Takeshi’s Castle to Return with Saudi Version

The General Sports Authority (GSA) today announced a deal with Japan’s Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) to bring back Takeshi’s Castle onto screens in Saudi for a new version of the cult Japanese TV show, returning for the first time since 1990.

The Saudi version of Takeshi’s Castle will debut in late 2018 across several of the country’s leading channels and see the fast-paced physical gameshow and its signature challenges be transported to a Saudi setting. An Arab style castle featuring over 50 obstacles will be built in Riyadh over a period of 10 months, in a space of 300k square meters.

The weekly programme will be open to everyone in the region and will run over 13 weeks, with huge prizes and new challenges each week.

His Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh commented:

“We are delighted to announce this partnership with TBS that will see Takeshi’s Castle make a return, with a new Saudi version debuting in the Kingdom at the end of next year. The GSA is actively developing all sports across Saudi Arabia and through the programme being screened by our leading channels we hope to not just entertain but also inspire people to get out and try these new sports and activities for themselves.”

The gold standard for physical gameshows, the Saudi version of Takeshi’s Castle will be designed to be an entertaining catalyst to encourage more people to pursue for physical lifestyles.

Toshichika Ishihara, Chairman of the Tokyo Broadcasting System, said of the deal:

"Saudi Arabia and Japan have agreed to 'Saudi Japan VISION 2030' on the occasion of King Salman's visit to Japan on March this year. The vision aims to further strengthen the economic ties, particularly on nine areas of industry. Along the same line we are delighted to be taking Takeshi’s Castle to Saudi Arabia. Takeshi’s Castle has entertained fans all over the world and working with the GSA we believe this new series can be just as popular and introduce new people to its fast-paced and physical style.”

The GSA last month announced partnerships with World Boxing Super Series; La Liga; Drone Racing League (DRL); Race of Champions (ROC); and the World Chess Federation; which will each bring World Class events to the region in the next few years. It is also part of the GSA’s long-term goal to get more people active across the Arab world.