Education Teacher

And he loves canoes and is a lifesaver er.. guard.. we eat lifesavers in this country.. Yuusuke Suzuki 鈴木祐輔

Jumps to safety on the snail

And he stares down the nards of doom...

Aaaaaaaaaaand.. He tried to jump off the last ball too early... LOL can he hang on???

But first.. yeah.. something is in the water folks.. convinced..

and we are back from commercials where Suzuki Sensei is hanging on to dear life!

and noooooooooooooooo he's down..

LOL Everyone losing their marbles

Yay we got All-stars having kittens!

Damn.. that lobotomy on Yamada has been working wonders! He's got a pulse!

LOL Nagano feeling pain on that run

And I'm sure Shingo (who's trying to be a real man by not wearing a coat when everyone else is) has some wisecracking comment LOL

Even Akiyama is having fun with the epic fail

And the middle school cheering squad is utterly disappointed!

LOL as he thrashes in disgust

If you reaaaaally want to get technical he was DQ'ed right here.. you don't use the support structure of the obstacle to get back into the course

Yuusuke Suzuki 鈴木祐輔 - Death by Spin Bridge

Oh look! A chia pet! No wait.. Model Nana Suzuki 鈴木奈々

TBS reminding us that if you were part of the sub 30 crowd you are being cut from the program!

Kenji Darvish 樽美酒研二

Okay since we had time from Navi to sort this out.. Kenji is in the back row (not hard to miss with the face-paint) and is the "drummer" (as in air drummer not real drummer) for a group named ゴールデンボンバー (Golden Bomber) and WTF we are doing picture in picture with the irritating overacting lady? Now do you get why the SMF boards have a thread on "box girl"?

Yep you guessed it.. COMMERCIALS..

Unfortunately it's par for the course if you start at 18:30 local time..

K we are back with the Harlequin who's doing sad face now

Oooooooh that didn't last long..

LOL the next competitor is .. oh wait I see Shinya Kishimoto岸本真弥 on the left (black shirt with red jacket tucked)

And the harlequin is roaring a frustrated yell

LOL he flipped nicely in the air though!

Kenji Darvish 樽美酒研二 from ゴールデンボンバー (Golden Bomber) - Death by Rolling Escargot

I see a Power Ranger! (I suspect fierce protectors of the genre will correct me)..
Edit: Right on cue Rider!: Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger

Kazuki Shimizu 清水一希 - Actor

Doooooh same place as the Air drummer! ahahhahaha

and they are not happy to see him drop like that..

Kazuki Shimizu 清水一希 - Death by Rolling Escargot

Ch-ch-ch-chia.. sorry... Model Nana Suzuki 鈴木奈々

ahahahahah she's hanging on by her finger nails!

Yeah.. but that didn't save her from the snail..

Eew.. never go in the septic sludge with your mouth open...

LOL take a drink.. Descente Gear in PINK!

Yeah.. I didn't have high hopes for her..

LOL commenting about the disgusting water as she continues to inadvertently smear mud all over her face

Model Nana Suzuki 鈴木奈々 - Death by Rolling Escargot

PART TWO

We have a new Sasuke opening!

PART TWO

(Part 1)

UBE'S Sorta-LIVE-BLOG FOR SASUKE 28 IS HERE !

(Massive thanks to TBS for posting the names of all 100 competitors! Thanks to Ube for his help on the names in English!!)

Mendy Sekiguchi 関口メンディー from Generations (seems the announcer didn't quite know how to pronounce his name.. he used both Mendy and Mandy.. )

Seems we have yet another offshoot boy group from EXILE

This is him in the back row.. though box girl doesn't seem to approve

Box girl is not amused by his .. not sure how to describe how he dances.. epileptic fit?

Anyway .. wow he's tall.. LOL Look at how he dwarfs the snail!

K doing well albeit a little slow. He's eyeballing the landing

Dooooh he needs glasses.. he dismounted waaaay too early

Mendy Sekiguchi 関口メンディー Death by Rolling Escargot

Arata Horii 堀井新太 from D Date

Keeping with the boy band theme.. btw.. why D Date? Wouldn't you want an A Date? Seems the have low standards in Japan..

And a whining emo actor.. LOL

LOL and since he's so young they have to go when he's a baby to show he had martial arts training

and a former baseball player

Aaaand as usual when they have a long fluff piece before your run..

well... yeah.. it was longer than he lasted on the course.

lol he wasn't even close...

Arata Horii 堀井新太 of D Date - Death by Rolling Escargot

STQ'er land commenting on the idols dropping like flies btw.. take a drink twice? Descente gear

Shingo hanging out with the STQ'ers (yes that's Shinya in the middle there) with Kanno and Ryo

Shingo shrugging off the cold because he's too hot for a jacket

LOL difficult to tell on a screenshot but this guy is doing like 100 pushups really fast.. doesn't that usually mean they are going to run out of stamina before long?

(I'm hearing "hoto bun".. in my head)

Hiroyuki Gondou 権藤博幸 is a baker!

LOL he's STILL fidgeting with his clothing as the time just keeps ticking away

and again fidgeting with the elbow pads

and.. LOL he keeps getting that right foot off the foot guard

and again but he keeps managing to stay on!

LOL He jumps off!

But hits the water.. wait.. that's.. legal??

He's slllllliding off the last ball but manages to get across!

STQ'ers shocked the dude made it!

Yuuji stunned LOL

Dude.. we can totally save it if we fall there...

GROUP MEETING!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comedians doing their job!

And again with the fidgeting!!!!

STILL fidgeting!

GERONIMOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

wtf was he even aiming at? He went straight up the middle!!!! There's NOTHING THERE!

...... why do we keep going back to the room? NO one wants to see this!

Wife and child are gutted

Here's the spectacular save

he just threw himself forward and was lucky he hit the mat

Folks.. there's an + sign there on purpose...

Makes no sense.. he didn't even bother going to either side..

WTF TAKEDA!!!!!!!!!!! Aahahahahhahahahahaha

I see Shingo couldn't take it anymore and got a jacket. He displayed his manliness long enough.

Meanwhile.. take a drink twice.. double Descente jackets (anyone hammered yet? LOL)

Sorry I'm still laughing at Takeda.. I mean.. he can rock 80's collars.. but seriously dude.. this is too far up!

Hiroyuki Gondou 権藤博幸 - Death by Jump Hang Kai

meanwhile a scene Featured in Navi - Yuuji lending support to Kouji

LOL who wants no part of that

Ah yes. The public display of his workplace location. Time for stalkers!

Sasuke 24 Finalist Kouji Hashimoto橋本亘司

Now.. look at his record.. and look at her face.. that's MY face.. WHY was he demoted???

Seriously.. he should still be part of the New Generation.. he's been one for about 5 tourneys already.

You said it Nagano.. that's right.. I don't get it either.

Sasuke 24 Finalist Kouji Hashimoto橋本亘司 - Former Gymnast and now ~~personal trainer~~ Gym Instructor

I guess I should be happy though.. this is the first time his first stage run wasn't digested!!

assuming the classic position on the Rolling Escargot

Safely landing

Hashimotooooooooooooooo nooooooooooooooooo!

I'm keeping the reactions to show how many times this stupid lady was shown.. I mean it's not her fault she's doing her job.. but seriously. THIS is not Sasuke.. take this crap out!

THIS however.. is Sasuke..

Your friends and fellow qualifier guys losing their marbles

Possibly passing kidney stones as well...

and Kanno practicing his all-star bend over in shame pose

Meanwhile trying to huddle to stay warm..

Nagano yelling into Shingo's ear

and.. AHahahhahahahahahah Takeda cheesing on the other end!

Nagano yelling Uso.. (no way) Shingo paralyzed, Yamada doing.. something.. and Takeda in hysterical laughter

GOD I've missed Takeda.. anyway.. looks like Nagano is questioning Takeda why the hell he's so far away from him and why is he breaking from the script

Takeda can't help himself while Yamada lecturing them as to how to properly appear sad while stoic at the same time

Shingo finally getting the joke and he busts into hysterical laughter

Nagano bending his head in shame.. or covering his laughter because now he's laughing with everyone else.. not sure which.. meanwhile Shingo saying inappropriate things again

Shingo with the hand in the cookie jar "busted" look.. Man I love these guys!

Meanwhile back in the water...

Kouji lamenting the fail

I mean he was HAULING across the obstacle

right from the get go he spins the first ball wildly which completely took his speed into it

Now he's starting to ricochet off the 3rd ball going backwards as he tried to stop himself

but it was too much momentum and too much lean.

Channeling my inner Marv Albert "Let's see that again"

So everyone now is analyzing what went wrong and doing their comments

Btw.. THIS is how you do picture and picture.. something going on ON the course.

and taking into account how not do this.. because of course.. Shingo knows how to botch it (cough.. Sasuke 27.. cough)

Let's see that again..

Group meeting commencing again...

Yeah.. right there.. that's where he lost it.. too fast spinning the first ball..

Yeah see? that's how not to do it..

Let's see that again this time with annoying box girl I want to blot out of my screen

I mean.. how does she contribute to watching?

and cue the reaction shot. I mean.. was she PAID to do this?

Awww man that sucks.. I mean he's part of us even if TBS doesn't care about him

Yuuji now worried since one of them failed the obstacle

And people of course starting to bitch that the ~~cannonball run~~ spin bridge was way too early in the stage.. why? THIS is what it's supposed to do. Mission accomplished.

That's okay Kouji. I still love you!

Sasuke 24 Finalist Kouji Hashimoto橋本亘司 - Death by Spin Bridge

So.. we have a figure skater with a bad leg wrapping technique..

Nice Spiral btw..

Wait.. she's a porn star? (Ube correcting me "idol")..

Oh good lord.. she's doing the cutesy "oh look at me".. gaaaaaaaah gag me gaaaaaaaaag me..

You know... it is said that when the idol thing doesn't work out they turn to porn. Seems she's starting that career early.. oh yeah sorry.. wtf is her name anyway.. do I care? Not really but here it is..

Rina Sawayama 澤山璃奈

What is with everyone using their nails on AstroTurf? is that even.. maybe felt. anyway.. ouch..

prancing along..

Oh there's a surprise..

And the reason why there was a camera on the Rolling Escargot..

I mean Rie was bigger in the rack department.. so this is what people like these days?

and my favorite part.. LOL
GO GO RAG-DOLL PHYSICS!

Awwwww she go down-a-hole..

and a reminder that it rained the week before (and day before) Sasuke.. all that mud.. mwahahahhahahaha

Let's see that again!

You know.. now that I think about it .. I must be a closet feminist or something.. because seriously..

Then again.. I'm not the target demographic now am I? LOL

Oh yeah.. now they have her lunging forward out of the water and onto mud..

and I'm sure secretly they want her to throw down with the announcer chick right now..

yay it's over.. and covered in mud..

Rina Sawayama 澤山璃奈 - Death by ~~male testosterone slow motion camera stalking~~.. er.. Rolling Escargot

Somehow.. that doesn't look appetizing..

Ha! that's the hat my father wears! ROFL Oh yeah sorry. name.. (searching)

Takashi Murakami 村上公志 Ube says he works for Yoshinoya!

And because we all know bringing a crap-load of people with you at the start-line rapidly increases your chances at failing..

again! With the nails! Ah.. Dentera..

wow that was fast..

group GAAAAAAAAAH moment (and no I don't want one of the hats)

Takashi Murakami 村上公志 - Death by Rolling Escargot

Nope.. the sign still isn't growing on me.. LOL Still looks like exploding puke to me!

Raise your hand if you're Sure!

Koki Someya 染谷幸喜 - Javelin dude?

Wait.. hurdles too. is he a decathlete? (Ube doesn't know either. Okay it's not just me) Anyway I'm laughing at how much he's slapping his face and jumping and yelling to psyche himself up!

Whoa he's tall too!

Safe landing off the snail

after watching a finalist fail.. he's taking his time here

WILD but cleared!

taking his time again before the Jump Hang

aaaaand HE CAUGHT IT!!!!!

Okay now there's a buzz in the air as we finally see this in action!

k he's using a lot of his feet

Wow that is a huge time sink

Nice! Easy clear of the first wall!

he elects to just jump down without using the pole

Aaaaaaa nice.. he's going to Takeda™ up the wall!

HE GOT IT!!!

RRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUUUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh.. this is no good.. less than 20 and he still hasn't jumped!

There's no friggin' way...

Ugh. .time is red

Yeah.. there's no way

TIME FOR RAMEN!!!!!!!!

LOL A sponsor break IN a commercial break with the All-stars

Dude look at the time..

seriously.. look at the time..

he's not going to make it .. is he?

Yamada stop laughing look at the time..

LOOK AT THE TIME DAMMIT

he's not going to make it..

WTF LOOK AT THE TIME I SAY DAMN YOU!

Shingo: yeah yeah stop bitching.. I'm looking at the time

Yamada: He's going to time out and I'm going to laugh

Takeda: Honestly don't know why you are expending energy.. he's going to time out don't waste your breath

Yamada: Alright alright I'm looking at the time

Yamada: See? there.. I looked at the time

Shingo: uuuuugh that sucks.. to get that close hurts..

Takeda: Poor bastard.. whoever you are..

meanwhile back from commercials and Dude is HAULING UP THAT RIGGING

WILLING his body up that wall...

but he's on the OTHER side of the walkway!

ALMOST DECAPITATES HIMSELF!

LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNGE DAMN YOU!!!!!!

did he????

he's not sure.. the gate is not up.. Damn.. did I not hit the button?

Wait lemme go back.. ooooh the gates..

YYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!

Nagano yelling into Shingo's ear so much that Shingo is moving away from him..

Takeda: Chill dude he's going to time out

Shingo: who is this guy anyway?

Akiyama: anyone want to tell me wtf is going on? I can't see jack

Nagano: RUN!!!

Yamada: but he's not going to make it .. so pipe down..

Shingo: I'm going deaf....

Nagano: YES YES (furious bouncing in his seat but too damn cold to take his hands out of his pocket)

Akiyama: Share the news bud I can't see!!

Takeda: ahahahahah Nagano is losing his mind.. that poor bastard is going to fail

Shingo: I think I can still hear from my right ear.. say something Yamada

Yamada: damn I think Nagano is right.. he might make it.

Takeda: Well Damn.. he made it after all

Yamada: See? I told you he'd make it!

Shingo: Braaaaaains..

Nagano: Look at the time!!

Akiyama: everyone's freaking out so I guess he passed?

Yamada: yay..

Shingo: I still can't hear but I think I'm feeling a tingly sensation in there..

Nagano: LOOK AT THE TIME

Akiyama: I don't know why I'm clapping can someone PLEASE tell me what happened?
Takeda: Hurray... I think..

Akiyama: Dude.. help a blind man out.. wtf just happened

Nagano: Some dude we don't know just passed stage 1 with less than a second on the clock!

Akiyama: Hoooooo! I've done that before! That's friggin' awesome!

Nagano: Hot dog!

and there was much rejoicing

and the box girl is secretly an chihuahua and her eyes are popping out of her skull

because they are being paid to do so.. hurray..

Oh yeah.. 44 down.. 1 clear!

less than a second baby!!!

Let's see that again as everyone now is paying attention to someone who actually CAUGHT one of the sides

and caught BOTH wall ledges on the first try

and NEVER GAVE UP!

almost decapitating himself

Luuuuuuuuuuuunging forward

LOL Cameramen running for safety

ELATION!!!!!!!

Yeah yeah.. I knew he'd pass.. really.. I was convinced!

That's awesome baby! I willed him up!

Koki Someya 染谷幸喜 - FIRST STAGE CLEAR!

PREPARE TO FAST FORWARD!

Kumu Suzuki 鈴木久夢 - Death by Spin Bridge

Kazutaka Miyazawa 宮澤和隆 - Death by Rolling Escargot

and he had it!

Yasuhiro Yamazaki 山崎泰宏 - Death by Jump Hang Kai

oooooh he is slipping off the last ball..

fell on the mat.. but...

bah.. couldn't hang on and just slid down..

Kei Masaki 正木圭 - Death by Spin Bridge

Koki Someya 染谷幸喜 is waiting for everyone in the Second Stage!

and here he is in the studio audience!

Where he's within smacking distance of the guys who thought he would fail! Shingo hanging his head in shame won't turn around to see him face to face..

Now let's look at the replica of the Rolling Escargot and make fun of the people who failed on it..

Yep.. how was your failure Comedian Yoshio Kojima小島よしお?

apparently funny

.. yay.. it's the prostitot..

Rina Sawayama 澤山璃奈

Apparently he's reaaaaaaaaally into staring at her boobs.. he loves that camera angle..

Thank you thank you.. I can show you more after the show!

awkward.. I'm staring at some chick's boobs and men are laughing...

clearly box girl is humiliated listening right now

and then shocked as he wants to grab her body coming out of the water and onto mud that pervert..

Speaking of primal heat..

Joji Amano 天野ジョージ

box girl is horrified that we are in the red light district

and apparently this passes for music these days

aaaaand still can't figure out a way to stay on this thing but he's trying..

now he's ground it to a complete halt and seems to be going backwards!

and.. WTF IS HE DOING.. he's trying to move the thing backwards by dismounting it in mid air?

Joji Amano 天野ジョージ - Death by ~~stupidity~~.. er.. Rolling Escargot

PART THREE

We have a new Sasuke opening!

PART THREE

(Part 1) (Part 2)

UBE'S Sorta-LIVE-BLOG FOR SASUKE 28 IS HERE !

(Massive thanks to TBS for posting the names of all 100 competitors! Thanks to Ube for his help on the names in English!!)

The Leader of the Dynamic Trio of Death!!! but wait.. he's solo this time.. they didn't invite the other 2 guys..
Mr. Octopus (Tako Tencho (btw Tako is Japanese for "Octopus" and Tencho 店長 means "Store manager")) - Minoru Kuramochi倉持稔

And ever since that face sucking incident.. Now Tako Tencho uses non-violent ways of playing with his food.. BODY PAINT!

Does every household in Japan have a tilted down picture??? Is there some cultural significance?

I see a child dangling!

P.S. WHY is box girl there.. anyway.. Seems Kuramochi is showing how strong he is by having his grandson dangle off his bicep

And Grandpa can climb up rope!

Seems he can outdo his grandson! LOL

Ooooooh TBS chart.. LOL

A SCROLLING Suckitude Chart™

He's never made is past the First stage.. ever..

All the while Grandpa is showing up the kid by swinging off the rings

And his dismount flubbed when he falls backwards on his keister

How embarrassing.. LOL

Well I was wondering why there were suddenly disappearing eyebrows.. he's sucking them out of the universe onto his face..

Ooooh he tried to hang on but totally sliding down!

Minoru Kuramochi倉持稔 - Death by Quintuple Steps

... wtf.. drag queens?

OMG the name!!!

Drew Barybarymoabetta ドリュー・バリバリモアベター

I'm sorry did you expect better? LOL

Drew Barybarymoabetta ドリュー・バリバリモアベター - Death by Quintuple Steps

Yay! It's Spazzy time!

okay I'm Reaaaaaaaally tired of the picture in picture of the box girl..

Kazuma Asa朝一眞 one of the Shin Sedai (新世代) literally "New Generation"

Way back the first year I started blogging this guy finally made it to Sasuke. It was in 2008 when he failed at the Warped Wall in Sasuke 21

He made a return in Sasuke 27 wearing the same kanji on his back!

Known for his usual outbursts and yells

Oh and his pants!

Sasuke 27 marked the first time he passed the first stage

Because I can.. oh and because Asa is a HUGE All-star fan (Nagano specifically)

That was a pretty long fluff piece (I cut most of it because it was already covered in Navi)

The sun is going down and the lights are all up

魂：meaning spirit or soul, so his back is meant to read "The spirit of Sasuke" or "The soul of Sasuke"

Kazuma Asa朝一眞

Do you have unsightly zits?

How about so much gas that you need a sumo to help stamp out the stench?

Okay we are back! First of the New Generation to go! (Well technically 2nd because Kouji was one.. before this tourney started.. just sayin..)

Easily past the steps

easily past the snail

Flying across the balls with no issues!

WHOOT Just fine on the Jump Hang Kai

man this is a time sink.. doing it's job folks.. doing it's job

YEAH!!!!!!!! Up the first wall with zero issues

actually using the fireman pole

YES!!!!!!! ONE SHOT UP THE WALL!!!

Asa celebrating that he didn't waste time on the wall as with years past

HERDS of time at the Tarzan Rope

caught it pretty high too!

Already smiling as he has almost 20 seconds to walk across the plank!

emphatic end to a GREAT RUN!!

GIVE IT TO ME BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

...................... seriously.. this has to stop..

btw did you notice that they are corralling all the friends? No more going up the walkways. Last year his friend on the right gave him a bear hug near the exit of the First stage.

And there was much rejoicing

As Ryo gets up for a standing ovation!

but wait.. Yamada is not happy..

Nope.. Mr. Sasuke does not approve.. and just when I thought the lobotomy was working..

Asa spazzing around like a mexican jumping bean as TBS reminds us 58 down.. 2 clears!

didn't waste as much time on this as the previous clear guy

emphatic and decisive on the walls

and why I like him.. He's TOTALLY channeling Kongu here.. especially since TBS didn't find it fit to invite him again.. /sigh I miss Kenji Takahashi.. /cries.. anyway. Asa is doing the Kongu roar for me!

Listen old man.. can't you be HAPPY for someone to clear this course?

Yeah yeah.. I'm really happy he cleared.. just .. envious..

that bastard.. he made it look easy.. oh.. to be young again..

Kazuma Asa朝一眞 - FIRST STAGE CLEAR!!!!

That awkward moment in the interview where you need to excuse yourself while you hack a lung..

Meanwhile Kinnikun measuring the gap on the steps..

Screw the steps I'm more worried about stepping over balls...

yeah those.. that's what Nagano is worried about... it's already taken out a finalist

oh great. .it's him.. we've seen this idiot before.. Taizou Sugimura 杉村太蔵 some former politician turned talento

and.. uhm.. he's wasted 6 seconds just .. standing there doing .. nothing..

hey idiot you have to move..

oooooooooh it's that poor reporter girl! She was forced to run the course dressed as a flower.. LOL

and while no one is laughing he's wasting more time celebrating his steps clear and killing time..

that's a relief... he didn't last long on that..

serves him right!

Taizou Sugimura 杉村太蔵 - Death by Rolling Escargot

er.. giving birth???

Takeo Seto 勢登健雄 (the one on the bottom)

and off the snail as well!

he tried.. faceplant and everything trying to stay on..

Takeo Seto 勢登健雄 - Death by Rolling Escargot

His partner is appropriately shocked.

Prepare to fast forward!

Ryuichi Ohura 大浦龍宇一 - Death by Quintuple Steps

Mental note.. kids on the course will make you fail!

Kenji Yoshizaki 吉崎研二 - Death by Rolling Escargot

Tatsumi Mikado 御門辰巳 - Death by Quintuple Steps

Oh hey this was the guy from the original trailer!

Shunsuke Tanaka 田中俊輔 - Death by Jump Hang Kai

Hisashi Kashima 加島久士 - Death by Jump Hang Kai

and they were displeased..

wait.. is she holding up a tank with a SNAKE IN IT??

Entirely possible! He's a Zookeeper!
Koji Fujinami 藤波浩司 - Death by Spin Bridge

Hah! She's laughing at her father's demise. I like her!

Okay good.. the less annoying Iketani. Better than his really annoying brother.

Recap of his last failures in Sasuke 24 he died on the Warped Wall

Sasuke 27 he managed to return again to the Second Stage only to die to the Double Salmon Ladder

And since Muscle Musical went bankrupt as well when Monster 9 was taken down.. he had to start from scratch!

He's now producer of Samurai Orchestra

And he brought along his family.

Oh! Not noted in there - middle girl with the hat on!

Co-Kunoichi 8 Champion Satomi Kadoi門井佐登美 - It's a shame I hated the format of the 8th Kunoichi tournament

Co-World Record holder in Monster Box Naoki Iketani池谷直樹

And the prerequisite starting line flip (see? No timer is up. I'm okay with that)

I can't express how incredibly slow he is doing this.. he's trying to stay on..

but the snail just.. stops and he drops right off it

Naoki Iketani池谷直樹 - Death by Rolling Escargot

Aahahhahahaha the kids all want to take a look at their father inside the water so they are pushing each other out of the way

meanwhile there's pandemonium and high pitch squeals..

I still don't know his wife's name LOL

TBS reminding us these are our only two clears

And Naoki explaining how he fell off the snail

LOL Asa looks MORTIFIED

Hey I like that blouse she's wearing.. anyway.. Asa looks sooooooo out of his element he genuinely looks frightened of every question..

so.. you want to get into my pants?

wtf did he just say? He wants to what? Dude that's MY territory..

Meanwhile Asako Ito is saying a joke

which is wordplay..

which I don't know..

but he finds funny so it's all good

and so does Shingo

yes.. they asked him to flex his boobs..

those might remember Kinnikun from earlier Sasuke tourneys

after a few years break though he went out early on the Rolling escargot sporting some reaaaaally inappropriate Daisy Dukes with no underwear..

long montage of him training with weights

Kinnikun and Wakky doing a comedy routine. Even though he has those Daisy Dukes he put underwear on this time..

Oh hello there Announcer change.

Veteran announcer Keisuke Hatsuta初田啓介 is back ya'll!

Yes PLEASE Keep HIM. I hate Ogasawara..

It's now all dark and colder.. 80 done and only 2 clears!

Comedian Kinnikun Nakayamaなかやまきんに君

This time taking this obstacle seriously

and he jumps off!

and safely across the spin bridge!! WOW I did NOT expect that..

HOLY CRAP HE'S ON FIRE! wtf...

yay.. he has underwear now or this would be .. er.. yeah..

Flying up the first wall

using the fireman pole

and.. up the.. nooooo he's not even close..

geez.. does EVERYONE have Descente gear? You guys would be dead right now if this was a legit drinking game..

Takeda actually animated and Yamada must have been slapped as he's now saying stuff

and they see this in slow motion.. as they wait out the remaining 30 seconds until he times out..

he's trying though.. gotta give him props..

trying to muster some sort of energy for another run..

oooooh almost.. almost there..

Wakky trying his best to will him over as they are both former Sportsman #1 Celeb winners

He tried again!

He's so friggin' tired..

He tried again!!!!!

AND AGAIN! Okay.. I take back what I said before about him. That was a valiant effort.

seems he's genuinely gutted

Wakky feeling it..

He still hasn't moved.. but he should be proud.. I didn't even think he'd get that far..

He tried so hard and kept running to see if he could make it.

Comedian Kinnikun Nakayamaなかやまきんに君 - Death by Time up on the Double Warped Wall

Sasuke All-stars doing a pep talk in front of the cameras

Takeda wants a handshake

you want a what??

seriously? I'm not up next so wtf..

is he secretly telling me that's what my fate is going to be? That bastard..

because TBS NOW interviews Ryo!

OMG THEY ARE ADORABLE! Who's kids are they?

Yay! Mika Izumi.. no wait.. that's a different last name..

Awwwwwww she's so cute! She's whispering in Mommy's ear!

and yeah.. if anyone is going to flash skin it's HER! Rock that body there lady.. no wait.. that sounded wrong

I'm sure everyone at home wants a housewife built like a tank

Wait.. I don't want that idol.. I want to rock those abs...

all the cutesy women in the audience are having ab envy right now

NOW does she look familiar? WAY back in 2003 she was in Kunoichi's final!

she's been training on the trampoline again

for those who don't remember she did friggin' awesome in Sasuke as well

and during the rare Sasuke 13 Trials she actually conquered the Warped Wall..

Granted she timed out.. but STILL that record stands today. The only woman to ever defeat the obstacle

Now she's a housewife with 2 kids

and here's the address for those who want to stalk her..

where she still goes to the gym to train that friggin' body of hers..

Still very pretty at 34

~~Mika Izumi~~ er.. Mika Watanabe渡邉美香

Kids.. you're adorable.. but mommy's gotta run .. and you are in my way..

Very happy to not fail the steps

onwards to the snail

ooooh.. foot comes off but she stays on!

Ooh.. not so lucky on the next rotation

Man.. I totally have to get her number.. wait.. she's sitting right behind me to my right..

Daughter strangely unaffected (LOL Ube now you got me saying that) and her son actually reacts!

Okay I'm totally having a cute attack!

so is everyone anxiously waiting for HER to get out of the pool??

MAD props for hanging on when she lost her footing

but she couldn't plant them right and ....

Down she went!

Mika Watanabe渡邉美香 - Death by Rolling Escargot

LOL her kid saying some smart-Alec remark I'm sure

Which she just laughs at

PART FOUR

We have a new Sasuke opening!

PART FOUR

(Part 1) (Part 2)(Part 3)

UBE'S Sorta-LIVE-BLOG FOR SASUKE 28 IS HERE !

(Massive thanks to TBS for posting the names of all 100 competitors! Thanks to Ube for his help on the names in English!!)

Because I can.. no wait.. it's important this time.. LOL

Nagano doing the fanboy and calling out "Lee"!

And to his delight they shake hands!

and they hug!

OMG OMG PDA PDA! What will the children think?

Awww this is so cool! I'm also happy Lee has his own portable fan club this time!

of which of course I'm a resident member but I mean ON the course.. yeah.. that hasn't happened.. sigh..

and because it'll hurt his image he retreats to the safety of his wife and child and.. what towel does he have? I don't think I recognize this one.. must hunt for it..

Taiwan's sole representative.. and has been for years.. Lee En Chiリー・エンチ

and.. HAS THIS GUY EVER SEEN THE SHOW? I mean seriously we all know he's a finalist.. why hire clueless people who have no idea wtf they are paid to watch?

and because I too have the bootleg copy of the now defunct JET versions for a few years ago

wait.. I'm being filmed promoting piracy?? Blame TBS for not selling DVD's. This should be legit!

They show kids on the street that know his name

One of the most consistent competitors out there. And of course TBS nice to not show the WTF MOMENT of Sasuke 27.. yeah let's not mention that.

Wakky Approves!

and because there are so many versions of his name and this one is the one I kept for this long.. Taiwan's Lee En Chiリー・エンチ

Yay for Bruce Lee banner!

and he jumps!

phew okay..

nonononoononono.. he's spinning just about every single ball.. this is not good....

Gggggaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

These Comedians know how it feels though.. they've at least been on the show before.

Ohhhh.. he tried to use his legs to his advantage and try to cut the distance by stretching his stride...

but the spinning pulled his feet out of position...

and had no traction whatsoever to be on top of the last spinning ball..

Hey Takeda is a fan.. he's actually giving a damn!

Yamada back to successful lobotomy state.. I mean seriously.. who is NOT a fan of Lee by this point? there's nothing to NOT like he's a class act!

ooooooooooh.. synchronized head throw back! Oh how I missed thee...

LOL Shingo with the "well that was a waste" face while Nagano is going through internal pain

LOL it's so epic that everyone is looking at him now they are so intrigued

Dude you better not be laughing or I'll kick your ass..

Okay okay.. you're not laughing lemme go back to mourning..

Okay now I'm intrigued by the scarf/towel/thing... is it a Christmas theme?

LOL Shingo trying to see around Wakky (there's another camera truck there)

Wakky going ballistic and Shingo has a "daaaaaaaaaamn" face considering THAT is how he failed it last year...

Wakky hoping to find someone to talk to that doesn't shove a mic on his face

They all turn to Nagano's direction as they all start talking about the fail

Wait.. YAMADA is offering advice?? wtf... Even Shingo can't believe it..

meanwhile.. back in the septic sluge.. Poor Lee can't believe his luck

It's not about the speed or if you have long legs..

It's about FOOT placement.. and he kept spinning every single ball by hitting the side of the balls and not on the TOP of the balls

By now he knows he's in serious trouble and tries to lunch towards the mat further compounding the problem by spinning the ball back TOWARDS him..

so all he can do is go straight down..

Sasuke 24 Finalist (yes.. another one) Lee En Chiリー・エンチ - Death by Spin Bridge

Interview chick: wait.. what did he say? Interpreter help?

wow that's a busy scarf.. even for Nagano..

Akiyama: Wait.. where did Shingo go? I know his blur was in that direction..

Shingo: we totally gotta invest in chairs..

Yamada: wait.. I see something..

TBS showing us the lineup of the last few guys they are willing to show on the broadcast - mental warning for those getting cut..

Yamada: Oh look.. presents!

Kanno: Dude.. this is my Descente gear..

Yamada: Wait.. do you mean I don't get presents?

Yuuji: he seriously trying to jack your stuff?

Yamada: Hey you.. they call you Shinya right? I never noticed this before.. you know.. You're dressed in red.. holding a bag.. giving out stuff...

Yuuji: he seriously tried to hork your loot?

Kanno: Screw that I'm putting it on so he can't steal it

Yamada: OMG.. You must be Santa!

Shinya: No presents for you.. back of the line

Yeah.. Yamada's checked out of reality.. a long time ago you just go with the flow bro and ignore it.. he'll forget in about 10 minutes he ever had a conversation with you..

ah let's visit the many faces and fails of Wakky

Sasuke 20 gave us an epic splash on the ~~Shingo-killer~~ Half Pipe Attack

dumb broad hasn't seen the show either..

anyway.. Sasuke 21's Jumping Spider fail

Sasuke 23's.. okay I really want to smack this girl..

Box girl: Oh.. he succeeded I should give a damn now?

Box girl: aww.. he trains in vain...

Comedian: He went out in public wearing that??

Fire your barber.. he forgot to finish shaving your beard.. get a refund..

Oh yeah.. 84 down 2 clears.. which means if you were any number before that and weren't shown you have been officially CUT! Have a nice day and enjoy the show without you!

Wakky ワッキー who we keep saying is the current champion of Genoijin Sportsman #1 since another Celebrity tourney hasn't been made!

is it getting humid or something? This thing is reaaaaaaaally slow right now..

he literally brings it to a halt.. then jumps off

landing safely

PERFECT across the balls.. didn't even make a single ball spin.. THIS is how you do this. Skim right on top with perfect foot placement.

aaaaand WOW he actually got it!

wait.. is he going across the outside? Seems like he was going to then changed his mind.

omg he's spent 10 seconds on this thing and he's still only halfway..

over 20 seconds.. this is going to kill him..

It's already over.. he managed to clear the first wall but look at the time..

Gotta give him credit though he's going for it..

or so I thought. I HATE WHEN THEY DO THIS....

wasted almost 10 seconds setting up.. gaaaaaaaaaah

with less than 18 seconds left he's hauling ass to get to the rope..

surprise! You should be used to this by now with TBS..

back from commercials and Wakky has ZERO hope to make this..

Oh.. he's reaching for the top rope..

OMG HE LET GO! I haven't seen this in a looooooong time..

he managed to save himself by having his feet wrapped along the bottom to pull back over but he's got 6 seconds from the middle of the wall!!

and it's over..

She doesn't care.. why keep going back to her?? This is such a waste!

Aww that's a shame..

Wow.. Yamada shaking his head in disgust.. this is big guys.. raw emotion.. he cares..

wait.. is that a mini clock?? I've never seen that before..

TBS showing how he was gunning for that top rung to try to get himself in a better position

but couldn't hang on

he was at least smart enough to try to hang on with his feet so he can pull himself back to the wall

ooooooooh that's gotta suck..

because I can..

Wakky ワッキー - Time up on the Rope Ladder

flanked by STQ heaven (Kanno, Yuuji, Hioki, Kawaguchi and Hashimoto) it's now Ryo's turn to step up to the starting block

Hashimoto shows him the way.. WHY WAS HE DEMOTED??.. uuuuuugh I'm so angry

Anyway.. give it up for an all-UNCLI final! #3 and #2 in da house!

See? She hasn't watched the show.. kick her off the stage!

we know Ryo is a house painter

wait.. what? HE IS UNEMPLOYED TOO? WTF.. we officially have 2 Yamada's now.. Ryo lost his job but is not looking for another one so he has more time for Sasuke.. okay Box girl has my reaction..

GET A JOB!!!!!!!!

Ryo Matachi (Cliffer #2) 又地諒

For those laughing at the now patented STQ'er technique for the snail.. observe..

he cleared.. so stfu guys..

granted the lucky bastard almost lost it at the end but it's a clear!!!

LOL! He knows he got lucky he fell correctly

Stopping to take his time on this.. it's been eating finalists all day..

And phew.. nice clear

Easy catch

Ryo putting on a clinic. As Ube reminded me... he's doing the cargo net with a cliffhanger grip.

GOD he made that look easy...

easy catch on the lower wall

using the pole only for balance

ZOMG YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW I HATE WHEN THEY DO THIS...

.. but he made it and still has herds of time..

Dude.. if it's stuck just have your weight rip it off the platform like Yuuji did before..

Dude did he waste 10 seconds unhooking the ROPE??

WTF IS HE DOING??

Seriously.. you had a 25 second head start!!!!!!!

he almost lost this!!!

man he almost gave me a heart attack!!!

taking a peek at the results..

and now back to tying shoes

Ahahahahahahha Shingo does not have a poker face!!!

Shingo: WTF IS HE DOING....

Everyone else: yeah he got this..

Takeda reminding me he DOES clap for people even if it's this exaggerated "LOOK AT ME CLAP" maneuver

Akiyama: So.. how much time did he blow screwing around?

Shingo: Too much if you ask me..

Ryo: Holy crap I almost messed this up..

87 down and 3 clears.. albeit barely..

he is lucky he's so proficient with this technique. He cleared it in half the time of everyone else so far

Ryo noticing how much time he wasted lollygagging

Ryo Matachi (Cliffer #2) 又地諒 - FIRST STAGE CLEAR

I would have been crucified if I blew that lead....

PART FIVE

We have a new Sasuke opening!

PART FIVE

(Part 1) (Part 2)(Part 3)(Part 4)

UBE'S Sorta-LIVE-BLOG FOR SASUKE 28 IS HERE !

(Massive thanks to TBS for posting the names of all 100 competitors! Thanks to Ube for his help on the names in English!!)

Now it's time for Yuuji to tuck in his pants

We all know he's a shoe salesman for Haruta Shoes in Tokyo where he breathes on the shoes..

Nagano approves of this message

Again... give it up for an all-UNCLI final! #3 and #2 in da house!..

Yuuji legitimately (again) demolishing the Final Stage Tower in Sasuke 27

Becoming the only 2-Time (and defending) Sasuke Grand Champion

Cut a bit off the fluff piece since a lot was repeat from Navi's broadcast

Apparently he made a funny that got a comedian to laugh

Ryo Matachi (Cliffer #2) 又地諒 giving out last minute advice

See? This is why I like them. They openly share notes so each of them does well.

2-Time Grand Champion Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治 (Cliffer #3)

The Sasuke King 王様 or Sasuke Ōsama

(remember Nagano is called the Legend)

Same scrunched technique that the STQ'ers have perfected

and easily clears the snail

Takes his time before the spin bridge

easily clears even though he almost slipped on the last ball! LOL

Easy catch on the Jump Hang Kai

DEMOLISHED IT.. Look at the friggin' time.. he took what.. 6 seconds to cross it?

Quick clear on the first lower wall

uses the pole

Flies up the wall..

Geeeeeez. Look at the time he has remaining!!!!

Catches the wall really high

Finally slows down to strut the last few feet as he notices he has herds of time left

DEMOLISHED the First stage!

He's so happy he didn't succumb to the pressure like he did the last time he was defending the title.

Shinya and Kanno sharing a moment as they celebrate Yuuji's clear

HA! Ryo can't be contained! He so far is the only one that ran up the side to be near the finish

Takeda: Hot dog.. he has to make it look easy without grandstanding..

Shingo: I'm going to do a Takeda and be too cool to clap

Akiyama: You wanted him to flip like the Americans?

Takeda: You bastard..

Yamada: I swear everyone is making fun of me..

Shingo: Maybe if I smile people won't complain I'm not openly cheering for him

Takeda: Nah.. I'm too cool for that..

Akiyama: You couldn't flip even if you wanted to.

Nagano: Look at the time!

Yamada: Yeah.. I'll do that and I won't get yelled at either.

Shingo: That's right.. ignore the non-clapping people.. we are too cool yeah.. we are..

Yamada: Sheesh! What's your obsession with the clock? We get it.. we get it..

Nagano: Ah.. to be young again and be that dominating

Takeda: Screw that.. I'm going to beat that time..

Akiyama: You wish.. You're the one that took a 2 year vacation

Shingo: Takeda just got pwned by a blind man

Meanwhile back in the winner's circle Yuuji celebrating his first stage clear in defense of his title.

The Sasuke King 王様 Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治 (Cliffer #3) - FIRST STAGE CLEAR

Oh hey they still have the fireman's pole back there

LOL Ryo snuck up the side to cheer his friend on every step of the way

Emphatic clear after a near-flawless dominating performance

ahahahahah Yuuji blowing off the reporter chick

PDA WE GOT PDA!!

Damn that felt good!

btw we are now going to casually walk away from the reporter chick who's going to ask me stupid questions I don't want to answer..

yeah.. just keep walking.. don't make eye contact..

Nagano: I used to do that.. man.. I'm getting old..

Shingo: Seriously.. chairs.. they are like 10 bucks.. I could even spring for nice fluffy cushions

Takeda: that was mean .. I didn't take a vacation for 2 years

Akiyama: Dude that was so totally a joke..

Yamada: Ya'll aren't cool anymore.. lemme infiltrate the young crowd.. they'll adopt me..

Nagano: LOL Yamada is under the impression he's going to be part of the young crowd..

Yamada (off camera): Hey.. ya'll interested in a mascot?

Nagano: We all know I'm the total hotness around here..

Akiyama: Dude Dude..

Nagano: Yeah! In yo face Takeda

Shingo (off camera): Seriously.. I think I got mud in my butt crack now..

Akiyama: Yeah yeah.. you tell em!

Nagano: that's right.. I'm still bitching

Akiyama: Yeah.. a little much but I still got your back bro

Nagano: You still think I'm hot right? You'd never forsake me?

Akiyama: oh.. here we go..

Takeda: you friggin' serious??

Takeda: Everyone knows I'm the total hotness around here

Akiyama: Oh and I thought Nagano lost his mind

Nagano: He thinks he can compete with me!

Shingo (Off camera): CHAIRS!! WE NEED REAL CHAIRS.. SERIOUSLY!!

Takeda: Yeah I know.. I tried..

Akiyama: Hehehehe he did a funny

Nagano: Stupid Shingo bitching about chairs at a time like this..

Yamada (off camera): I can spring for free beer!

Takeda: Well.. I was hot once.. I still got fans

Akiyama: I do too.. that's not fair

Nagano: Seriously? Dude, you drive a minivan..

Shingo (off camera): Dudes pipe down another one of the in crowd is about to start.

We got nekkid people next!

Stupid box girl hasn't watched the show.. why is she here???

Kanno still feeling internal pain from that Sasuke 23 final he was in

She likes flying legs

He likes buffed floors

He needs a real job

Pachinko bars need cleaning

He loves skulls.. and chains

Skulls are my precious..

I'm sorry but everytime I see him I hear Ube in my head saying "Pow Pow".

Anyway STQ Finalists Assemble!

So when you see her.. grab her by the..

Yeah like this!

And be polite when asking for her phone number after that..

In the night sky we have another former finalist trying to regain his glory for another chance at the Final Stage Tower!

HK: Zap! Bzzzap! Bzzzap!
MN: Bzzap?
HK: Laser guns!

Sasuke 23 Finalist Hitoshi Kanno菅野仁志

Crouching Tiger hidden Snail™

And he clears using the secret STQ technique

Another easy clear on the nards of doom

Nice catch!

Not the same cliffhanger technique that the UNCLI guys use

Still fast nonetheless

easy clear on the low wall

Uses pole

Also easy clear on the second wall

Plenty of time before going to the last obstacle

oh.. catches a little low but still plenty of time

Gets a little hung up..

Still emphatic clear with timer still in white.

(is the camera on me.. oh yes is it).. HURRAY!

Takeda: I'm not going to clap and there is nothing you can do to change my mind.

Akiyama: Why is everyone so sedate?

Nagano: Oh.. he did good..

Shingo: Just keep smiling they don't get pissed when you keep smiling

Nagano: Why you no clap?

Akiyama: I'm clapping I'm clapping..

Takeda: Nope.. not going to make me..

Shingo: nothing to see here.. hands in pocket..

Nagano: Why you no clap too?

Shingo: I was told if I smile I acknowledged the clear.. I don't need hands

Takeda: Nope.. not going to.. I'm too cool to clap

Akiyama: Where the hell did Katsumi go to now?

Shingo: well damn does that mean people are going to get angry that I'm not clapping?

Nagano: I forgot to check the time..

Takeda: I totally need a fanclub..

Akiyama: Maybe he finally got abducted by aliens? That sucks..

Hellooooo my fans!

Smooth run by Kanno

Hitoshi Kanno菅野仁志 - FIRST STAGE CLEAR!

I wants a hug!

Ryo and Yuuji oblige!

I love you man!!

Seriously my heart is fluttering!

Yuuji: Now.. just like I told you.. keep walking.. don't make eye contact..

Kanno: Wasn't I pretty up there??

Kanno: Hey babe.. like my guns?

Yuuji: I said.. no eye contact..

Seems Katsumi was safely returned by the aliens

And practicing his rolling escargot technique

Takeda: I was cheering inside.. like a man

Kanno: Thanks man I really appreciate it

Takeda: yeah when you get to my stature you can do anything and still look cool

Kanno: yeah.. but I have the body..

Takeda: you seriously dissin' me?

Kanno: nah.. I didn't mean..

Kanno: Two syllables.. starts with..

Takeda: Dude.. that totally looks like an elephant.. that's three syllables btw..

anyway back at the start line..

Someone pimpin' a Tokyo 2020 Olympics Host City Candidate sticker

Tomoko Hagiwara萩原智子

Apparently box girl doesn't see the Olympics either..

2000年シドニー五輪4位入賞水泳選手
4th place in the 200 meter Backstroke in the Sydney Olympics

That's her on the right as her teammate won the bronze medal

Tomoko Hagiwara萩原智子 Olympic Swimmer!

Ough. already in trouble..

and.. she fell backwards??

tired of the cutting back to studio.....

Akiyama is totally not paying attention as Nagano and Shingo watch with bated breath

I'm totally mesmerized by that scarf Nagano has...

Shingo's face is priceless.. he doesn't know if he should laugh of look upset..

Shingo: So.. happy face or sad face?

Akiyama: Hey what's going on now?

Nagano: Hey! Satomi!

Satomi: Yeah it's okay we are all laughing too!

Nagano: that's what I thought.. you'd totally destroy this course if you were invited

Shingo: Thanks! I wasn't sure if it I was supposed to laugh

Satomi: LOL She fell backwards

Nagano: Yeah she says it's okay so we can laugh now

Akiyama: lol wut?

Shingo: Thanks I wasn't sure!

Man.. keeping up with when I should laugh and when I should look interested is confusing.

Let's see that again..

Losing her balance completely she tried to lunge to the platform

Oooooh that's how she ended up backwards

Tomoko Hagiwara萩原智子 - Death by Quintuple Steps

Nagano doing the bounce as TBS shows you that they are cutting more people

Nagano: Dude.. why you no jump?

Shingo: Fine.. Jumping..

Nagano: Stop that.. you don't look cool

Shingo: man it's never good enough for you..

Takeda: That's why I don't care.. I look cool standing here picking my nose..

Yamada: I do too.. I do jogging instead..

Kouki Sakamoto坂本功貴

Box girl's ignorance is never ending..

北京オリンピック体操男子団体銀メダリスト
Member of the Silver medal gymnastics team in the Beijing Olympics

He himself was not in the final rotation

but was part of the team. Here's proof he competed in the early rounds.

Here he is .. with a lot more hair..

Oh! Hung on to the end of the snail!

taking his time before the Spin bridge

Oh! Nice save..

testing the trampoline (Was David Campbell the only one before this to do this also?)

and success!

However.. he doesn't have the same technique

and is burning all kinds of time trying to get across

Finally out of the netting

Oh boy.. balks at the first wall.. which is lower..

okay finally gets the lower wall

uses pole

wow.. not even close..

That's even worse..

is he trying to go UNDER the wall?

Ooooooh that's embarrasing..

Still trying.. but nowhere near..

Kouki Sakamoto坂本功貴 - Death by Time up on the Double Warped Wall

PART SIX

We have a new Sasuke opening!

PART SIX

(Part 1) (Part 2)(Part 3)(Part 4)(Part 5)

UBE'S Sorta-LIVE-BLOG FOR SASUKE 28 IS HERE !

(Massive thanks to TBS for posting the names of all 100 competitors! Thanks to Ube for his help on the names in English!!)

Okay.. All-star time.. been dreading doing this.. since Sasuke Rising is the sun setting on the Sasuke All-Stars... First we have Akiyama getting a handshake from Takeda while Akiyama's wife looks on.

Now Yamada comes over for his own (LOL Just looking at his wife's reaction.. we know Yamada/Akiyama used to hate each other years ago)

K without incident as his youngest son gets sandwiched LOL

Nagano sharing in the bromance

Shingo also showing solidarity

But BECAUSE this is Shingo he can never keep a straight face and cracks a joke..

Man.. I'm going to miss this guy.. he's my favorite competitor.

way back in 1999 during the 4th Sasuke, Akiyama was staring down the Final Stage.

Whoot.. purple Descente gear! Take a drink of something tropical!

GET THIS STUPID WOMAN OFF MY SCREEN! She doesn't even know who he is.. GET OFF THE SCREEN YOU LOUSY TART! YOU DON'T BELONG HERE!!!!

Seriously.. WHY IS SHE HERE? She doesn't watch the show.. so W.T.F...

sorry she's annoying the living hell out of me as TBS is finally showing a decent background fluff piece on him.. I mean granted it's the last time.. but still.. it's a nice tribute.

(blocking her face with my middle finger..) Despite him having all sorts of vision issues he still never shied away from physical activity.

This was from 1992 (which would have made him 19 years old)

Anyway we all know he was a crab fisherman! He fished for hairy crab! Think Deadliest Catch.. but in Hokkaido!

Middle finger wants to poke her eyes out.. anyway.. TBS pulls up the suckitude chart™

He's had issues in the past getting back to the Final since his win

And finally they are showing his latest hobby. Arm wrestling!

Which now he does competitively!

Of course figures they show him losing that too.. LOL

They repeated a lot of footage from Navi so I'm going to try not duplicate too many.

Seems he's also into building stuff inside the house!

Where he can do pull ups with full weights strapped onto him

I LOVE THIS PHOTO! Okay.. for many of us THIS was the original preferred Sasuke All-stars if we had our way:

Top Row: Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟, All-Star Bunpei Shiratori白鳥文平, Hiroyuki Asaoka朝岡弘行, Shinji Kobayashi小林信治, Koji Yamada山田康司

Bottom Row: All-stars Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦, Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩 and Makoto Nagano長野誠

Akiyama breaking down thanking everyone for their years of support

First overt appearance of Sasuke Spray!

Awwwww this is so cute! Akiyama brought his two sons!

Older son is Seiryu (Yes.. named after the Azure Dragon) and younger one is Yoshimune.

TBS reminding us 95 have gone and only 5 clears so far with the final 5 on tap to go now.

Carrying his trademark hairy crab on a string

All Star Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦

Easy clear on the steps

no problem with the rolling escargot

aaaaaaaaaaand.. this is where I thought he'd go down.. DAMN!!!

yes.. we can do without this.. everyone else in the room saw it live.. so this is utterly pointless..

everyone taking a gander.. seems all of them already knew what was going to happen..

and.. the fall..

yeah.. they knew it was going to happen. Takeda can't help but smile as Nagano buries his face..

Takeda knows he's the next one so he's already heading to the startline.

Poor Lee is still gaping while the others talk as if they already knew

Akiyama's wife Akemi and their sons (as Ube puts.. strangely unaffected)

yep.. exactly where I thought this would happen. Foot was too far forward and started to spin the ball making him lose his balance.

So he had no way to go but straight down.

Gah.. I had hoped he made it past this. I figured if he did he'd have a great shot at clearing the first stage!

Takeda proving that you can be your own Santa.. opens the bag away from Yamada..

.. to reveal his own towel.. strange.. he already knows he's going to take a bath?? Talk about no confidence! LOL

Let's see that again!

yeah.. already losing control as he over shoots the ball

then tries to stop but his body is still moving forward

and then straight down. That's a shame. I really hoped he'd pass this like he did in Viking.
All Star Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦 - Death by Spin Bridge

He says that his experience with Sasuke has really opened his world and that's something he'd treasure the rest of his life.

13 years ago he was the only Sasuke champion and he got lots of rewards for it but now it's time for the younger generation.

He still wants to cheer for the remaining All Stars.

(As Yamada is trying not to cry)

Takeda taking this all in as he's up next..

Shingo choking back tears

Nagano happy for his friend. We finally get to hear a good speech out of Akiyama and no one is interrupting him!

It's actually the first time for Akiyama to bring his family to Midoriyama!

He starts to fall apart as he truly thanks everyone for their support over the years.

Yamada actually finding it hard to breathe right now..

As there is a applause from those watching

Shingo doing everything in his power to try to keep it together.

Akiyama finally succumbs to tears

Akiyama walking over to the All-stars

Yamada hugging him! It's so nice to see them both put their past differences behind them.

Shingo extending his hand in appreciation

Then a huge smile from Nagano

Akiyama walking past his kids to deal with one more

A good luck for Takeda as he's up next.. I don't even want to think what's going through his mind right now having to hear all that then go tackle this stage for the first time in 2 years..

His kids are so sedate LOL

HUGE smile from Akiyama as everyone is not entirely sure what they should be doing right now

Awww no PDA for his wife.. just pats on the heads of his sons.

Oh yeah. we got 4 more of these to go.. geez.. btw.. so strange seeing him without his trademark orange pants..

Looooooots of breathing right now.. trying to focus after that emotional ordeal

Back from retirement folks.. 2 years he hasn't been here competing

Can I slap box girl... please??

H used to be a fire fighter

I always laugh at this old video because he's standing there supervising while everyone does the grunt work LOL

After years of training and commendations he earned the right to be a Heavy Rescue helicopter jumper. A small tight-nit elite group. It was because of this change that he didn't want to risk an injury during Sasuke that he retired.

I wondered if he was going to wear this uniform in Sasuke.

I'm so used to seeing those pants!

Gah.. even now.. I hate seeing this video of his Sasuke 24 choke.

wtf is she doing? She's killing the mood...

He's talking about unfinished business (we all know what that is.. especially since the damn reporter started with that question about the Final Stage)

as we take the time to stare at him in the gym.. oh.. they are using different music!

It's the one from the movie Backdraft (also used for Iron Chef which I find amusing since every once in a while I say "who's cuisine will reign supreme".. LOL)

and.. wtf is her problem????

Enough with the breathing... you are freaking me out!

what on earth is on his neck??

Anyway Underarmor Fire Rescue EMS shirt FTW!

Lee doing a thumbs up as Shinya and Shingo look on

Okay this seems wrong.. NAGANO SHOULD BE ON STAGE WITH HIM! You know.. the back slap???

Yamada is still trying to get it together

Everything about this feels wrong. Heavy mood, last tourney after a retirement, change of clothes, no one is there to psyche him up...

and of course we now have to go to commercial..

All-Star Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩

easy clear on the steps

Actually the first time he even tries this obstacle. I mean he's seen it before but doing it is another thing.

He sees the landing

and he dismounts.. omg.. early....

But he's on the mat even though his feet hit the water..

He starts to move..

BUT HE'S DISQUALIFIED!!! wtf???

Wait he's wondering too..

Do you remember when I asked if THIS was legal? Yeah.. I'm scratching my head too..

I'm already hearing people say because he has both feet touch water when the other guy was only one foot.. I still call BULLSHIT on the whole thing..

Rare camera angle on the other side showing the feet touch the water.

After seeing them use this rule in Kunoichi and even here in Sasuke.. if landing on a moving platform and your body is on it when you land even if you splash a bit when you land it shouldn't be a DQ.. especially when they let it slide in the SAME TOURNAMENT..

But of course we know they did it because they thought Takeda can pass the stage and whoever that guy was before didn't have a prayer so they let him fail elsewhere..

Nagano watching as he lands and is getting up

And then the announcer calling him out over the loudspeaker

yeah I call BS too..

Nagano can't believe what he's watching..

Neither can Shingo...

Now with his emotions in a COMPLETE Fuster cluck..

he prepares himself for his last run..

Kanno stopping him to try to offer some support in the middle of the chaos

Takeda can't believe his luck.. To come back after retirement.. and deal with this.

Heh.. Takeda taking a gander at the obstacle..

Looking around at the crew....

Yeah.. we all this is BS..

Nagano just throws his head back in disgust.. 2 All-stars up.. 2 down.. early..

Heh.. Takeda going away from the crowd dismounting on the other side.

Takeda eyes the landing

Though he does have to be faulted for misjudging the distance + the roll of the escargot

Instead of jumping like most do.. he just dropped

There's no arguing that both his feet hit though regardless if I think it was BS someone else got a pass earlier

This is an All-star and much is expected of him. Sucks of course going out on a DQ...

All-Star Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩- Death by Disqualification on Rolling Escargot

So Takeda is having one fine day.. come back from a 2 year retirement, get disqualified then force retired in a span of about 15 seconds.. how was your Thanksgiving?

Btw.. Takeda has some serious balls.. and notice that this interview is NOT broadcast to the bleachers for everyone to hear..

Point blank.. he's not happy with his run and wants a chance to prove himself. If TBS would give him a chance he wants to return to Sasuke and give a better challenge to the course!!!!!!

GO TAKEDA!!!!!!!! I WANT YOU BACK!!!!!! C'mon TBS.. invite them back!

meanwhile.. this poor soul hasn't heard that speech.. so he's still reeling from 2 of the All-stars retired and out early on the course.

of course I'm sure his last fail (spin bridge) in Sasuke 27 is fresh on his mind...

If you didn't know he was in Sasuke 1 YOU DON'T WATCH THIS SHOW..

.. you know.. like her that didn't know he was in the final in Sasuke 3

and again in Sasuke 7

Awww he tried to grow a mustache how cute :)

ahahahahahhaha Look at Shingo stuff his face while his wife is trying to do an interview..

Notice she's totally ignoring her husband being rude.. ahahahahahah

I totally love this woman. She's friggin' awesome :) This is Shingo's wife Eiko 英子

I was hungry.. and I was being interrupted..

I see vitals!

LOL Shingo can never make a serious video of anything.. he always has to start laughing..

Here he is getting his butt whooped by a personal trainer..

on camera.. and the bastard is laughing the whole time!!

No seriously.. this crap happens all the time..

Shingo cracking up again as he knows he looks stupid trying to do Step Aerobics.. LOL

And he collapses in both exhaustion and cackling in laughter

You're.. going to do something.. stupid aren't you?

You have no faith in me? Shock..

Faithful wife looking on with a sea of Yamamoto supporters! I'm so happy he brought so many!

Awww!

Eiko: Shin-Chan Gambatte!

And the shot that I have memorized because they used this in every single commercial/special

Oh yeah.. 97 people went.. 5 clears.. and 3 more All-stars to go..

Wow.. how he's keeping it together is a minor miracle..

Sasuke All-Star Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟

He's going so slow he brought it to a complete stop and had to keep moving it over..

Finally after slooowly moving down (he has ripped off this thing before for going too fast) he finally jumps

And safely across since he JUMPED and didn't drop like Takeda did

Gaaaaaaaaaah almost a carbon copy of last time!!!!!!!!!!

No wait this is SHINGO we are talking about.. WTF IS HE DOING????

LOL you can hear him laughing.. he can't believe his horrible luck!

Seems she can't believe it either..

already in trouble.. see his foot about to go backwards.. you have to be on TOP of the balls..

and with his foot spinning backwards.. his body lunging forward.. yeah..

and Shingo trying to save himself splashing both feet on the water on exit..

He can't help but laugh at the crazy ways he finds ways to fail...

GAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...

meanwhile.. looking like he wants to throw up.. it's Yamada's turn to get ready..

taking off his jacket he doesn't even know what to do with himself emotionally right now.

Ryo freaking out with the rest of the STQ'ers..

Everyone staring at Shingo just dangling in the air..

already seeing his feet go off early..

and then the drop into the water..

Only you Shingo.. only you can come up with something THAT epic.

Omg.. Yamada is next...

Oh Lord have mercy on me...

meanwhile still dangling...

Shingo's at a loss of what he should be doing right now..

and just stops to try to prolong his last moment in the show..

Let's see that again!

Right here.. too short on the entry and that foot just started to spin the ball BACKWARDS..

Meanwhile he tries to muscle through hoping to maybe jump to the platform and save himself..

but falling short he tries to hang on to the rope holding the last ball

but his downward momentum splashes BOTH feet in the water instantly.. even if he could get himself back up he was DQ'ed right there.

Shingo still smiling through all of that.. I mean.. what can you say?
Sasuke All-Star Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟 - Death by Spin Bridge

As he said in the interviews (since he was being forced retired anyway) that if he didn't pass the first stage he'll retire himself

Takeda (who said he wants to come back but no one heard it) is not happy

He looks up at Yamada who's just standing in a daze as this day is turning out into a nightmare.

Akiyama just trying to make sense of how badly everyone is doing

Yamamoto says that he's going to retire from Sasuke and concentrate on his new life.

I'm convinced that if he wasn't told he couldn't come back he wouldn't have made that specific speech.

a slow clap of appreciation of 15 years done btw TBS decreed it was time to move on.

Eiko crumbles in the stress

The veteran announcer (Hatsuda) thanks him! And he bows in appreciation.

See what I mean how it feels wrong? Something I said in detail when I first heard the news of the forced retirements..

I understood why they were doing it.. but I didn't like it. I still don't. What's interesting is seeing Nagano shake his head in disagreement. He seems to not like it either.

Right now Nagano is not in a good place as he watches one after the other the All-stars shatter in front of him. It shouldn't be this way.

Eiko: I just want him to live his life the way he wants to.

She thanks the interviewer as well.

Up next.. oh boy.. Mr. Sasuke who is about to implode..

PART SEVEN

We have a new Sasuke opening!

PART SEVEN

(Part 1) (Part 2)(Part 3)(Part 4)(Part 5)(Part 6)

UBE'S Sorta-LIVE-BLOG FOR SASUKE 28 IS HERE !

(Massive thanks to TBS for posting the names of all 100 competitors! Thanks to Ube for his help on the names in English!!)

And of course seeing Akiyama and Shingo both fail the Spin Bridge (third obstacle) and Takeda inexplicably fail the Rolling Escargot landing (second obstacle) Yamada wants to throw up..

TBS reminding us of his failures.. though they went into the wayback machine for this one! Sasuke 2

It was then that Yamada starting practicing on replicas

So in Sasuke 3 when he failed the Rope climb...

Yep you guessed it.. ~~I want to smack the box girl~~.. He ended up using a crane to dramatically show he was training on the rope.. with no harness..

And of course even actors are laughing at the dedication of him training at night in a warped wall in your FRONT yard perched right up against the street..

speaking of right up against the street.. Yamada in his prime practicing on his course when the lamp grasp was still relevant.

Fast forward 10 years or so and TBS reminding us how he timed out (again) on the Wall in Sasuke 27

.. the same tournament that Yuuji won with no issues...

TBS loving the metaphor of old and rusted course signifying Yamada's physical abilities.

Interestingly.. I'm told he confessed that he hadn't even wanted to do it the last few years because he knew he wouldn't do well.

He jokes that the set is getting old and rusty, just like his body.

So he finally took the opportunity to tear the whole thing down. I'm surprised this landmark has lasted as long as it has..

I'm sure his neighbors are happy to see the dilapidated course gone! Be different if it was kept up.. but he let is rust away. Glad to see he finally is taking it down.

Training one last time (granted for the cameras but still) before he hangs it up for good.

And yes they repeated a lot from Navi so there are more screenshots of what else was on this fluff piece in that blog.

Meanwhile present day start-line.. Yamada staring down the last First stage for him fighting tears in his eyes.

Crowd getting behind him cheering for him.

Nagano taking a deep breath.. because he knows it's going to be epic one way or the other..

Sasuke All-Star (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己

But first.. buy the Avengers! (Great movie btw..)

and we are back from commercials!

easy clear on the steps

what the.. he managed to stop the snail before it's first revolution he's going so slow..

He did it again.. so he is taking out his foot ...

yeah he's mustering rotation by kicking his foot out..

and again he's ground to a halt!

Finally.. after literally making the rolling escargot move at a snail's pace he dismounts safely.

So after taking more than 20 seconds on the Rolling Escargot he stops again to stare down the Spin Bridge

Perfect across the spin bridge! Didn't even make a single one move!

Redemption on this Jump Hang as he catches the cargo net.

At this point there's no point in screaming about the time. We all know he is going to time out... however..

he's about to embark in a personal journey with that damn wall.. which is coming up next..

He knows it.. we all know it.. see how far he can get before the timer runs out.

This is the low wall.. but he fails the first pass.. 11 seconds to go..

Yamada collecting himself as it to say to the wall.. you will be conquered right now..

And he does!

Yamada relieved with himself as he finally passed at least ONE wall..

Nagano hoping Yamada passes the wall..

and celebrates that he finally did!

Shingo openly cheering for him to pass the wall also while Takeda still maintaining cool status.

And Takeda and Shingo smile as he is past the wall right at the timer.

Asa openly cheering the pass while Wakky contemplating that it was only the first wall.. LOL

Sasuke All-star (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 - Time up on the Double Warped Wall

He doesn't care. He seems happy to have finished on a high note clearing one of the Warped Walls

Going back to show how perfect he cleared the Spin Bridge.

And honestly.. I lost my bet to Ube since I thought he was going down on this..

actually he did well considering.. it's like he knew he wasn't going for the time.. but going for overall distance.

and out of 4 All-stars so far.. he's gone the FURTHEST.. such a weird tournament so far.. LOL

Interesting speech..

As Nagano looks on in curiosity

And Shingo..

and Takeda..

He kind of confessed that the last few years, he knew he wasn't ever going to complete it (meaning the First stage) but he didn't know how to end it.

And Akiyama..

As the new stars (Glad to see Kouji in there even if it's just placement on camera)

and Asa watch on in silence.

Almost relief for him. He thanks everyone.

And they politely clap. I mean what can you do when you hear a speech like that?

Now with the mood completely killed..

and all of his friends decimated..

He's the last All-Star Standing.. yeah.. no pressure or anything..

But first.. laundry detergent needs to be sold!

Okie dokie time for the shoes.. and breathing like a fish..

Insert long fluff piece that was mostly covered in Navi

Seems box girl is aware of Nagano winning Sasuke 17

and the freaky washed out camera..

and the patented Nagano annoyed™ look.. LOL

Also from Navi the whole bit of him getting a brand new ship.

reminding us of the ANW trip over 2 years ago

And the trip to Malaysia well over a year ago

and Nagano getting pwned by the brain fart on the Spider walls in Sasuke 24

and the epic whiff on the Circle Slider in Sasuke 25

And the shocking drop from the Jumping Spider in Sasuke 26

That freaked out his wife and child

Sasuke 27 though he made it all the way to the 3rd stage.

New training vids since he has a new ship now

So this is all 'recent'

Showing Nagano in his prime - Sasuke 12 over 9 years ago.

Back when you had better results from all the All-stars as a whole

Nagano complaining that he is getting old and it's getting harder..

YAY!!!!! Caning Ritual™ I wanted to see this!! LOL

Shingo knows Takeda is taking waaaaaayyyy too much pleasure in this.. LOL

As I swear I hear all of his vertebra crack at once.. Yep.. all of his weight on it..

ahahahaha Nagano is smiling as that sucker HURT this time..

and the final handshakes! Yamada first

Shingo as he giggles..

And Takeda

and Akiyama. Man this feels somber...

(Btw Lee from Taiwan was also in there - Nagano's body is covering him right now)

Awwwww I want to chew on him!!!!!! Kaiou is yelling "Papa Gambare!"

That's Nagano's 3 year old son Kaiou 塊王 and his wife Asami 阿紗美,

Proud papa acknowledging his little boy's pleas

LOL I didn't notice Asa's skull shirt.. he looks like a rockstar LOL

because I can...

Yeah.. they are using all of the song this time.. it's that long of an intro..

Sasuke All-Star Makoto Nagano長野誠

and here we go! Easy clear on the steps

Easy clear on the snail

short pause before the ~~cannonball run~~... er.. spin bridge

Perfect!

Quickly to the Jump Hang Kai and no issues!

a nice steady pace

Easily through and onwards..

VERY quickly up the first wall

using the pole

and uuuuuuugh I hate when they do this..

Noooooooooooooo.. see? just wasted time setting up only to fail it..

and getting ready for his next pass and completely .. stops..

GET OFF MY SCREEN YOU HUSSY!

Okay they finally brought back the photo icons..

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO....

Asa is already in tears.. Ryo is in shock.. Kanno is in disbelief and Yuuji trying to yell encouragement.

I SEE KENJI TAKAHASHI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TBS WHY WAS HE NOT COMPETING??

LOL I see Kouji now.. it's like he's playing prairie dog

Everyone including me are in utter disbelief of what they are seeing..

Wow.. he's officially given up.. he is just .. walking around..

Finally collects himself for another run..

Noooooooooooooo...

Ugh.. this is painful to look at.. he was going so strongly up to this point!

The new generation stars are freaking out..

And they see the timer go red..

His wife Asami trying in vain to cheer him on as his very aware son bites his lower lip

Klaxon blaring Nagano and stopped caring about trying to clear it..

he's literally pacing running out the clock..

Takes his elbow pad and just disgustingly throws it down..

Wow.. I totally didn't expect that...

Sasuke All-Star Makoto Nagano長野誠 - Death by Time up on Double Warped Wall

He can't believe all the All-stars cracked..

Waiting for the klaxon to stop blaring..

and there it is.. DOH! SHE DROPPED THEIR SON! LOL!!!!

Kaiou: Geez Mom thanks a lot!

Poor Asami! Though Kaiou seems to have forgiven her as he wants to get back up!

and .. on the sidelines.. finally..

as they hear the final sound of the timer run out.

As they slowly walk back..

and the camera gives chase...

and we walk in circles..

and everyone is avoiding the camera.. LOL

Meanwhile Asa is crushed.. his hero won't be joining him in the Second Stage.

He's really taking his time even moving.. just staring at the ground..

alone with himself..

wait.. what? No interview? WTF?.... oh yeah.. Second Stage .. wait.. no Nagano interview??

Yeah yeah 5 guys going to the Second Stage.. I'm still in shock about the All-stars.. gimme time.. gimme time..

Oh screw this.. back to the ceremony room.. uuuuuuuuuuugh.. gag me...

Well there's a happy bunch.. talk about pouring salt on the wound..

Shingo trying to stay awake.. Nagano looks pissed.. Akiyama and Yamada sedate.. but.. no interviews? Wtf...

Hey I'm like that Comedian lady on the right..

Savannah dude talking but I don't really seem to care..

Yuuji picking lint off his jacket..

oh yeah.. damn I have to pay attention...

aaaaaand that's a wrap.. oh sorry.. 2nd Stage..

PART EIGHT

We have a new Sasuke opening!

PART EIGHT

(Part 1) (Part 2)(Part 3)(Part 4)(Part 5)(Part 6)(Part 7)

UBE'S Sorta-LIVE-BLOG FOR SASUKE 28 IS HERE !

(Massive thanks to TBS for posting the names of all 100 competitors! Thanks to Ube for his help on the names in English!!)

After that depressing end to the All-Stars.. how about we tackle the Second Stage?

① ^Cross Sliderクロススライダー

Note those 2 padded things.. you have to prop your body like a cross (thus the name)

slide down and land on this mat at the end of the moat

Moving right to left on the screen

From here you get the ② *Swap Salmon Ladderスワップサーモンラダー

Rider's right on this. As you go up the rungs (jumping from one set of rings to the other) the notches above pop out.

That also explains why you couldn't just "Keita" up the higher rungs.. because they would have not been exposed yet without landing on the opposite rungs to trigger the mechanism.

③ *Unstable Bridgeアンステーブルブリッジ

Note that it's "modified".. they nerfed this one to only have the first plank (the easy one with 4 chains). I'd be shocked if anyone missed this...

④ *Spider Walkスパイダーウォーク

Also an older obstacle.. personally I like this obstacle.

⑤ ^Backstreamバックストリーム

The one everyone is talking about.. yes.. you have to swim through it.. no other way around it.

⑥ ^Passing Wallパッシングウォール

Note that the middle wall opens sideways...

Second Stage time to beat is 135 seconds.

The 5 survivors of the First Stage watch the demonstrator tackle the Backstream

Mental note.. I'd fail.. I can't swim!

I can hear a collective brick coming from various nether regions right now..

Koki Someya染谷幸喜 in his 1st appearance in the Second Stage.

Kazuma Asa朝一眞 making his 2nd appearance in the Second Stage.

Ryo Matachi (Cliffer #2) 又地諒 making his 2nd appearance in the Second Stage.

Hitoshi Kanno菅野仁志 making his 5th appearance in the Second Stage

2-Time Grand Champion Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治 (Cliffer #3) - making his 6th appearance in the Second Stage

Btw at some point in this stage he remarks that this is unusual because he thought the whole point of Sasuke was staying dry.. LOL

Okie dokie! Reminder there are 5 people from 100 into the 2nd Stage.

Time for the Sasuke Rookie Koki Someya染谷幸喜

Who brought a nice bunch to cheer him on!

Strange that they have to start with goggles..

Note the body position..

Flies across and nicely dismounts

Onwards to the Swap Salmon ladder

Jumps across just fine

Jumps back across okay (notice as they land the higher rung across pops out)

Safely across the other side

And ooooooooooh can't catch the highest rung back on the other side

Aaaaaaand there's much gnashing of teeth and wailing

and the New Generation reacts

Yuuji in a bad place.. btw.. SEE HOW COLD IT IS? THEY ARE WEARING GLOVES!!

Let's see that again!

Yeah.. wasn't even close ..

and as the rung hit the lower rung he just flung off

Koki Someya染谷幸喜 - Death by Swap Salmon Ladder

I hope he returns! That was an impressive debut!!!

Time to pick your nose!

So.. this exchange is interesting..

The two Cliffers are discussing how long you it will take to do certain obstacles and still finish on time.. so.. 70 seconds?

Kanno can't help but laugh at the obsession to details..

So maybe take no more than 30 seconds on it?

Meanwhile Sasuke Pants is up!

Words cannot explain how awkward this looks..

TBS reminding us he sucked the last time he was in the 2nd stage.

He makes a funny

Something about goggles for the 2nd stage still bothers me...

Kazuma Asa朝一眞 doing a rebel yell!

such a strange obstacle. I don't hate it.. just.. weird..

Hmm takes a little bit of time to finally push off. Seems it's manually let go.

and he lands nicely

and about to jump to the 2nd rung.. when we go to commercial..

Fark.. we got news brief now.. groaaaaaan I forgot about these..

So magically we are back at the start line.

okay he got to the 2nd rung.

Safely back across and turning around for the next one

Safely landed...

YES! And got the top rung!

and easily past the plank.. if he failed this I would have been worried..

aaaaand up the spider walk..

Still going..

and I KNEW I saw him clearly in the commercials :)

This is just.. weird..

man this looks like a hot mess.. he rams right into some rubber padding and into the first wall.

Soaked to the bone.. probably getting hypothermia and as he's sliding he has to raise a wall..

manages to get under it..

God this is weird!!!!!

and the last wall seems the same as before.

and we have a clear!

The crowd is sedate.. not because they don't like him.. it's because they aren't sure wtf they just witnessed LOL

LOL They are next..

see what I mean? They are .. unsure of what they just saw..

Meanwhile Asa groupies are ecstatic!

Kazuma Asa朝一眞 - SECOND STAGE CLEAR!

replay of the last rung of the Swap Salmon Ladder

again... I would drown..

reverse angle from the last wall

I'm not used to seeing them soaked to the bone at the end of a stage and still clear! LOL

He's relieved he survived

and overcome with joy at his first Third Stage appearance!

wtf are you doing..

these damn knee pads are bringing down my pants..

and I'm going to be underwater..

so I'm folding them into shorts!!

Ryo Matachi (Cliffer #2) 又地諒 has a pet!

Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah GIANT BUG!!!!!!! KILL IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Box girl has a very short memory.. she forgot she saw how small his room is..

Yes yes.. we've heard it all before.. his room is only 4 tatami mats big..

and still has major obstacles crammed in it..

and he has the scars on his hands to prove it.

Ryo Matachi (Cliffer #2) 又地諒 ready for his run! Please say he's going to straighten out..

Phew okay he did.

If he fails this I'm going to throw something..

k.. doing fine..

yep.. clearing..

okay easy clear

Dude.. the plank is closer.. wtf..

okay using Sasuke Spray..

and the other foot..

and drying off his clammy hands..

and testing out the walls.. uhm.. did I explain that this is TIMED?

FINALLY on his way..

wasted an obscene amount of time on the set up to this..

Good Lord he wasted 20 seconds total on the damn Spider Walk??

Kanno is starting to panic..

oooooh now I know why.. he's not a good swimmer..

hey I can't knock him.. I can't swim at all.. but still.. this is eating all kinds of time..

Finally across.. and slowly getting out of the water tank..

hey they took out that long padded strip that Asa crashed into!

Wow he's having all sorts of problems with the walls...

hearing the klaxon blaring he panics and drops the wall!

Now he's trying to SHOVE his body underneath! I HATE when he does that..

He got stuck under there!

Ryo can't believe his luck..

They cannot believe Ryo failed THAT second stage...

Dude.. wtf..

Kanno is stunned..

Rendered Yuuji speechless...

And now nauseous.. there goes his plans of pacing..

and that's what happens when you plan out how long you can take between obstacles..

And THIS is the main reason why he failed. Wasted waaaaay to much time.. that's a Yamada fail if I ever saw it. The only thing missing was tape on his hands..

Hmm if the conversation was about the backstream and how much time it should eat.. I'm worried for Yuuji's run..

I love Ryo.. but if he passed without properly lifting the wall I would have reamed him..

ahahahahah someone in a baby blanket..

Awww it's Asa!

"I don't think I've ever done the crawl in my life..." He lost a lot of stamina after swallowing too much water..

Ryo Matachi (Cliffer #2) 又地諒 - Death by Time up on the Passing Wall

And because TBS loves doing intereviews.. here's Asa

And Kanno

And Yuuji who's already nervous..

TBS explains why.. he failed the Unstable bridge (the harder one with the single ropes on each side for the last plank.. you know.. the one that's not here..)

and had the most wtf fail on the Double Salmon Ladder that no one has ever duplicated.

I see bears! On the curtain!

Googles.. it's what's for dinner..

2-Time Grand Champion Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治 (Cliffer #3)

easy clear on the Cross Slider

and onto the next rung

clear on the next rung

and the next

Yay! Top rung cleared

He's also making me nervous LOL

Okay. Uses spray but doesn't make love to it.

and onwards he goes!

nice pace through the walls

sorry this tanks freaks me out..

Oh! He's not a good swimmer either! So that is what they were talking about..

Finally out of the water..

No padding either at the end.

some small issues with the wall but passes it fine

Zero issues with the middle wall which is a joke..

Rips that annoying set of goggles off his head..

And the same issues he always has with the last wall but still passes it.

LOL and emphatic slam of the button for the clear!

LOL it's so dark you can't see Ryo. Considering how much light is flooding the stage.. you'd think they'd move some to the gallery so you can see better!

Hey that's a cool shot of the ending platform with the smoke clear.

2-Time Grand Champion Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治 (Cliffer #3) - SECOND STAGE CLEAR!

Lots of complaining about freezing!

Yeah yeah.. I'll shake your hand but omg I'm cold!

Yuuji still swims better than me!

Last wall always is awkward but he does it!

This cracked me up

SLAM it's over.. omg it's over..

LOL does he wear contacts?? LOL he's conducting the interview with one eye.. Poor thing.

He's got some crap in his eyes..

Yuuji says he hates the water. "That's why I don't fall at Sasuke. Can't stand being in the water..."

Time for our last competitor who's noted as a Silver Accessories Designer!

Ya'll remember that unfortunate Spin Bridge injury that made him forfeit the Second Stage after landing on the mat before the Salmon Ladder in Sasuke 27.

Girlfriend alert! Wait.. is she new? (Hard to tell)

Kanno's girlfriend's name is Shoko. (笑子）

That's right.. I'm a playah!

Hitoshi Kanno菅野仁志

Made it across just fine

and the next

and the next!

and the final one!

easy clear on the ~~joke of an~~ Unstable Bridge

Kanno is too cool for Sasuke Spray!

and off he goes!

His turn at the Backstream

He also swims above the water

and the scene from the commercials as well.

Doing much better in time

OUCH.. slams right into the wall!

Proving you can lift this without issues..

rips apart the wall

and showing he can lift it above his head

with a slight Takeda one-arm flair

Best time yet!

Yuuji celebrating as Kouji remains motionless

Girlfriend having kittens with his mom

Wow.. Parents in on the high fives!

Hitoshi Kanno菅野仁志 - SECOND STAGE CLEAR!

and a back flip for good measure!

LOL Points off for the landing!

and out of the 5.. only 3 go on to the Third Stage!

aaaaaaand back to the boring room.. LOL the chick's wearing Hermione's dress! okay okay not EXACTLY but has the same vibe..

and more wasting time with interviews of people who never watched the show talk about crap they don't know.. oh well..

and everyone seems like they just want to either sleep or eat..

because seriously.. sitting there for 3 hours watching a show you already witnessed and participated live.. has to be boring.. especially with no munchies!!

and we have a preview of the obstacle coming up! Crazy Cliffhangerクレイジークリフハンガー

and yes that IS the name.. not my name.. it's called the Crazy Cliffhanger

Here's the landing ledge..

Showing the testers during the build stage.

and showing it can be done

though this one whiffed.. LOL

Here's a preview of the Vertical Limitバーティカルリミット

Also in the Third Stage

This show sponsored by..

Oh yeah.. 3rd Stage when we return!

PART NINE

We have a new Sasuke opening!

PART NINE

(Part 1) (Part 2)(Part 3)(Part 4)(Part 5)(Part 6)(Part 7)(Part 8)

UBE'S Sorta-LIVE-BLOG FOR SASUKE 28 IS HERE !

(Massive thanks to TBS for posting the names of all 100 competitors! Thanks to Ube for his help on the names in English!!)

And we are back! Third Stage Time!

And a return of the ① Rumbling Diceランブリングダイス

The obstacle marking it's 8th appearance

New obstacle! ② ^Iron Paddlerアイアンパドラー

The camera panned across so you can see both sides of it.

We'll see how this works exactly if someone gets to it.

And the full length of the paddler

Also new a re-imagined Cliffhanger called the ③ ^Crazy Cliffhangerクレイジークリフハンガー

In the words of my husband.. "what makes it 'crazy' then?"

This does! You have to jump behind you to get to the other ledge.

④ Curtain Clingカーテンクリング

There's been a few variations of this obstacle (namely the placement of the sheets) however this marks the 5th time it's been in Sasuke.

New obstacle (yes.. that's a ledge..)

⑤ ^Vertical Limitバーティカルリミット

Of course not to be confused with the English title of the Kunoichi obstacle..

This is a ledge/grip obstacle.

and an oldie but goodie:

⑥ Pipe Sliderパイプスライダー

This particular one is redesigned to be it's own thing,however there has been a version of this obstacle in at least 18 tourneys.

Still wrapped in a baby blanket, you see the competitors watch a demonstrator on the Crazy Cliffhanger.

And successfully defeat it.

As the competitors having a mancrush over the demonstrator.

Same guy showing us how the Vertical Limit works.

Yuuji's totally mancrushing...

As he's yelling "Sugoi" スゴイ (or Amazing!!)

LOL I was told what he actually said here!!

Yuuji: "Come on, how can they expect me to do this. I'm just a shoe salesman."

I love his sense of humor!

Prerequisite interviews! Asa making his debut!

Then Yuuji who's making his 4th appearance in the Third Stage

Who apparently is giddy with excitement and trepidation over the stage..

and Kanno

Kanno's girlfriend Shoko (笑子）

Kanno is making his 3rd appearance in the Third Stage (the most recent one being 3 years ago)

I'm so used to the All-stars being all over each other supporting so this is jarring for me to see them so far apart from Asa.

It will take time for the group to congeal. Heck, it took years for the All-stars.

Veteran announcer Keisuke Hatsuta初田啓介

Reminder that only 3 have survived into the Third Stage

Cool overhead shot of the Third Stage. Milk that crane rental!

TBS loves this shot.. will he make the Final that's looming in the distance?

Kazuma Asa朝一眞

And immediately starts with the Sasuke Spray!

Ever a fan of the show he knows exactly the best technique to go through this obstacle

And showing no issues as he powers through it.

almost there..

Safe dismount

Now comes the unknown..

Hey I wondered if you could go underneath it like an arm bike..

But apparently not.. as it's called a paddler..

Wow this is awkward and painful to watch!

awesome pace though.. he's just muscling it to the end!

Wow that looks exhausting!!

Yuuji just crapped a brick...

And Kanno is intrigued..

Now onwards to the Crazy Cliffhanger..

This woman has crabs.. and is happy about it..

Okay back and he's praying over the cliffhanger.. er.. sorry making love to the spray.. no that's not right either..

Okay fondling over.. no that's not right either..

okay nice pace across the first 1/3 of the obstacle

wait spoke too soon.. he comes back to the first ledge..

Okay he's back on the middle one..

transition to the 3rd ledge..

and starting to get himself organized for the swing.. he looks tired..

and trying to get a good swing..

Oh but before that his fingers gave out!

Oh reverse angle showing you how hard it was for him to hang on...

just couldn't hold on..

Kanno contemplating how much energy was sucked out of him by the Iron Paddler..

Quick glance as he heads over to his starting position since he's next.

Asa groupies in million depressions..

ugh that water looks foul.. and FREEZING..

Yeah once I saw his body completely extend that far.. I knew he had nothing left..

Kazuma Asa朝一眞 - Death by Crazy Cliffhanger

I'm actually really proud of him! He's kept it together and showed us that the potential we saw years ago when we first met him was not a fluke. He really is that good!

He said he had been dreaming of going this far and is happy but wants another chance to do better!

Meanwhile pimping the new Sasuke Rising Jackets in white.. Yuuji is up next!

If you don't know he won in Sasuke 24.. you don't watch the show..

and if you didn't know he won TWICE.. you really don't watch the show..

Yuuji showing us that he practices his cliffhanger skills at home

.. hey is that a cat.. liter box?

Kinda creepy that he shows how much he hangs on to it..

It literally changed color from the times he's handled it..

Don't you touch your wood too?

TBS pimping the space heater the size of the Death Star..

and a cameraman waiting along the route..

TBS really loves this shot..

2-Time Grand Champion Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治 (Cliffer #3)

Children of the cor.. er.. vegetable?

I see they got a commercial with the current Gymnastics Olympic All-Around Champion Kōhei Uchimura内村航平

and we're back!

No issues on the Rumbling Dice

Safe dismount

Figuring out wtf to do with this thing...

No wonder he was scared of this.. he's having ALL SORTS of problems..

omg is he going backwards???

This is painful to watch!

People are yelling encouragement as it seems he's here for a lifetime!

pokes a toe out to hopefully get momentum off this stupid thing..

iiiiiiinching forward...

Wow finally off this thing.. it took him TWO MINUTES to clear it!

Kanno is up next..

Asa made it look easier..

Not sure what he's saying but I think he's talking to Asa here..

Talking to Shinya here.

His turn to contemplate this cliffhanger with almost no energy..

Quickly on it..

Mmmmmmm.. nuts..

and we are back as he's flying through this..

After all he is an UNCLI member!

Now eyeballing the jump..

and he touches...

Noooooooooo...

He had a good attempt!

but just short..

Hioki freaking out!

Masashi Hioki日置将士 (those of us know him as the lucky bastard that got Bunpei at his wedding)

LOL and drops out of frame..

Ooooh STQ'ers unite!

Okay.. Tomohiro Kawaguchi川口朋広, Keitaro Yamamoto山本桂太朗 (Cliffer #5), Hioki now on his knees, Lee from Taiwan and Kouji Hashimoto the inexplicably demoted New Star..

Asa also freaking out so spastic that the camera lost him

He was standing next to Kouji

As everyone is in disbelief that the Cliffer failed a Cliffhanger!

Oh.. Kanno is not liking his chances if the King of Sasuke just failed his go-to obstacle

What makes this surprising is that up to now.. Yuuji had never failed the Third Stage... let alone the previous Cliffhangers (in competition)

Unfamiliar territory! 2-Time Grand Champion Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治 (Cliffer #3) - Death by Crazy Cliffhanger

Yeah.. Kanno is not in a happy place

Taking two full minutes on this was painful to watch.. it seemed endless but he persevered!

Given how much energy was drained from him on the paddler I shouldn't have been surprised to see him fall..

But I was.

He said he's really happy he got this far and he'll have a goal to train for.

I suspect many of his friends will build that obstacle for him to train on!

It's so damn cold.. Kanno has all of his clothes on.. a heavy jacket.. AND a baby blanket.. and THIS was the tournament they wanted people to swim in!???

anyway Box lady surprised that the new generation live in closets filled with full-sized obstacles..

Seems of the celebs are all laughing at the absurdity of it all.

While she's gone fangirling over the sight of his back.

Hitoshi Kanno菅野仁志 back in the Third Stage after 3 years!

Can I call her no-neck girl? Is she hiding hickies the size of manhole covers?

I mean.. just saying.. this is her boyfriend..

btw he's doing just fine on the Rumbling Dice

Just fine on the dismount

Lol wut?

Dude this sucker hurts..

I want to see him in paaaaaaain.. just like I was..

Yuuji's wish is Kanno's command...

Wow he's having issues as well but still going at a faster pace than Yuuji

almost.. there... he touches his feet...

OMG he tried to dismount early and went completely backwards!

Pulled his knees in and managed to land on the platform and slowly paddled his arms back in to dismount...

No-neck is relieved!

Lucky bastard knows he's lucky!

Meanwhile.. he gets ready for the Cliffhanger..

and has a private moment with Sasuke Spray..

Hey.. you should know by now they are going to pimp the commercials..

LaaaaaaaLaPort!

Hey check it out! It's Anna Tsuchiya土屋アンナ! I like a lot of her music. It's very different.

Kanno got too much Sasuke Spray in his eyes.. LOL

okay back on the first ledge

onto the 2nd..

carefully on the 3rd..

Jumping..

No.. hands together..

Princess suckface in million depressions

It looked like a good jump

but not far enough and the hands were practically on top of each other.. he had no hope..

Hitoshi Kanno菅野仁志 - Death by Crazy Cliffhanger

I had it..

I thought I did...

Damn!

Now she's crying

as Kanno washes all that mud out of hands..

and to further ruin the mood.. but luckily for the last time.. I hope.. we are back to that damn room..

as poor Asa who is not used to wearing a suit gets up as he's acknowledged

Same for Yuuji and Kanno

btw Kanno wasn't interviewed at the end either was he?

Yuuji and Kanno the Third Stage competitors

Along with Asa

Akiyama: I'm so hungry..

Shingo: Okay.. explain to me the point of why we are here?

Yamada: I look great in this suit don't I?

Nagano: I wonder where I dropped my wallet?

Akiyama: Hmm instead of water maybe they should have just given me a beer.

Shingo: I mean.. I sat here for three hours.. and I didn't get asked a single question

Yamada: You want them to talk to you? You suck at public speaking..

Nagano: Maybe in the bathroom?

Akiyama: or appetizers.. some munchies would be nice.. my stomach is digesting itself..

Shingo: I'm soooooooo bored..

Yamada: I'm look good in a suit don't I?

Nagano: My wife is going to kill me when she finds out..

I honestly hope that although it was cute to see them in suits.. that they get rid of this horrible segment. It served no purpose.

MC says in perfect English "Have a happy New Year!"

Okay! Where to start. First off.. I LIKED this tournament. After having a long almost year and a half wait from Sasuke 27 it was nice that we got another tournament. I'll try to break down a couple of my arguments for and against in another blog because I need to break it down into components. The synopsis though right after I saw this show was I applaud their efforts. I am HAPPY that they gave us so much notice. In September we had a formal announcement and by November they taped and early December we had so much press for this tournament including several videos and a fully updated website with all the names of the competitors.. All the things I faulted them in the past they seemed to have fixed. They tried new things as well. We can complain about what they added but I like supporting the idea of taking chances. Granted I believe this is the most polarizing of the Sasuke tournaments (some HATED it while others LOVED it). I applaud the fact that TBS is still continuing with the franchise without changing the format (like they did with the horrible Kunoichi 8). Since the airing we found out that they had to start from scratch since the Monster 9 bankruptcy liquidated all assets including ALL of the old obstacles. Re-hiring Sasuke Director (Sasuke 1-13) Masato Inui was a good step as he had experience with the tournament and his company (Folcom) could replace the Monster 9 production team. It can only go up from here. I hated a few things of the show but I'll keep that in another post. By reading my blog though it's obvious it can be summed up in 2 categories.. Forced retirement of the All-stars and that damned room.. but lemme finish on a good note. I can write about that at a later time.

Anyway... really really really want to thank a few people. Lost in Ube for oh geez.. the list is so long. Outside of my inspiration for even blogging in the first place back when I found Sasuke and found his blogs back in 2007 he's been a great online friend whom I can watch Sasuke and use candor and humor when watching without people hawking my every word :p And then of course his Live blog which I abuse constantly when creating my own. I honestly believe a lot of people really don't realize how hard it is to do these things (especially his live blog). VxJasonxV for the Sasuke Navi, Nagano overseas Special and Sasuke Rising feed he provided from his paid subscription of WIST. Without that I don't think half the community would have even SEEN the tournament! Thanks to the streamers blt and scnoi that helped our community see the event! Thanks for Jams for giving me a clear copy of the tourney for the blog since my VLC kept crashing while recording the broadcast in the past... Thanks to the SMF community for being patient when I FINALLY got the blogs up and for READING them! Thanks to my very loyal Rambling Rican readers whom always amaze me when they come back! LOL I'm happy people find enjoyment in them as much as I enjoy creating them. I'm ecstatic more people have used my blog as an introduction to such a wonderful show and it makes it even more worthwhile when I know my fangirling is actually to good use! I'm excited to see our small group grow to literally thousands around the world banding together to watch this show through tiny computer screens that often crash. Praying for another tournament so I can keep updating this blog with relevant information. Didn't think after all these years I'd still be doing this and enjoying it. Ya'll have made it worth the while :) It'll be 5 years this March! I can't believe how fast time is flying.

Hopefully with the preliminary news of Sasuke 29 being discussed (but not confirmed) we'll get the answers to our questions about the state of Sasuke Japan with the uncertainty of the spin offs around the world. The 3rd place overall in ratings for the evening was considered enough to keep going from what I understand. I look forward to more news as we get it.

Preface:

Now that I've had time to digest the happenings of Sasuke Rising and the state of Sasuke as we speak I wanted to do a blog on my thoughts on this new season. I'll try to break it down like I before on the State of Sasuke in Japan Blog that I wrote a couple years back. My initial thoughts on the show are as simple. I liked it. However, there are a few things that bothered me about the current incarnation and the direction it seems to be going. I'm not going to talk about obstacles in detail. Overall there were hits and misses and some seemed.. "awkward" but that's a design issue and is a huge discussion between hard-core and casual fans. If we followed everyone's suggestions on that no one would be happy as some are diametrically opposed. I for one encourage obstacle changes and wild ideas. Some of our favorite obstacles came from ideas so I don't like discouraging that at all. Even if some didn't live up to fan expectation. It's part of the show. So I'm going to deal with things that SHOULD change either "back" to what it was, change from the current and even support some change for the sake of progress.

Sasuke Champions!

Sasuke All Star Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦, 2-Time Grand Champion Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治 (Cliffer #3) and Sasuke All-Star Makoto Nagano長野誠 ©Yuuji Urushihara

Ratings dissection for Sasuke Rising:
First thing is first: The ratings were not spectacular. They weren't terrible either. However, they were the 3rd worst of all-time. The overall number was 9.3% (Technically in the Kanto Region but that's the one they use for documenting overall ratings). The number dropped significantly after the First stage (after the All-stars left) as more people just switched channels to watch the other 2 variety shows that Sasuke was competing with all night. The numbers were clear where the audience went and so the debate goes as to why knowing that information. One clear thing though, the night was not a heavy viewing night and the ones that won (even if by double digits) were not colossal winners as it was in the past match-ups. So while the number was dismal, TBS looked at where they were overall and they were solidly in 3rd place for part of the evening. I believe for a short time it was actually 2nd though they concede it wasn't for an extended period of time.

Twitter trends during Sasuke Rising (during Nagano's run - end of First stage)

Sasuke Rising's impact on Twitter Trends:
I was monitoring Twitter trends all night during Sasuke and a took a few screenshots to see how they compared hour by hour. Even despite TBS incorrectly using #SasukeSG (which is for Singapore..) and SMF users using #SasukeRising like we were told.. During the All-stars segment #Sasuke became the #1 trend topic in Japan solidly for about 45 minutes to an hour. Before that it was ranked about 4th or 5th place. During the time I screen-capped this Nagano was running the First Stage. Seems Twitter was talking about Yamada 山田勝己 (who just finished running) and after this Nagano's name started to rank (around 7th place), Yamada was still ranking just above him and #Sasuke was still 1st. I noticed something very troubling after that. Immediately after the first stage and they went back to that awful room (more on that later) the trends literally stopped. Sasuke stopped being #1.. in fact it wasn't even in the top 10. Yamada's name lingered for another 30 minutes and then nothing about Sasuke (not even obstacles) were discussed ever again. The top two shows that everyone ended up gravitating towards (and beat Sasuke in double digits ratings-wise) for the rest of the night ended up taking precedent in Twitter as well.

Sasuke All Stars Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦, (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己, Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩, Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟, Makoto Nagano長野誠 (with his son Kaiou 塊王)

Perceived TBS project for Sasuke Rising:
I know TBS' project of forced retiring the Sasuke All-stars was controversial however I was not sure how this was going to be accepted in Japan. On the surface I knew "why" they wanted to go in this director.. however it was apparent the project failed. (Thankfully) It wasn't the only thing that failed though so I wanted to break it down into sections. First I'll deal with the overall project TBS was trying to do. "Trying to exorcise the demons created by Monster 9." That was the theme of Sasuke Rising. Rising from the ashes created by the crash and burn of the Monster 9 regime. In an effort to get rid of everything that reminded people of Monster 9 they inadvertently alienated their fan base. And not just the hard-core base.. we were the ones watching the show. The casual is what makes the "higher" ratings. Part of what makes Sasuke work all of these 15 years it's been on the air.. is familiarity. Sasuke Rising "felt" like a different show. Almost like "Viking" where some familar faces were there but it was a completely different show. Fans attach themselves to PEOPLE and follow their career through Sasuke. The obstacles will change.. but the people is what MAKES Sasuke enjoyable. It's not an Olympics, it's not all celebrities.. it's a host of regular men and women that make the fabric of society as diverse as it is. It's evident by how many complaints there were this time around by who was NOT invited.

Yoshiyuki Okuyama奥山義行, Ryo Matachi (Cliffer #2) 又地諒, Kouji Hashimoto橋本亘司, Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治 (Cliffer #3) and Kenji Takahashi高橋賢次 ©Kouji Hashimoto

More Appreciation for former Third Stage Competitors and Finalists:
There were quite a few inexplicably omissions of notable competitors. Notably absent were a large number of returning veterans and Finalists! In the past Monster 9 invited anyone who passed the first stage (even if they did it only once) back to the show as a measure of respect for that difficult task. Common courtesy if want to rephrase that. If you made it to the 3rd stage you were basically invited for life. TBS now trying to get rid of Monster 9 tradition also got rid of a lot of fan favorites that frankly shocked a lot of hard-core fans like myself. No one can adequately explain why Finalists Okuyama and Kongu were NOT invited. The only "argument" that I heard was that they were the same age as the All-stars and therefore would not look good if they did better than them given that they are retiring the All-stars because they are "old". Okuyama being the same age as Nagano is one most consistent competitors Sasuke has today. I was angry that both of them were not invited even after jumping through the hoops of that stupid "audition". Why does a Finalist need to "audition" to be on the show they carried? That also includes Kouji Hashimoto橋本亘司 who inexplicably was demoted from the New Generation roster. I was happy he was invited, but I was not happy he lost his title. ESPECIALLY coming in as one of the handful of competitors that can say they were in the final AND coming in from Stage 3 in Sasuke 27. TBS must really hate him. If wanting to get rid of "Monster 9" elements.. don't use the same titles and expect people to ignore the difference. They used Shin Sedai and that is the same term that already has a history and about 6 people. It's okay to ADD to the list.. however it is NOT to delete from the list for no acceptable reason.

Top Row: New Generation: Kazuma Asa朝一眞, Hitoshi Kanno菅野仁志, Ryo Matachi (Cliffer #2) 又地諒, 2 time Champion Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治 (Cliffer #3)

Front Row: Sasuke All Stars Kazuhiko Akiyama秋山和彦, Shingo Yamamoto山本進悟, Makoto Nagano長野誠 and (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 ©Yuuji Urushihara

Internal politics getting in the way of the show:
I know I'm probably going to anger him but I have a couple thoughts on why this happened. For the record, I like the old/new director of Sasuke (He directed Sasuke 1-13) Masato Inui 乾雅人. His communication with fans through his Twitter account was awesome. Still is! He's patient and answers even the most mundane questions imaginable. He painstakingly answers questions for hours on end about Sasuke day after day after day. I should know. I ask him a LOT. However, the topic of who was invited or snubbed lies on his shoulders. He had made a comment that since he was gone for 8 years and didn't follow Sasuke during that time he didn't keep up with the "new" people of Sasuke. That included the current new generation and even the current champion. He also didn't want to hark back to the Monster 9 days so he decided to try something new by injecting new people to the Sasuke lineup. In his attempt though he automatically failed rule #1 when taking over a show that's struggling. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. People like us who have followed the show through thick and thin follow PEOPLE not obstacles through a show's ups and downs. It was common courtesy that you keep your veterans (especially when they are doing well) as a show of respect of their contributions to the show. When Inui left the Sasuke All-stars carried the show along with the various people who came out of the shadow and made it to the final. When the All-stars struggled it was people like the new generation stars including Kouji and vets like Okuyama that made it to the 3rd stage over and over. When Kane Kosugi left, gone with him was the idea that a celeb can go far so it fell to the non-celebs to carry the show. Fans wanted to continue seeing how they did as the tournament obstacles changed and evolved. When Inui admitted his ignorance for the new generation and to who people watched he left the show.. he threw the baby out with the bath water.

Sasuke All-star Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩, Kunoichi All-star ~~Mika Izumi~~ er.. Mika Watanabe渡邉美香 and All-star Makoto Nagano長野誠 ©Toshihiro Takeda

TBS inadvertently throwing out the baby with the bath water:
For those not familiar with that phrase I'll quote wiki: "Throw out the baby with the bath water" is an idiomatic expression used to suggest an avoidable error in which something good is eliminated when trying to get rid of something bad, or in other words, rejecting the essential along with the inessential. In this case Inui in his zeal to remove all Monster 9 elements throw out key elements of the show that the fan base needed to keep the show alive. It's PEOPLE. He may have forgotten what Sasuke was like or knew why people watched the show.. but we never left. We've been watching the 8 years he's been gone. We've grown to love the New Stars and usual competitors that existed in that time frame. We love the joke competitors like Mr. Octopus (Tako Tencho) and the vets like Kongu and Okuyama and Lee Enchi from Taiwan. And most of all .. we adore the Sasuke All-Stars. Which brings me to my next point.

Forced Retirement of the All-stars: This was a HUGE topic.. even before the start of the Sasuke tournament. Ever since we found out it was going to happen (again thanks to Inui posting about it) This was a hot topic not just on the forums or my blog but even on Twitter and Facebook. Continues even until today. I didn't know how the All-stars were going to react. At first I honestly thought most would be relieved it was over (Akiyama/Nagano/Takeda/Bunpei) while I feared for those who didn't want it to end (Shingo/Yamada). I was surprised by the aftermath. I believe the one positive thing that came out of the whole "graduation ceremony" was the lighting of the fire of competitiveness within the All-stars. I was frankly surprised at what I saw and subsequently read. Not the results themselves (though I expected they would all crumble under the ridiculously enormous pressure) but HOW they reacted at the tournament end and after it aired. They didn't like it. I mean.. they REALLY didn't like it. It became apparent to me that Inui didn't like it either. The editing of the show was important in that respect.

All-Star Toshihiro Takeda竹田敏浩

All-star Rising Back:
Point blank I was shocked at the editing.. specifically the inclusion of Takeda's speech at the end of his run. It wasn't a "thanks for the memories and I'll happily go back to retirement".. it was a defiant "I sucked I'm not happy and I want to come back and make the final stage" speech. I literally was floored that not only did he SAY it on camera but that he even FELT that way. Takeda knows his history. Akiyama was forced retired after Sasuke 17 for saying on camera he was done then when he was lured back by his friends and fans Monster 9 shut him down for a few tourneys because he was "retired". So when I heard Takeda remember what he says on camera is repeated and quoted for all eternity I was shocked at what came out of his mouth. For people who follow this show we know that Takeda had initially retired because of his job with heavy rescue. It wasn't that they didn't want him to compete but he felt the need to retire to avoid unnecessary injury that would hamper his performing his job at the top level. Given how important his job is now it was accepted why he decided against doing it. So.. given all that I was happy that he came back to Sasuke even if it was to retire again at the end. I didn't anticipate what he said after he failed (and in such a fluke fashion). What I found interesting was that the interview was RIGHT after he failed. Unlike the other All-stars that went back to the bleacher section and spoke to the crowd.. he avoided it altogether and went away from the crowd. He spoke only to the sidelines reporter and spoke his mind. He was quite firm with his desire as well. There was no mistaking his meaning in his speech. I'm so proud of him. It takes guts to do that knowing it was going to be aired to thousands around the world. I finally saw a fire in Takeda that wasn't present for a number of years.

All-star Makoto Nagano長野誠

Let the All-stars return if they desire:
So while I was digesting Takeda's defiance to being forced retired I was shocked to see Nagano's retirement speech deleted from the broadcast. I mean.. it wasn't even there. He didn't say he wanted to come back or retire.. it was just.. Poof.. gone.. All of this was edited by Inui. So the question remained.. so.. are they gone? So a flicker of hope began the night of Sasuke Rising's airing. Soon the "flicker" became a roaring flame when I started to get reports about the All-stars clamoring to return to Sasuke on their Personal Facebook pages. Leading the charge was Shingo (whom I did not expect) after Takeda's speech went on air. Takeda himself had not even bothered to watch Sasuke Rising until a full month after the broadcast (in fact he saw it a couple days ago...) but he decided to post a message to his fans a day or so after the broadcast to continue to support his endeavor to finally make a serious run at the Sasuke Final Stage Tower. Shingo immediately chimed in going "if you are going back I'M GOING TOO!" A couple days later you had Nagano hoping to come back if the other guys are going back. All citing a renewed spark to continue pushing THEMSELVES to exorcise their own demons they have been carrying around like albatrosses around their necks. So if anything, the project TBS went out to force retire them actually had the opposite effect. Now the All-stars want to come back in force. My suggestion is.. LET them come back. Don't focus the show on them but let THEM decide if they want to return or not. So if some want to stay retired.. let them.. but if they want to return.. LET them. Fans appreciate THEM deciding their own fate. It was clear to me that the All-stars were uncomfortable in that "room" knowing that they were being shown the door... which brings me to my next point..

Sasuke All-stars bored out of their minds in "The Room"

Celebrity room pointless/boring:
Point blank this was the SINGLE most HATED portion of the show. What I call "The Room". I would not have minded it so badly had it been relevant and appropriately spaced and not so disruptive! Case in point.. why was it there? What purpose did it serve? Not only did it add useless minutes to the broadcast that could have been better suited to actually showing fan reaction at the tournament.. But, they invited the All-stars to sit and watch a show for 3 hours and didn't interview them ONCE.. not even once.. meanwhile we were treated to clueless celebrities that hadn't even watched the show in the past and had a camera up their face to monitor their every faked reaction. They didn't even recognize and therefore appreciate it's stars and 15 YEAR history. If it was relegated to "between" stages as I was lead to believe.. I wouldn't be as furious.. But it was a "device" used throughout the ENTIRE show.. This is not Sasuke. If they want to show up as competitors and promote their upcoming shows.. do so as a competitor otherwise they are not appreciated.

The infamous "box girl"

Why was it shown on EVERY RUN? Even in the past when they had stage reviews with Ichiro speaking to a couple people.. it as BETWEEN stages. They didn't cut to his reaction.. and they didn't INSERT themselves in each and every shot. The disruption was so jarring that the Forum kids came up with phrases like "box girl". If I took a drink every single time I saw her gawking like a blithering idiot, I'd be dead from alcohol poisoning within the first hour.. Every time Fukiishi Kazue 吹石一恵 came on the screen I literally screamed back at her to go away. It broke the flow of the show and killed whatever tension existed in the air watching the show. It was so apparent it was staged and the celebrities were paid to be there that all you had to do was see the bored faces of the actual competitors in the background watching the show THEY WERE JUST IN..

(Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada山田勝己 defeating the Jump Hang Kai

Summation.
While I hit hard at the parts they got wrong.. I have to commend them for the things they got RIGHT! I've noticed as I get older I've become a creature of habit. The things I had the most problems with were the small things like familiar competitor theme songs missing (like Yuuji (my favorite), Kanno, etc.).. competitors I've grown accustomed watching (All-stars, Veterans, New Generation, etc.) I was happy with some things TBS did this time around. Unlike when Monster 9 was completely in charge of the show.. TBS promoted the show A LOT. We knew there was a tournament 2 full months before TAPING. We knew the names of all 100 competitors BEFORE the tournament aired. We saw commercials and entire MONTH before the tournament aired. And you were allowed to ask questions to competitors and even the director without fear of being blacklisted. Communication was wonderful. Monster 9 was the antithesis of that. I want to encourage that communication to continue into the future. The current plan to tape Sasuke 29 hopefully between Spring (at the earliest) and Fall (at the latest) is still not confirmed, however it's still more hopeful as it has been in the past.

Akiyama finally succumbs to tears

Rambling Rican's hope for the future of Sasuke:
Overall I am happy Sasuke is back. That said, I'm very protective of the ONLY show on television in any country that I have such a strong opinion about. I will defend the honor and history of this game show with fervor and unapologetic voice. I don't want Sasuke to become another clone of other failed shows. I don't want Sasuke to "look" the same as other Japanese variety shows with their inserted fake reactions. Sasuke has endured in people's hearts because of it's unique mantra. It was a show where the "ordinary people do extraordinary things". I don't want it to become a Sports show (we have hundreds of other sports shows with athletes with no jobs other than to train for their sport) or another celebrity show where people are paid to do stupid tricks for people to laugh. I want the tradition of a show where someone sitting on their couch watches and says "yeah. I can do that" and they legitimately have a chance to pursue that dream. They don't have to tear down anyone else to be the best. They don't have to have their own backyard course. They don't have to be someone "famous" to be a Sasuke Champion. THAT is what I want to continue. Watching Sasuke for the 6 years I've been watching (and blogging for 5 years) has endeared me to the normal hard working men and women that have graced Sasuke's start-line. I want to continue watching their journey until they can't do it anymore. Feel free to tweak the course. Feel free to invite famous celebs to fail the first Stage for ratings. Don't try to rewrite history in an effort to exorcise a perceived handicap. We came to watch the people we have been watching. We don't care who produced the show. Monster 9 may be gone but the competitors who have no control over that are still there and willing to compete. Don't make the fans and competitors pay for the mistakes made by a few who no longer are with us. Feel free to bring crazy obstacles and try out things that may or may not work.. but never forget that Sasuke is famous worldwide for it's PEOPLE: Not inanimate objects. THIS is why I watch Sasuke.

After the inexplicable absence of American Ninja Warrior from Sasuke Rising (Sasuke 28) that taped in November and aired in December, 2012 on TBS Japan, it is time again for NBC to announce the new American spin off competition. For those of us counting at home.. ANC9 folks.. but for these purposes this is now American Ninja Warrior 5.

American Ninja Warrior 5 Application

(Application DeadlineMarch 15, 2013)

After a minor snafu a couple of days ago with the wrong website having the wrong information and dates.. it seems this one is the legit one. The application process is now open and will remain open to March 15, 2013. Sometimes it's extended but be warned as every year the competition gets more popular so expect a much higher influx of applicants. Remember this is a casting process so do your best and get your stuff in early and in a professional manner. As was reported earlier (and discussed on SMF) the air dates are set for NBC this summer.
EDIT: During the ANW4 broadcast the application above was confirmed to be correct.

What we know so far

Seems they will be having regionals again. No cities have been mentioned on the application and at this early time we don't know yet of any specifics other than taping for Regionals will take place from April-May, 2013.

Finals will again be in Las Vegas, Nevada. The only thing different is that instead of 2 days.. they will take a friggin' week to play out if the application information is correct. Dates for Finals are June 10-17, 2013. I'm assuming taping for it will actually be during the weekend but who knows at this point. The application is there to make sure you are available at that time and if you aren't available then don't bother applying. If I find out more concrete information I'll post about it. This is by far the earliest we know of an actual taping for the finals so that's good news. We don't know about any format though given last year's success on NBC I doubt much will starkly change in terms of format. Again, if I find out I'll post more.

All-Star Makoto Nagano長野誠 and ANW4 Announcer Matt Iseman in Las Vegas for the taping of American Ninja Warrior ©Matt Iseman
(... they are holding a sign saying hello to me! LOL)

My biggest concern is, as always (and the focus of this blog), Sasuke Japan. We don't know if this is at all tied to the Japanese Sasuke or not. The application has not specified if it is sending any athletes to Japan. Heck we don't know what the prize is (outside of the title of American Ninja Warrior which no one has ever received). Given NBC just about boycotted Sasuke Rising, it's obvious to everyone watching that NBC is not at all interested in Japan's competition. With the death of G4 the United States no longer has a home for Sasuke Japan (or the main show Ninja Warrior). Time will tell if that burned bridge gets rebuilt.

Sasuke Finalist Yoshiyuki Okuyama奥山義行, Sasuke All-Star Makoto Nagano長野誠 and Current 2-Time Sasuke Champion Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治 being interviewed during ANW2 ©Convex Photography
Sasuke Stars USA Visit blog

Also, it is also unknown at this time if any Japanese competitors will be sent to Las Vegas as guests. Last year a very last minute showing of Sasuke Champion Makoto Nagano was made, however it is still undecided if that will repeat. With his wife Asami Nagano expecting her 2nd child with him around that time of year it is possible he may not make himself available. (She's technically due in early July). It is my hope that 2-Time Champion and newly anointed Sasuke King Yuuji Urushihara漆原裕治 (Cliffer #3) gets an invitation as a guest. It's about time he gets the international exposure as the current Sasuke Ambassador.

Sasuke 28 news!

Sasuke Rising (Sasuke 28) Official Airdate

Sasuke Rising 2 minute trailer!

Sasuke Related News

Sasuke in Las Vegas - Nagano Special in America

Sasuke Related News - Preview Videos

What happens when average 20-something or 30-something man-or-woman-in-the-street takes on SASUKE? You can guess, right?
Well, now you don’t have to. Check it out, and keep watching as the producers and creators talk about the new SASUKE RISING.

Sasuke Rising (28) Navi - Part 1

Sasuke Rising (28) Navi - Part 2

Sasuke Rising (28) Navi - Part 3

Sasuke Rising (28) Spoilerific Review

Sasuke Rising (28) Spoilerific Review - Part 2

Sasuke Rising (28) Spoilerific Review - Part 3

Sasuke Rising (28) Spoilerific Review - Part 4

Sasuke Rising (28) Spoilerific Review - Part 5

Sasuke Rising (28) Spoilerific Review - Part 6

Sasuke Rising (28) Spoilerific Review - Part 7

Sasuke Rising (28) Spoilerific Review - Part 8

Sasuke Rising (28) Spoilerific Review - Part 9

Sasuke Rising Aftermath

American Ninja Warrior 5 Announcement

What happens when average 20-something or 30-something man-or-woman-in-the-street takes on SASUKE? You can guess, right?Well, now you don’t have to. Check it out, and keep watching as the producers and creators talk about the new SASUKE RISING.

What happens when average 20-something or 30-something man-or-woman-in-the-street takes on SASUKE? You can guess, right?
Well, now you don’t have to. Check it out, and keep watching as the producers and creators talk about the new SASUKE RISING.