TBS’s large scale sports entertainment program “Sasuke” will appear on primetime on one of US 4 biggest terrestrial channels NBC.

“Sasuke” (broadcast on TBS/JNN, produced by Monster 9) debuted as “Muscle Ranking” special in 1997 and has been aired as various specials since then. It also has been distributed to 153 territories over 5 continents and enjoying popularity throughout the world.

In the US, it started out as “Ninja Warrior”, the US version based on the re-make of “Sasuke” broadcasted in Japan, on the cable network G4 from October 2006. Popularity already exploded in 2007 being chosen among Top 10 TV programs in GQ and MovieWeb and described as G4’s 3 biggest titles along with “Star Trek” and “CSI”. There is no other Japanese program compared with these popular US titles except for “MXC” (the US version of “Takeshi’s Castle”). G4 renewed their rating record as they broadcast “Ninja Warrior”, receiving overwhelming support especially from male viewers among age 10 to 30s, and Midoriyama is considered a sacred place and Japanese core athletes given a celebrity status. “Ninja Warrior” also has over 370,000 fans on their Facebook page, which is very unusual for Japanese live-action based program.

G4 launched various US campaigns ever since August 2007 and continuously earned high ratings. They also produced 2 seasons of “American Ninja Warrior” focusing on the US contestants’ selection process and their performances at Midoriyama. They organized an event participated by 100,000 people last summer for Season 2. Season 3 starts from the open competition (Season 2 had approximately 300 contestant participation) scheduled on May 16 to 18. Top 15 will move on to the “Boot Camp” to compete for Top 10 spots to win the right to move on to the competition at sacred Midoriyama. 10 episode “American Ninja Warrior” Season 3 is scheduled to start broadcast from this August.

Due to the high popularity of this series, one of the four major US terrestrial networks NBC will air "SASUKE27" based “American Ninja Warrior” as series’ climax this fall.

Time slot on NBC is Sunday Golden Time (Prime Time equivalent in Japan), which is one of the most important time slots out of all time table for any broadcaster in the world, and at NBC, the slot in which NFL games are broadcast. Not only will this be the first time for a Japanese live-action program to premiere primetime on one of the big four networks, but will do so in the most coveted timeslot! (*In the past, TBS has licensed variety program formats such as “Fun TV with Kato-chan & Ken-chan”, well-known as ”America’s Funniest Home Videos”, where the format has been recreated with US cast; but this is the first time in Japanese TV history for a Japanese program to be broadcast on US terrestrial primetime television as it will be shot in Japan.)

Also, G4 and TBS will ally to promote the joint disaster relief for Japan through the Red Cross. Between April 29 through May 1, G4 will broadcast a Ninja Warrior Marathon exceeding fifty-hours (reruns that will air over number of days), that will also include a one-hour feature on Japan and a fund-raising campaign.

In addition, G4 will auction, through the world’s largest auction site “eBay”, a chance for a Ninja Warrior fan to travel to Japan along with ten “American Ninja Warrior” finalists. G4 will cross promote through their programming, their website and Facebook and the highest bidder will win the right to compete in Japan. All money collected through these charity campaigns and auction will be donated to the Red Cross. There is no precedent where a Japanese and US broadcaster organized a joint disaster relief campaign through Japanese programming content.

Comment by Mr. Neal Tiles, G4 President

“G4 viewers are deeply connected to Japanese culture. It is important to us that we find a way to help with the country’s relief efforts as we head back to Japan to shoot the third season of the series. With the final two episodes premiering on NBC, this year’s ‘American Ninja Warrior’ event is our biggest and most exciting yet.”

Comment by NBC executive: (excerpt from G4 announcement)

Comment by Ichiro Nobukuni, TBS’s Managing Director

“We are very thankful for everything many nations have done for Japan during this tragedy. By continuing to add to this series that is enjoyed by so many people around the globe, TBS is able to show our appreciation to the world for their kindness and at the same time, in collaboration with G4, help the people and regions so severely affected in Japan through our charitable activities.”