So.....I have always known that Miyazaki`s governor was famous around these parts.  Most Miyazakians will proudly let it be known to any newbie the fame of said governor. ( they also are well aware of our *cough* awesome governor in California).  So far, all I have heard about Governor Higashikokubaru is "he is comedian." I see his picture all over the place; on signs, magazines, life-sized human cut-outs, food products. It has never occurred to me that I would even know any of his work.  I thought, "I`ve never seen any Japanese comedy.  I don`t know who he is."  Ohhhhh how I was wrong. 




eat the governor




endorsing the local foods


The other day, I was researching the governor for one of my lessons and there, in the middle of surfing the world wide web, I had a revelation.  I know this guy! I couldn't believe it......yes, yes, I have seen him before and can probably bet that many of you are familiar with his work as well. 

Our governor is none other than a star from Operation!Takeshi`s Castle.  THIS is so cool.
For those of you that need a little help remembering.....this was a Japanese game show in the 80s "where upwards of 100 contestants (give or take) try to get through various wet, dirty, and wild obstacles and games for a chance to win the grand prize of 1 million yen (Approx. $10,000) by defeating Takeshi and his crew. (IMDB)"



The whole cast




pesky rock obstacles



Ahhh, the things people will do for money

 




Now, us Americans couldn`t let the Japanese have all the fun.  We had to get in on the action too....we aired Takeshi`s castle on Spike TV...dubbed over the speaking parts with humorous English and called it MXC: Most Extreme Elimination Challenge.  The Miyazaki governor played the role of Kenny Blankenship who`s mind was always preoccupied with pizza, beer, and the ladies.




Most Extreme Elimination Challenge

 

the mushroom swing

Here he is in all his glory (left)



Later, we decided that the dubbed version simply wasn`t enough....and some American TV producer thought.."let`s totally steal the show and call it Wipeout!"