Current State of Sasuke in Japan

[arsenette]

Wrote an article detailing a few ways TBS can fix the current problems with their ratings.

[Philip]

Great article! Make sure to send it to Inui, and most of all, TBS!

[yamfriend]

Very well put arsenette. Personally, in some ways it seems like SASUKE is on a slippery slope from which recovery is only possible via your suggestions, and even this may only work if TBS has a sincere initiative in doing so. Also, as you and others have mentioned in the past, there is the notion that the concept of obstacle course shows doesn't appeal to as many Japanese viewers' interests anymore, and there's no way to force such people into begin watching it again. Nevertheless, don't get me wrong; I'd rather see SASUKE go down with some effort to come back and/or survive via your suggestions than go down without a fight.

Also, if it does come to be that SASUKE does end soon (as we have all dreaded for several years), I truly do hope that its legacy is able to live on in conjunction with efforts from TBS. I'd wholeheartedly love the worldwide releases of not only all of the original SASUKE broadcasts but also many other M9 programs and specials since they started airing in the mid-1990s (though I believe for several reasons that digital releases via the iTunes market or a similar online system would be better than doing so for DVDs, but that's besides the point for until/unless it happens). These contributions to the fanbase would at least give us all some closure in satisfying our wishes to continue enjoying these broadcasts for as long as we wish to, and also provide future fans to enjoy the show.

[arsenette]

Thanks. Yeah it started with a conversation I was having with him anyway. The 2nd part I'm waiting for December to give this time to be filtered through TBS. That will deal with the problems internationally and most importantly the lack of NW on air and (I confirm now) deliberate change of lack of foreigners in Sasuke proper. The international market plus the impact on Sasuke in Japan is it's own post.. as for this one I doubt they will follow anything I wrote LOL but it was promised they will read it. They are seeking advice from the hardcore that have been staunchly supporting Sasuke through thick and thin. Lord knows I've been screaming from the rooftops on my blog for over 5 years. It seems Sasuke 30 is the last if the ratings don't change. They are trying to figure out ways to save it. I gave my 2 cents so we'll see. Feel free to write comments on the blog as they will be reading those too. Though we've all been saying for a long time (since the original State of Sasuke had a lot of fan comments that still hold true today) that TBS HAS to invest in the show like M9 used to in the distant past. I tried to keep it simple and streamlined (Lord knows I cut off like 15 paragraphs from my post LOL).

[jfeathe]

Loved the post and completely agree with it.

There are two simple parts to Sasuke: the competitors and the course. Right now, they have both of those wrong. I remember years ago watching older competitions on G4 and being thrilled run after run after run. There was constant excitement because you felt that anyone (celebrities and everyday people) in good shape who really tried had an honest shot at clearing the first stage. Even if the clear rates weren't that much better than they are now, there were a ton more Warped Wall and Rope Climb timeouts. Even those who wiped out spectacularly on the Jump Hang had made a good dent in the course. Now, all we see are run after run after run of competitors who look like they have a chance, fly off after a half spin on the Rolling Escargot or miss landing on the Jumping Spider by a mile. It feels like no one has a chance and dare I say, it's made Sasuke a bit... boring. I think it's fair to say that close to every clear is from someone who's either established and is expected to clear (i.e. Yuuji) or someone who's dedicated their heart and soul to Sasuke (i.e. Asa).

I was cautiously optimistic about Inui and I gave him the benefit of the doubt after 28. But what he did to 29 was inexcusable. Higuchi started the downward trend possibly as early as Sasuke 18, but Inui is accelerating the decline. Arsenette already mentioned the ways to get it back on track, but we'll have to see if they actually care at this point. Although it wouldn't be ideal, perhaps they reason they can go awhile on low ratings with next-to-nothing production costs?

It's very likely that Sasuke 30 will either be the last-minute turnaround point, or the nail in its coffin.       

[SRW]

The backstream is cool leave it alone just increase the time limit, dear god if you were in charge it would be boring you would put the bloody conveyer back lol.

All seriousness though lets hope 30 is not the last one - screw the ASEAN cup ratings I wish they were not even bothering and just get on with SASUKE 30.