Takeshi's Castle (2002–2004)

Comic highlights from a physical Japanese gameshow presided over and commentated by Craig Charles.

Stars:

Craig Charles, Makoto Dainenji, Gurêto Gidayû

Cast

Credited cast:
Craig Charles	...	Himself - Narrator
Makoto Dainenji	...	Makoto Dainenji (archive footage)
Gurêto Gidayû	...	Gidayu Great (archive footage)
Hideo Higashikokubaru	...	Sonomanma Higashi (archive footage) (as Sonomanma Higashi)
Rakkyo Ide	...	Rakkyo Ide (archive footage)
Saburô Ishikura	...	Saburo Ishikura (archive footage)
Zona Jaguar	...	Contestant
Michiru Jo	...	Michiru Jo (archive footage)
Takeshi Kitano	...	Count Takeshi (archive footage)
Kikko Matsuoka	...	Kikko Matsuoka (archive footage)
Masanori Okada	...	Masanori Okada (archive footage)
Akira Sakamoto	...	Battlefield Reporter
Hayato Tani	...	General Lee (archive footage)
Katsuo Tokashiki	...	Katsuo Tokashiki (archive footage)
Umanosuke Ueda	...	Umanosuke Ueda (archive footage)

Storyline

What can I say about this show? If you've ever seen a Japanese game show before, or have witnessed them on 'Tarrant on TV' then you should know what it is all about. With Japanese star Takeshi Kitano as the lord of the castle, one-hundred members of the Japanese public pit themselves against a host of crazy physical games in order to gain the ultimate accolade; to be one of the few who actually completed the game. Not only are most of the games virtually impossible, but if you do manage to get to the final round without breaking a few bones then you are pitted against men driving around in little buggies attempting to shoot you with lazers! It's quite insane and nigh on impossible to finish! Not that there is any point; contestants go home with nothing but bruises! All this craziness is narrated fantastically by Craig Charles of 'Red Dwarf' fame with choice replays and mud-galore. Perhaps this is the worse TV show in the world, but watch it once and you will never stop!

---

Plot Keywords:

based on japanese tv series | character name in title

---

Genres:

Action | Comedy | Family

---

Details

Country:

Japan UK

Language:

English Japanese

Also Known As:

Hullut japanilaiset

Company Credits

Production Co:

Black Mole Productions, Challenge TV, Comedy Central

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Followed by Takeshi's Castle Rebooted (2013)

User Reviews

Happy Clappy Jappy Chappies

The contestants on this show are mad.

Thanks to Challange TV I'm able to watch this tormenting game-show where the contestants leave with bruises and headaches rather than prizes. How many people have actually won? Around 2 i'd say. You can feel the pain that they receive as Craig Charles would inform you 'He plowed the bank with his face'.

It's hilariously cruel, an idea that only the Japenese could come up with. If only we could view more Japanese game-shows here in Britain.

Brilliant.