# Sasuke (1997)

> A Japanese sports entertainment special in which 100 competitors attempt a four stage obstacle course in a single broadcast.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/1053

## Facts

- Seasons: 43
- Episodes: 44
- Status: Returning Series
- Genres: reality
- Network: TBS
- Cast: Kane Kosugi, Levi Meeuwenberg, Jessie Graff, Olivia Vivian, René Casselly, Shane Kosugi, Chie Tanabe, Yeo Hong-chul
- TMDB rating: 8.2/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1263006/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: breakneck
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: simple
- Violence: none
- Tone: energetic, celebratory, suspenseful, earnest

## Synopsis

Sasuke (1997-present) is a Japanese sports entertainment competition series broadcast by Tokyo Broadcasting System, known internationally as Ninja Warrior. Each three-hour special follows around 100 competitors as they attempt to finish a four stage obstacle course filmed at Midoriyama studio in Yokohama. Rather than a traditional narrative, the show is built around the physical engine of the event: contestants race against fatigue, falls and a growing, narrowing field until a small number reach the final stage. Its specials air between Japanese television drama seasons, and the broadcast has grown into a long-running franchise shown in well over a hundred countries. Presenters and commentators narrate each attempt, while the audience watches ordinary athletes and seasoned competitors alike confront escalating hazards. The tone is energetic, earnest and celebratory, with suspense built around each run and a warm, communal sense of triumph. It is a reality competition in the tradition of Japanese variety programming, and fans of American Ninja Warrior, Takeshi's Castle and Wipeout will find the same blend of physical spectacle and underdog drama here. Kane Kosugi, Kinnikun Nakayama and Jessie Graff are among the recurring competitors whose attempts draw particular attention.

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