In exploring the vast world of vibrant, limit-pushing Japanese media, our first stop has to be Japanese gameshows. Gameshows originated in the U.S. in the late 1930s and consisted of contestants competing in simple games, like spelling bees and trivia. As decades passed, the games became more complicated and advanced, leading to classic American shows like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Of course, the US was not the only country developing a taste for competitive TV during this time. By 1950, gameshow concepts were taking place on Japanese TV broadcasts. The first ever was a simple charades-style show called Gesture. Things have evolved since then.

Throughout the 1980s, Japanese gameshows developed into what they are today. Takeshi’s Castle was a staple launched in 1986 which depicted contestants participating in wacky challenges, being thrown into mud or tar, often wearing ridiculous costumes, and generally subjecting themselves to all kinds of weird obstacles all in the hope of winning the ultimate prize of 1,000,000 yen (equivalent to about $9,080 USD). 

In this example, aptly named Slippery Stairs, contestants attempt to reach the top of a slanted staircase covered head-to-toe in excessive amounts of lube. Somehow, you just can’t look away.

For more information on these and other examples, click here.

For the most part, this genre of TV is lighthearted. It relies heavily on physical comedy, or manipulation of the body for a comedic effect. While this definition focuses more on slapstick, clowning, miming, and other traditional comedy practices, people falling, tripping, mildly hurting themselves, etc. is a common modern interpretation that people love. But how far is too far? Japanese gameshows have continually pushed the limit of what is acceptably funny on broadcast television. Sometimes these shows cross over the line from lighthearted into bizarre. 

In Orgasm Wars, gay men attempt to bring straight men to orgasm. Why? Is it just shock value? Or is it perhaps making a point about sexuality and fluidity? I’ll leave that up to you to decide. 

Whatever the reason, it is undeniable that both past and present Japanese gameshows bring joy to people all over. They are an exciting, chaotic, and valuable part of Japanese culture and media.

Also, I’m trying to figure out how to sign up for Slippery Stairs. 

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