“I Survived a Japanese Game Show“, has begun taping in Japan. US broadcaster ABC-TV says the new, unscripted program features “10 Americans — many of whom have never traveled outside the United States — who are whisked away to Japan and compete in the ultimate Japanese game show … with hilarious results.”

Tony Sano, a U.S. actor fluent in Japanese hosts the show, with his “Mamasan” sidekick. A third host, Rome Kanda focuses on the events.

ABC says the results and prizing will be determined by “who best adapts to Japanese culture and the challenges in each episode.” The surviving stunt contestant wins USD $250,000. The program debuts in Prime Time (9-10 p.m. EDT) June 24, 2008.

Some of the games/challenges will include:

Why is this food so hard to eat? – Why? Because the food is attached to the head of a teammate who must run in place on a fast-moving treadmill, while the first teammate leans over a platform and tries to eat from the moving dish.

Crazy Crane Finds Fluffy Bear – This takes the American arcade game to the next level, as blindfolded teammates must operate a moving crane while another teammate precariously dangles trying to collect as many stuffed animals as he/she can.

Chicken Butt Scramble — The contestants create their own version of Japanese scrambled eggs as they attempt to smash goo-filled oversized eggs with only their butts… while wearing chicken suits.

source: abc Press release 1 ; press release 2
Learn more: TV In Japan

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"Sports Injuries Around the World" MAD Magazine #490, June 2008

Happiest Advertising Laughs Edition

10Mizuho Bank Happy Photo
9Kewpie Monthly Happy Present
8Calpis Happy Refresh
7Microsoft Happy Digital Life
6Docomo Happy Lucky
5Happy Lawson
4Rent-A-Car Happy
3Indy Japan Happy Bowling
2Daiwa Happy Hug House
1Happy Period

Most Attractive Gifts Announced

Found a beautiful gift in Japan? How does it compare to winners of the second “Attractive Souvenir” contest held by The Visit Japan Campaign (Yokoso Japan)?

Some winners:

Food Category, using regionally produced ingredients
Gold Prize - Nambu Hand-baked Senbei Rice Cracker Set
Bronze Prize - Kameya Grated Wasabi Mustard

Crafts & Skills Category
Gold Prize - Edo Kiriko Glass Furin Wind Chime

Cool Japan Category
Gold Prize - Artistic Japanese Erasers

All prizewinners here.

The objective of the Contest is to promote tourism in Japan by selecting particularly attractive souvenirs in terms of quality and design as seen by foreign visitors, that will lead not only to nurturing and finding attractive Japanese souvenirs, but to promoting regional brands, and conveying through such merchandise the beauty and the appeal of Japan.