I respect all of the Muscle TV shows I've seen (to be fair, only two so far) and Unbeatable Banzuke in particular; it's also one of the few shows whose Western title is probably more accurate than its original - the show's title in Japan translates to Muscle Ranking, whereas Unbeatable Banzuke works pretty well because for the most part these events are indeed un-fucking-beatable.

I think more game shows need to feature people having to do things which are only nominally possible.

That was awesome.

The best part is that the safety equipment begins and ends with a bike helmet

I agree with JSP - I like Banzuke and Ninja Warrior too for the simple fact that they can go several episodes with no one winning or even coming close to winning.

THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SNOW.

My head hurts.

This show was canceled only after *two* people had received severe spinal injuries.

There are times, rare ones, when Japan's tendency toward obsessive behavior ends up in some truly amazing television. Thanks for being crazy, Japan! That was freaking awesome.

Can those guys actually hear the announcer? Because that would be more disconcerting than the obstacle course itself.

"If he makes even the slightest error of balance, he'll be falling head first!"

"He knows no fear! He should be scared, but he is brave!"

"Looking at it from above, it seems as if he's on top of a two story roof! Nothing is more frightening than this, this highest place!"

Only in Japan could he do that without being assaulted by the contestants at the end of each show.

Now is where we part from civilization.

Ahhhh, Japanese Muscleman Gameshows, how I love thee, and your crazy, nigh-impossible challenges that at least one guy per season manages to somehow overcome and win the war against physics.

Non-Japanese game shows are for wussies.