Daily Archives: October 8th, 2009

takeshi castle

Takeshi’s Castle (الحصن) was a Japanese game show that aired from 1986 to 1989 on the Tokyo Broadcasting System. It featured the Japanese actor Takeshi’s Kitano (also known as Beat Takeshi) as a count who owns a castle and sets up impossible challenges from players to get to him. The show became a cult television hit around the world” From Wikipedia.

takeshi 16

Fortunately, the show was dubbed into Arabic by (رياض شرارة) and later on by (جمال ريان). The show is one of my all time favourite tv shows/programs/games! I have always wanted to participate in this game since the 80s. It triggered the curiosity in me to discover and explore more about Japan, as it was my first time to see Japan in a live action show rather than in whatever products they manufacture/produce, e.g., anime, video games, electronic devices or manga!  A couple of decades later, in the 2005 I’ve tried to locate where the Takeshi’s Castle was filmed, so I might be able to at least visit the studio. Therefore, I’ve searched the web ’til I’ve found a google-earth photo of the exact location where the show was filmed. It was filmed in Midoriyama Studios in Yokohama, Japan. The broadcasting Inc. is Tokyo Broadcasting System Television Inc.(TBS), it’s one of the biggest broadcasting Television Incs. in Japan, then I’ve tried to call ‘em, ’til someone answered and I’ve asked if it’s possible for fans to visit the studio, the lady who picked the phone answered, ‘NO’ the program was ended long time ago and it’s not allowed for public to enter the studio!!

takeshi game

Few years later I’ve found that there are three volumes of Takeshi’s Castle Game on Nintendo (Famicom)! I’ve already downloaded the game from the web and it’s really a good one, especially the one produced in 1987 by TBS and BANDAI, there is also a pad/mat/platform where you can play the game without joysticks, just as if you’re playing it for real. Due to copyrights issues, I won’t be posting the address where this game can be downloaded, but it’s really easy to be found though ;P  So good luck and I wish you a pleasant time playing Takeshi’s Castle (الحصن), GANBAREMASU! ;)