
The king returns to his castle.
For many people, the phrase “Japanese game show” immediately brings up images of people competing in insane physical challenges, leaping across platforms and dodging projectiles like they’ve been sucked into a Super Mario game. We can thank Takeshi Kitano, a.k.a. Beat Takeshi, for that.
Takeshi’s Castle, the TV program hosted by Takeshi that debuted in 1986, wasn’t the only action-variety show of the day, but it was the biggest and boldest, producing unforgettable scenes like this which whittled down a field of roughly 100 contestants competing to win that week’s prize money.
https://twitter.com/azukinako22GC8/status/1003177695503503360The series went off the air in 1990, but now the 75-year-old Takeshi is set to return to his castle and restart the series, under the working title Fukkatsu! Fuun! Takeshi-jo, or “Return of Takeshi’s Castle.” As part of the revival, the series will be moving from original broadcaster TBS to Amazon’s Prime Video service.
The producers are promising even more outrageous events and challenges, with scenes that will live up to the lofty legacy of the original series in terms of laugher and excitement. They’ve also announced that Return of Takeshi’s Castle will stream worldwide. That’s a major difference from the original series, which really only gained widespread notoriety in English-speaking regions long after the series had wrapped up in Japan, making this many overseas’ fans fist opportunity to experience the unique entertainment of Takeshi’s Castle in real-time with Japanese audiences.
▼ The move from broadcast TV to streaming also means you’ll be able to replay the inevitable catastrophic failures as many times as you want.
https://twitter.com/NiYOtanEN/status/1269121688941314048Return of Takeshi’s Castle is scheduled to start streaming sometime in 2023.
Source, top image: Press release
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Our Japanese team star in Takeshi’s Castle on Amazon Prime!
Ultimate “crap game” Takeshi’s Challenge coming to smartphones this summer!
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
The mystery of Port Store, the Japanese convenience store that looks like a Lawson rip-off
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Elderly couple donates 400 million yen to erect Myaku-Myaku statue in Osaka
American tourist in Japan arrested on charges of attempted murder and arson
Mini CRT-lookalike Final Fantasy figurines are awesome pixel art music boxes [Video]
Japan Railways announces unlimited-ride train pass for fall travel
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】