
When everyone else wears sensible clothes to a press event, we wear loincloths.
On 20 April, the world premiere of Takeshi’s Castle was held at Yebisu Garden Place in Tokyo, the day before its worldwide release on 21 April.
With no expense spared for the premiere, the event space took three days to construct, as guests were treated to a mini recreation of one of the show’s most popular games — Ryujin-Ike, known overseas as Dragon God’s Pond.
▼ Some of the show’s celebrity hosts appeared outside an hour before the premiere.
Contestants navigate Dragon God’s Pond by jumping on stepping stones to reach the other side of the pond, and in the 2023 iteration of the show, the distance to reach the goal has increased, making it more difficult than ever to reach successfully.
It’s a game our Japanese-language team knows intimately, as they were chosen from over 1,300 applicants to join the 300 lucky participants appearing on the show. As participants, they were also invited to the premiere in Tokyo, where they were able to meet up with some of the other contestants, whom they hadn’t seen since filming took place last summer.
▼ The army that attempted to capture Takeshi’s Castle last summer.
Joining the participants for the premiere screening were social media influencers and members of the press, including members of the foreign press, who approached our loincloth-wearing team for photos.
Our team were excited to watch the first episode, but during the screening, they were surprised at just how much the press were laughing. The level of laughter was beyond what they’d been expecting, and Mr Sato says the cheers and screams from the foreign media behind him was incredible — it was on par with the reactions you’d see at a World Cup match.
▼ Don’t worry, Mr Sato — we’re sure they were laughing with you, not at you.
With the original ’80s program being broadcast in over 150 countries, Takeshi’s Castle has an iconic reputation that precedes itself, and the foreign media were lapping up this first episode of the revival. It was a great reminder of how programs like these, where everyday people attempt to take down a mighty foe, translate so well across countries. It also reminded him that laughing at people falling flat on their faces is a commonality that’s just as universal.
How many times will our team fall flat on their faces? And how many times will they make us laugh? You can find out right now by checking out the first four episode on Amazon Prime, which began streaming on 21 April, with the four final episodes streaming on 28 April.
Related: Takeshi’s Castle
Photos ©2023 Tokyo Broadcasting System Television, Inc. All Rights Reserved / SoraNews24
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
[ Read in Japanese ]






Our Japanese team star in Takeshi’s Castle on Amazon Prime!
We try Amazon’s lowest rated posing mannequin, but it wasn’t the doll that was one star
Can the lowest-rated portable bathtub on Amazon Japan make our office a relaxing bathhouse?【Pics】
We bought the latest in low-rated fitness technology from Amazon: the Nejirunba
We try Amazon Japan’s lowest rated portable washing machine
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
Man in Japan falls into hole with a bear in it
Cheapo News: We found this supermarket chain selling stupid cheap bento in west Japan
Is Daiso’s microwave Japanese rolled omelet maker worth your time and money? [Taste test]
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Pikachu and Eevee become handmade Lladró porcelain sculptures to celebrate Pokémon’s 30th birthday
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
How to make money with Amazon Japan’s lowest rated, one-yen hat
We buy the lowest-rated sexy pillow on Amazon Japan
European and American Men’s Wig: the lowest-rated wig on Amazon Japan
We deeply, wetly regret underestimating this crazy obstacle course in the mountains of Japan【Vid】
We open a mysterious package from China, unveil a cheeky surprise
Putting on a magic show with Amazon Japan’s lowest rated magic props
For just 5 yen, Amazon Japan’s cheapest possible outfit will have you looking like 0.04 bucks!
Testing Amazon Japan’s lowest-rated Screaming Pot【Video】
Trying out Amazon Japan’s lowest rated magic wand
Here we come a-waffling with a food and booze combo from Cosmos【Japan’s Best Home Senbero】
Mr. Sato pushes the envelope with his meatiest drinking meal ever【Japan’s Best Home Senbero】
The AI ’90s yearbook trend hits our office, with hilarious results 【Photos】
Amika provides a fancy frozen food feast for only 1,000 yen【Japan’s Best Home Senbero】
Our Japanese writers share times they were the fool in honor of April Fools Day