Friday night stupid: Latest Japanese game show craze
posted at 9:25 pm on March 7, 2008 by Michelle
Send to a Friend |
printer-friendly
It’s Friday night. Ready to unwind after a long week of politics, terrorism, and culture wars? Good. Me, too.
So I’m out of the closet as a D&D geek. I’m also a self-confessed Ninja Warrior fan–and so are some of you. Allah’s got the Japanese robots covered. But I’ve got the latest Japanese game show craze for you. It’s G4’s Unbeatable Banzuke. My kids love it.
Sample the Super Rider…
And the Hand Walk…
More moronic stunts here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
I like that show, G4 should just show japanese game shows all the time. Their regular programming sucks.
lorien1973 on March 7, 2008 at 9:33 PM
AWESOME!
reliapundit on March 7, 2008 at 9:35 PM
Wow.
Spirit of 1776 on March 7, 2008 at 9:39 PM
Awww…where are the booger-drinking playoffs? I feel ripped off.
jgapinoy on March 7, 2008 at 9:40 PM
Not liking Ninja Warriors is kinjiru!!!
Ditto Unbeatable Banzuke.
VolMagic on March 7, 2008 at 9:40 PM
lorien1973 on March 7, 2008 at 9:33 PM
I’d refer you to X-Play. Anything with Morgan Webb is, um, watchable.
VolMagic on March 7, 2008 at 9:41 PM
The games are crazy,but at least they have fun,
and there’s the element of physical activity
added in,so pretty cool.
Having a Raliegh road bike up north,I can’t
wait till spring!
canopfor on March 7, 2008 at 9:44 PM
She’s okay not super hot though, but that guy on the show. Ugh. He’s totally unbearable.
You only think she’s attractive cuz it’s a girl (!) talking about video games.
G4 started to suck when it got rid of that 30 minute game review show with the 2 guys (the italian and the dorky guy). I loved that show - even watched the re-runs of it. I dunno what they were thinking when they canceled it.
lorien1973 on March 7, 2008 at 9:44 PM
Very cool. The Japanese are very entertaining and inventive.
p40tiger on March 7, 2008 at 9:44 PM
One year and 50 days since Jorge Boosh railroaded Border Patrol agents Ramos and Compean off to prison.
Sorry, that’s not a game.
MrScribbler on March 7, 2008 at 9:44 PM
lorien1973 on March 7, 2008 at 9:44 PM
Dude, she is totally hot. And, Code Monkeys is like an arcade version of SouthPark. Not to mention when they run Arrested Development.
And, dude, Morgan Webb is hot.
VolMagic on March 7, 2008 at 9:49 PM
Sorry, that’s not a game.
MrScribbler
Yes it is. The Japanese compete for prizes and glory in all sorts of ways to bring out their Samurai spirit.
I say that, because it’s the only line that was on topic in your post.
Krydor on March 7, 2008 at 9:51 PM
You make a good point about arrested development. I don’t think there is anything special about her at all. She’s irritating and vapid - even the photos of her online aren’t that great, unless its photoshopped to within an inch of her life. And that other guy, I wanna kill him, he’s so retarded.
lorien1973 on March 7, 2008 at 10:00 PM
I remember a time when G4 was called TechTV, and ZDTV before that, and it didn’t suck nearly as much. The guy on XPlay was on back then, back when it was Extended Play, and could actually be kind of entertaining. I still miss Screen Savers. That was a good show. Apparently the Canucks still do a version of it.
Ninja Warrior is funneh, but most of that channel is utter crap. As for this,
That show was horrendous, Tallerico was completely unwatchable, Extended Play was much better, then Comcast bought TechTV, turned all of its original programming to crap, replaced all of XPlay’s writers with very special monkeys.
Then Comcast bought G4, which was all crap to begin with, then combined the two and now its like SpikeTV with some video game crap thrown in for good measure. Stupid damn Comcast, ruined some of my favorite programming.
doubleplusundead on March 7, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Sorry, we forgot, the Internet is Serious Business.
doubleplusundead on March 7, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Sorry, but I watch the show regularly, and I give it major props. The handwalkers, stilt walkers, the domino walkers…that’s compelling competition!
Compared to the drek we get served up on American reality programs?
Hmm, guy on a unicycle traversing an insane obstical course on Unbeatable Banzuke OR some jackass eating carrion on Fear Factor?
Stiltwalkers on same insane obstical course OR the pre-fab melodrama of Survivor…Big Brother…The “Real” World…etc…?
I’ll take the unicylists and stiltwalkers any day of the week and in a six hour marathon on Sundays over the bug eating drama queens that the networks throw at us ad nauseum.
If it weren’t for the Japanese shows and Code Monkeys, G4 would be the most worthless channel on the dial…
SuperCool on March 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
I was hoping for more bikini models sqeezing through small holes, but that will do.
pedestrian on March 7, 2008 at 10:08 PM
lorien1973 on March 7, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Yeah, you won’t find me defending that guy (I don’t even know his name.) I would say anybody with a hairline like him shouldn’t be on T.V. And I’ve noticed that most of their “political humor” is skewed hard left.
But seriously, if you get the chance, watch Code Monkeys. Raunchy, racey, toilet humor acted out by 4-bit characters just does something to you. It’s a good thing.
VolMagic on March 7, 2008 at 10:10 PM
I love the commentary in the first video. “Like sipping tea” “Like a kangaroo’s legs.” Now why can’t we have sports commentators like that, instead of the lobotomized babblers we’re cursed with? Well, except for Howard Cosell. He had style.
Americans are pretty good at enjoying life. But do you ever get the impression that the Japanese are better at it? I do.
Splunge on March 7, 2008 at 10:18 PM
This is sssssssssoooooooooooo what I wanted to happen during the writer’s strike.
It would have totally changed things, like the first clip with the guy on the bike, NASCAR Sponsers Baby, from your toes to your nose, and the rest, IRON Chef(?), how about…….. IRON “I’m going to walk on my hands to the moon, baby”!
Just think of the former sports and “has been” celebs that would have toned up for the challenge?
Gold, pure Gold!
Thanks for the distraction Michelle, very well appreciated…..
Seven Percent Solution on March 7, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Michelle, Just when I think you couldn’t be cooler…
My wife (from Osaka)and we love both of those shows. As far as other cool Japanese programs I suggest Shin Chan. Adult swim on Cartoon Network. Kind of a smart Japanese Simpsons. Not for kids though. Watch for my favorite hero: Action Bastard!
Dirthead on March 7, 2008 at 10:19 PM
zanpakutō Bankai!! >:D
Chakra Hammer on March 7, 2008 at 10:26 PM
I remember him back when he had hair, and could be entertaining to watch. It isn’t really his fault, I bet deep down he hates where the show is, and knows its awful, but its work and he can’t make himself walk away. He’s been doing that show for probably a decade.
Back when it was Extended Play, and even the early days of XPlay, before Comcast bought TechTV, that show was actually kinda fun. Amateurish, sure, but somewhat decently written, and you could tell he and Kate and later Morgan enjoyed it then, and that was a part of its charm, and he was much, much better…as Comcast took it over, and the show was being stripped down, it lost all that charm, and you can tell when it quit being fun.
doubleplusundead on March 7, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Naruto and Naruto Shippuuden(Best Anime and Manga)
Bleach (second Best Anime and Manga)
D. Gray-Man(3rd place)
Death Note (4th place)
Chakra Hammer on March 7, 2008 at 10:29 PM
I really need to find the time to learn Japanese. The hiragana and katakana don’t seem too difficult, but the kanji intimidates the heck out of me.
Grayson on March 7, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Oh, and back then, they would have never done political “humor” on XPlay, unless it was an obvious goof that on a politician that was apolitical. I put humor in quotes because there hasn’t been anything humorous on that show in years. I’m sorta convinced that they gutted that show in order to slowly kill it. I think they kept it initially because they didn’t want to completely drive off the old TechTV audience…I don’t think they have to worry about that anymore.
doubleplusundead on March 7, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Sure, if your twelve. Otherwise they’re average at best. Naruto in particular is pretty awful.
Grayson on March 7, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Ugh, my above post should have a “you’re” instead of a “your.” It’s Friday night and I’m stupid.
Grayson on March 7, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Heh.
doubleplusundead on March 7, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Boooo!!! >:{
Chakra Hammer on March 7, 2008 at 10:36 PM
At least Chakra didn’t say DBZ. ITS OVER 9000!
doubleplusundead on March 7, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Oohhhhhh, I feel old.
Saltysam on March 7, 2008 at 10:40 PM
DBZ is horrible!
Chakra Hammer on March 7, 2008 at 10:46 PM
All I can say is that I’m glad fansubs are free because I would hate to pay money for anime. It’s still better than anything Hollywood puts out nowadays though.
Grayson on March 7, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Am I the only person who’ll admit to watching MXC?
It makes me laugh.
John on March 7, 2008 at 10:51 PM
That made my day. Live in Japan in the 50’s as a kid. Great people and so nice. Bring back great memories
tblot on March 7, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Considering your questionable taste in anime, I don’t think DBZ is that far out of your range…just sayin’
I’m not much of an anime/manga watcher/reader/whatever, but that’s true, I can’t imagine the amount of change some people would have to drop just to buy all the anime crap they have.
doubleplusundead on March 7, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Don’t ask me why, But….
Everytime I hear someone speaking in Japanese. I think of this:
Click here
Of course, after I went through all the trouble of finding that clip, I realized that she’s speaking Spanish.
d’oh!
WayWard Fundamentalist Christian on March 7, 2008 at 11:04 PM
I really think i’d do anything to get on Ninja Warrior. I have cousin going to japan as a military nurse in a few months so I think i’ll have to travel there and be the awkward white guy on the show.
Rbastid on March 7, 2008 at 11:13 PM
I remain silent, and say keep on.. :)
Chakra Hammer on March 7, 2008 at 11:14 PM
doubleplusundead on March 7, 2008 at 10:57 PM
DBZ was what I grew up on. Kah-May-Ha-May-HA. That and Gundam Wing X. I loved those shows when adult swim came on at 4:00 in the afternoon.
I do like some of there recent programming, most notably Samurai Champloo, Bleach, Death Note, Shin Chan. And, if you got 10 bucks to spare, go buy Afro-Samurai. All the anime glory with the voice of Smauel L. Jackson. I mean, c’mon.
VolMagic on March 7, 2008 at 11:20 PM
If you don’t watch or read it, now can you criticize it?
Chakra Hammer on March 7, 2008 at 11:22 PM
Hey if you’re a big fan that’s fine. I’ve got no problem with it. I watch anime myself. Not a lot, but some. As I more or less said, I’d watch anime over television or (new) movies any day of the week.
Grayson on March 7, 2008 at 11:24 PM
They are all better IF you download them and watch them, in Japanese language with english subtitles.. IMHO
Chakra Hammer on March 7, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Oh I agree, with you 100%!
I haven’t been to the a movie theater in years!
I can’t even remember the last movie that I saw at the theater..
Chakra Hammer on March 7, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Download a good fansub, and shoot it out to your 46″ TV.. >:D
Chakra Hammer on March 7, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Likewise. Now I love old movies on the other hand. Bogart, Gable, Stewart, (Audrey) Hepburn; good stuff.
Grayson on March 7, 2008 at 11:27 PM
thanks for the sweet clips MM
j_ehman on March 7, 2008 at 11:28 PM
I like where the guy tumbles and it says “He has fallen. What a shame!”
I rooze face! I rooze face!
Tzetzes on March 7, 2008 at 11:36 PM
In the states, we’ve been doing this…
desertdweller on March 7, 2008 at 11:54 PM
I’m tired just watching.
srhoades on March 8, 2008 at 12:06 AM
Michelle, if you’re a D&D geek, you’ll know what MERP, Warhammer and Cyberpunk2020 is also.
LimeyGeek on March 8, 2008 at 12:07 AM
I introduced my brother to unbeatable bansukai the other day. It was funny to flip through the channels to compare the different cultures.
There they have amazing acrobatic feats for prizes.
Flip the channel here and . . .
pick a case that might have a million dollars. . . but if it doesn’t you can earn more than what is in the case.
And we wonder why we have a problem with obesity.
Good post though MM.
ThackerAgency on March 8, 2008 at 12:16 AM
TIVO set.
Bodhi on March 8, 2008 at 12:46 AM
MXC is da’ bomb!
Vntnrse on March 8, 2008 at 1:15 AM
I love Ninja Warrior so I’ve been meaning to check out Unbeatable Bansukai since I understand its by the same people. I just haven’t been able to bring myself to watch it since its on G4, which I hate.
It just annoys the hell out of me when I’m trying to watch Ninja Warrior and they’ve got their big ass “bug” up in the corner, where it occasionally obscures what’s going on like on the Warped Wall, advertising the network and then they throw that garbage up on the bottom of the screen advertising “news” stories I could care less about and then, just because they haven’t been annoying enough, they’ve got to put up some stupid “viral video” to cover more of the screen.
Its like they don’t understand that people might actually be trying to watch the show.
Rip Ford on March 8, 2008 at 8:12 AM
That was great! And that announcer on the Super Rider segment was hysterical! Thanks Michelle.
Zorro on March 8, 2008 at 8:55 AM
Upon learning Michelle was D&D geek, I could only bow my head in disbelief. Now I learn that anyone watching this is a geek also? I have this on in the backround almost every night.
The bicycle one was even better that the unicycle one I saw a couple nights ago.
oakpack on March 8, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Amazing what you can do when your BMI is less than 0.5!!!
landlines on March 8, 2008 at 7:14 PM
G4 has had Ninja Warrior on all day. It’s snowing hard most of the day here. A good day for some warm sake and Ninja Warrior…
Zorro on March 8, 2008 at 8:00 PM
The Japanese put on awesome shows.
I also like MXC on Spike (so double entendre heavy it’s brilliant)and Super Big Product Fun Show on G4.
Pcoop on March 8, 2008 at 10:17 PM
That was absolutely sick.
Mojave Mark on March 9, 2008 at 12:07 AM
Mostly I watch G4 to see Olivia Munn. WooHoo!!!!!
oakpack on March 9, 2008 at 1:21 AM
This is much more entertaining than the politically correct
junkpablum that passes for entertainment here in the states.Lawrence on March 9, 2008 at 9:15 AM
Amen with emphasis. I really miss TechTV. I also think that virtually everyone on G4 (that is, all of their “regular” shows’ hosts) should be run over with a train. And I’d like to see Adam Sessler killed with plastic eating utensils. Compared to him, Gilbert Gottfried is both funny and likeable.
Um…I’m kidding about the mass murder part. Mostly.
Alas, the adage does appear to be true, that all the best women are already taken. (laughs)
In case there’s still somebody here that I haven’t offended yet, I’d also like to point out, as an old school (well…circa ’80s and early ’90s, ahem) anime fan, that Naruto, Bleach and Dragon Ball Z are all basically the same show.
Cylor on March 9, 2008 at 10:16 AM