|
Post by awee1975 on Jan 22, 2010 9:02:31 GMT -5
I meant to say that when TBS / M9 started sasuke, they had 100% control over who gets onto the show. They basically selected people with viewership ratings in mind. Viewers like to see a "good story". when it became so popular with all the serious guys banging on the door to get in, they held trials. From their point of view, if the top 8 qualifiers can't win, the 12th or 18th place won't likely win either. On the other hand... *Spoiler*: in 24, we saw almost all the qualifiers reach the 3rd stage ( except Sato Jun & Kawaguchi iirc ). If they start "opening the floodgates" we may see 20 ~ 25 trial qualifiers clear 1st stage. Which is probably what they don't want to see happen. They need to make the course look as impossible as they can. Hell, we have guys saying that 24 was too easy with *spoiler*: 5 finalists! If 10 Americans, 10 Japanese trial qualifiers along with 10 invited guests like Okuyama, Lee, Kenji, some pro sportsmen along with 3 all-stars clear 1st stage, we will have 33 clears. This will destroy the "aura of impossibility" Sasuke have. If this continues, crack Counter-Terrorist Special Forces guys ( rope-specialists ), Navy SEALS / divers ( superfit guys ) will want to join in the fun. They can claim that they are not technically professional athetes, so why not? Monster 9 will have to make the course so difficult that even their own testers can't clear it.
|
|
arsenette
Administrator
Rambling Rican
Posts: 16,617
Staff Member
|
Post by arsenette on Jan 22, 2010 11:59:44 GMT -5
I'm waiting to hear from Arsenette on this topic... ;D Having had conversations with people who actually have spoken to those in charge I know their reasoning a) It's a friggin game show in Japan Plain and simple. It's a TV show aimed to get ratings so they can pay for another show to get back on the air. b) All of those "joke" competitors are the reason the show is popular.. They pay the bills.. most of those people you see on TV are a hell of a lot more popular and have their own following moreso than the All-Stars COMBINED.. Kasuga from Audrey's name alone commands people to stop what they are doing and turn on the TV to see him splash down on the first obstacle. People have to remember .. this is JAPAN.. not the USA. Trying to compare TV viewing habits to those of us here is like comparing apples and oranges. Going back to Kane Kosugi who was TV's darling child at the height of popularity at the time he was in Sasuke and Sportsman #1.. when he left there was a huge void and the only reason people even turned on the TV to see Sasuke was because of "Star power" in the form of comedians. Love them or hate them.. they pay the bills and have kept this show afloat for almost 9 years now. c) You haven't even seen the guys from Sasuke Trials compete. Most of them don't even get out of Sasuke Trials.. could you imagine if they let them ALL compete? You'd have a few champions out of those alone.. they are much better than anything ANW has ever produced IMO since they have been at it for at least 7 years longer and have gone through more red tape than anyone from G4 could ever hope to go through to get on this show (Just ask Keita Tomino.. heck.. ASK YUUJI.. lol). d) This will always be a Japanese show with invites to other countries to add flavor and character. Having G4 dominate all Foreign invites IMO is unfair considering that no other TV station around the world has the kind of pull and resources as G4 has come up. JET only paid for 1 guy for a couple of years and that contract is gone.. no one else from Taiwan will ever come through that and hasn't come through that now that the well has dried up. There's no reason to believe that there are no other athletes around the world of the caliber that us hardcore fans like watching but are unable because of the new rules in place due to G4's involvement and raising of profile of this show worldwide (both positive and negative). e) The problem I have with the 10 from ANW is that they are guaranteed spots.. period. Sasuke Trials hasn't been like that in ages.. all you have to do is survive to the top 10 in the USA.. they could all be crap that day and they get in (theoretically speaking here) or worse.. they could have come up with the lame-a$$ final like they did and allow mostly freerunners to dominate in ANW but suck in the real course because they have no stamina or arm strength. Those 10 slots are more than the allotted slots for all foreigners in most of the Sasuke's in the past. f) Most people in Japan are not appreciative of the involvement of G4 in general in controlling the course. They've already changed a few obstacles due to the Americans being on the course and the fear that any of them would sue them. No one has tried to but it's the fear that has been instilled through years of American Frivolous lawsuits that are actually famous worldwide. They also don't appreciate a lot of the behavior that has been prevalent with most of the G4 sponsored athletes and even crew during the taping of this show.
|
|
|
Post by awee1975 on Jan 22, 2010 12:19:42 GMT -5
Master...wait...No...Madam Yoda has spoken. ;D Thanks for clarifying all the speculation. No more JET.
|
|
arsenette
Administrator
Rambling Rican
Posts: 16,617
Staff Member
|
Post by arsenette on Jan 22, 2010 12:29:32 GMT -5
Lee is hoping TBS brings him back though so we are still hoping his er.. past performances are enough to have him go in the "TBS invite category" now that JET has dropped Sasuke from their line up. I'm trying to keep up with the news (he is as well) to see if another station picks it up. No one knows what will happen to the format if someone does pick it up and if they do will they continue with 24+ or not. The already know the chances of another channel picking them it up and having a trials for Taiwanese is very remote for now and it's doubtful given the worldwide economy that they will have funding to do one anytime soon. Other TV stations around the world have proven with the limited episodes they have of Sasuke/Ninja Warrior to begin with that they do not have in their budget to actually have a trials or even what G4 did before and sponsor 1 or 2 people via votes. Given that as well many people haven't even seen tournaments past Sasuke 20 .. the thought of them sponsoring some sort of contest is so remote it's not even worth discussing. Again.. I hope they reconsider the Foreign ban. People of other countries living IN Japan still have a chance though since they can just say they are close enough to travel and don't have to worry about VISA's, etc. since Japan has deemed them to be okay to be in Japan at the time of the application.
|
|
|
Post by awee1975 on Jan 22, 2010 12:36:29 GMT -5
i believe i have seen foreigners that already lived in japan attending trials or getting invited ( iirc an English teacher, Travis S. ) So will Ube ever be invited? he deserves to be invited. PS: of course i know that is unlikely but still...
|
|
arsenette
Administrator
Rambling Rican
Posts: 16,617
Staff Member
|
Post by arsenette on Jan 22, 2010 12:40:11 GMT -5
LOL Ube can enter if he wanted to but I think we both fall in the same category "Those who can .. do.. those who can't.. blog about it " We saw in 24 a few foreigners but all were from Japan (like the housewife). I did speak with Kasey Cummings. The American living in Japan with the swimming trunks.. remember him from trials? I think he was going to enter in the Spring.. gotta shoot him an email to see if he's going back since he's been invited twice to Trials.
|
|
|
Post by davidcampbell on Jan 22, 2010 16:55:19 GMT -5
Well I've stated my opinion. I don't see any point in debating the subject further personally as we have no controll over anything that happens. But that being said, the last thing I will say about it is that nobody can make anyone do anything they don't want to do, and that includes G4 somhow controlling TBS.
And Arsenette I agree with some of what you said and disagree with parts as well, but like I said, it's kindof a pointless debate.
|
|
|
Post by davidcampbell on Jan 22, 2010 17:06:21 GMT -5
I do have a question about ANW, how do you get onto that, because i watched it and cannot recall hearing how the contestants got on, it almost seemed to me like they just showed up. Last time you could send a video or a letter/email and ask for a reserved spot and if they think you have potential they'd give you a reserved spot (I think everyone who asked got a spot?) If you didn't get a reserved spot you could just show up early and stand in line, but there is no guarantee you'll get on that way. There should be an announcement in a couple weeks or so and G4 will tell you how to get on...just keep watching the G4 site, or here. So yeah, I'll see you there. You might want to post a pic here and tell us your name, so when we see you at the event and on TV we'll know who you are.
|
|
arsenette
Administrator
Rambling Rican
Posts: 16,617
Staff Member
|
Post by arsenette on Jan 22, 2010 17:10:37 GMT -5
Someone can create a ANW link of who's going etc. so people can find it easier. Otherwise it's going to get lost in other threads. And yes David I agree to disagree I just happen to take the opinion of those who keep Sasuke on the air and that's the Japanese tv viewers And yes G4 does control a lot that happens in Sasuke. No other TV station has guaranteed entrants to a TV show in another country while everyone else is relegated to praying M9 changes their minds on Foreign entries.. or move to Japan.
|
|
arsenette
Administrator
Rambling Rican
Posts: 16,617
Staff Member
|
Post by arsenette on Jan 22, 2010 17:35:29 GMT -5
Hmm I was thinking about something and I really want your opinion. Would it be fair of me to think that any country (including USA obviously but not limited to) who thinks they deserve a spot in Sasuke for whatever reason.. to think it's arrogant? I think that's my beef with G4 and Americans who apply through G4 demanding spots as if they deserve it. I think it's arrogant and a lot of people (mostly in Japan) believe that as well. It's an invitation based on them filling out spots to foreigners.. The same could be said to the angry Taiwanese who sent hate mail to Lee as if he was somehow responsible for doing good and being re invited all the time. So does anyone understand/agree/disagree/don't understand this point of view? Should I even make another thread regarding this? Why is anyone under the impression foreigners are REQUIRED to be there.. it's not the Olympics.. its a game show.
|
|
|
Post by Badalight on Jan 22, 2010 18:02:40 GMT -5
Arsenette, I think you make a big deal out of little things. As David said most of those 10 americans didn't even have numbers, so they really didn't take anything away from other competitors.
Yes it's 10 guaranteed spots, but they still have to work their a**es off for those spots. Are you saying they don't deserve to go?
Just because things work differently here than they do in japan doesn't mean it's wrong.
Japanese trials are more harsh because they only invite a certain number of people, and it's a test for survival.
But it hasn't always been like that. You yourself blogged about the Sasuke that sent... I think 5 people from trials. Remember when Miyagi and co. had to sit in those chairs?
Since the actual course wasn't very hard, they pretty much had guaranteed spots too. So it's not like they've never had guaranteed spots. So you're being a huge hypocryte when you say having reserved spots is dumb.
|
|
lars072
Jessie Graff
10%
Posts: 1,001
|
Post by lars072 on Jan 22, 2010 23:03:24 GMT -5
Let's not get into a whole America vs. the world thing here. I guess when it comes down to it, TBS/M9 make the final decision and if they allow G4 3 spots or 10 spots or whatever, then it's their decision. TBS should know what their Japanese viewers want after all.
|
|
|
Post by Badalight on Jan 22, 2010 23:55:38 GMT -5
yes, but many people speculate it's because of g4 that they arn't letting any foreigners compete anymore, besides americans of course and people they invite themselves.
So if you arn't an olympian, an american over the age of 21, or a japanese resident, you're outta luck.
|
|
|
Post by davidcampbell on Jan 23, 2010 3:02:55 GMT -5
I'm obviously biased on the subject being that I'm an American trying to get on the show, but putting that aside, it makes sence. G4 probably spends more money promoting the show than TBS spends making and promoting it put together (when you factor in buying it from TBS, advertising, travel expenses, producing ANW, licencing the rights to make ANW, etc.). Also they show it year round to a much bigger audience here in America than exists in Japan. So it makes sence for G4 to send an American team to raise American viewership for Sasuke and ANW and help get a return on their investment.
And yeah I can already hear you talking about how it's a Japanese show and if it doesn't get Japanese viewership it will get cancelled. But sending some extra Americans (who get fast forwarded in the Japanese boadcast anyway) isn't going to make that happen. Besides with all the foriegn money coming in through G4, they would probably keep making the show even if it didn't even air in Japan (because they'd lose a ton of money if they didn't).
So to condense my point here. Yeah since America is pumping so much money into the show they should get to send some competitors.
About every country demanding reverved slots. Yeah I'd think that would be rad personally, have like 200 contestents, that would be fine with me, but that's just my opinion.
I'm still skeptical about Japanese viewers caring more about joke competitors than the all-stars.
Anyway we're just arguing for the sake of arguing here, even if we all agreed on the perfect way for it all to work, TBS and G4 would still do it their own way.
And like you said, it isn't the Olympics, it's a tv show.
|
|
lars072
Jessie Graff
10%
Posts: 1,001
|
Post by lars072 on Jan 23, 2010 4:13:00 GMT -5
If we take out all the joke competitors and change the format of the show, then we may as well change the name too. Then we can make it all about winning! Have gold medals and a world audience and then the Americans can dominate at that too.
|
|
venomcarnage89
Morikami Daisuke
A perfect stone creates ripples, the best intentions can have consequences.
Posts: 266
|
Post by venomcarnage89 on Jan 23, 2010 11:17:23 GMT -5
I do have a question about ANW, how do you get onto that, because i watched it and cannot recall hearing how the contestants got on, it almost seemed to me like they just showed up. Last time you could send a video or a letter/email and ask for a reserved spot and if they think you have potential they'd give you a reserved spot (I think everyone who asked got a spot?) If you didn't get a reserved spot you could just show up early and stand in line, but there is no guarantee you'll get on that way. There should be an announcement in a couple weeks or so and G4 will tell you how to get on...just keep watching the G4 site, or here. So yeah, I'll see you there. You might want to post a pic here and tell us your name, so when we see you at the event and on TV we'll know who you are. Thanks alot for the info. Ive added a picture of myself and got my name in my signature. Not the best picture to use to recognize somebody what with it being so small, but I do have one video up in the "Training" category with a better one coming in roughly 4 weeks time so it shouldnt be too hard to figure out who I am cone ANW time. If I spot you or any familiar faces I'll introduce myself anyway.
|
|
arsenette
Administrator
Rambling Rican
Posts: 16,617
Staff Member
|
Post by arsenette on Jan 23, 2010 11:53:40 GMT -5
I'm still skeptical about Japanese viewers caring more about joke competitors than the all-stars. I'm sorry you feel that way but that is the reality. Reading blogs and talking to Japanese viewers who have watched it from the start I know how it works. It's completely opposite to how we watch TV here but that is the reality of the situation. I wish Ube would put his perspective in here but I know he won't because he never bothers listening to naysayers who don't understand or dont' want to understand the culture even though it's been told to them an obscene number of times. (and no David that last line was not to you directly - just saying in general since I know his stance on this) I think M9 was trying to give G4 their own version so they can stop glutting them down in the original. It seemed to me that G4 was trying to make a legit American Version with ANW and quite frankly might continue. Actual trials though no one comes close to the Japanese yet since they get over 2 thousand entries while we are still in the mid hundreds though give it time it might go up. I'm sure M9 was going "oooooooh I'm not going to sift through that". Sasuke 24 was a huge deal since that was the first time they got the full brunt of the American response since G4 dropped the ball. That's when they finally decided to shift things back to the local broadcasters to deal with that on their own so they don't have to deal with having to sift through the hundreds of additional entries. Bada I'm not a hypocrite. I was talking specifically about reserved foreign spots. If you read what I wrote then you'd understand that but I know you can't stand me so you read what you want. G4 is the ONLY foreign network with reserved spots to a foreign TV show. And we know for future shows it will continue to be the same while no other country has that opportunity. I agree with Lars that this is not about who is the best at this.. it's a game show meant for entertainment about the best in the world (Olympians, etc.) vs. the regular Joe schmo with real blue collar jobs (Shingo, Takeda, etc.) vs. entertainers (Audrey, Eiko, etc.) in a wacky obstacle course. The exact same thing could be said about DOORS. Why isn't American pounding down the door to get on that show? I'm afraid if G4 gets a hold of Sportsman if they plan to demand spots for that competition based on the fact that they spent money on the license. I still believe that the American entitlement mentality has gone too far with Sasuke. What was before M9's right to pick whoever they want if they wanted at all.. has turned out to having to payback because of money paid for licenses. I know TBS is not happy about this. I know this for a fact but it's virtually impossible for them to look at a gift horse in the mouth. Sasuke has evolved into something bigger but it's not Survivor or Fear Factor or any of those American type shows. THIS is the reason why I love it. You literally have no idea who on the starting block is going to get far or not. It's the fact that this happens is what makes it intriguing.
|
|
|
Post by Badalight on Jan 23, 2010 13:18:55 GMT -5
Maybe I misinterpreted.
|
|
|
Post by awee1975 on Jan 24, 2010 22:32:52 GMT -5
I'm still skeptical about Japanese viewers caring more about joke competitors than the all-stars. I'm sorry you feel that way but that is the reality. Reading blogs and talking to Japanese viewers who have watched it from the start I know how it works. It's completely opposite to how we watch TV here but that is the reality of the situation. I wish Ube would put his perspective in here but I know he won't because he never bothers listening to naysayers who don't understand or dont' want to understand the culture even though it's been told to them an obscene number of times. (and no David that last line was not to you directly - just saying in general since I know his stance on this) ... I agree with Lars that this is not about who is the best at this.. it's a game show meant for entertainment about the best in the world (Olympians, etc.) vs. the regular Joe schmo with real blue collar jobs (Shingo, Takeda, etc.) vs. entertainers (Audrey, Eiko, etc.) in a wacky obstacle course. .... Sasuke has evolved into something bigger but it's not Survivor or Fear Factor or any of those American type shows. A suggestion in how to explain the viewership...it might not even be cultural... Imagine if ANW is only aired 2 times a year format like sasuke. They are maybe a small group of loyal fans like those in G4 forums or here who wait 2 times a year to watch it. How would the viewership ratings be like IF Jim Carrie or Carrie Underwood makes a guest appearance or even some popular TV drama series star ( eg. Lead actor / actress of i dunno what is popular in US ). Imagine if Ellen Degeneres / Simon Cowell or even the "Al Bundy" actor fails the 1st obstacle. What would the TV ratings be like? The reason it won't happen in US is probably got to do with their high fees. However if these people decides to take a "token fee" ( just a very small sum ) come to show to have some fun even if they fail the 1st obstacle. Imagine the number of non-ANW fans in the US that will turn on & watch...people who don't even know who Levi is.
|
|
|
Post by jfeathe on Jan 25, 2010 10:07:27 GMT -5
In response to the above post, I think Ellen could dance her way to Kanzenseiha and Simon could make all the obstacles run away. No contest there ;D
|
|