Takanabe Susumu Documentary on NHK

**Wark 1978** · 7th September 2009, 10:23 PM

Apologies if this has been posted before but this Sunday (13th September 1910 on BS1) there is an NHK documentary focusing on Takanabe Susumu of the Japan team. It is part of the スポーツ大陸 (Sports Continent) series.

The name of the program is 雪辱 (Revenge) and the blurb for the program is;

Kenshi Takanabe Susumu is a 33 year old 6-dan whose special waza is a fast men that from start to finish is only 0.1 seconds.

However, 3 years ago at the world championships which are held every three years he suffered a setback. In the 2006 tournament Japan suffered a 2-3 defeat against America. Japan had won every tournament since the the championships started and the loss was seen as a national embarrassment. Takanabe was one of those that lost.

For a short while he thought about quitting kendo but decided not to finish there and devoted himself to making a comeback and practised more than others. It is said in kendo that "someone who has lost before is hard to use" but Takanabe came back to take part in the world championships held in Brazil at the end of August.

My translation is probably a bit ropey but I think that you can get the general idea. The website for the program is http://www.nhk.or.jp/spotai/onair/200/index.html. It is also being shown on NHK on Monday 14th September at 2245.

Hopefully this will be in the same league as the 8-dan and Eiga Naoki documentaries.

**Koban** · 7th September 2009, 10:40 PM

staying up for this!

**Wark 1978** · 8th September 2009, 07:50 AM

Originally Posted by Koban

staying up for this!

Disgusted by the state of Japanese TV, it's usually only cooking and crappy variety programs, when my wife and I moved into our new house we didn't bother getting an antenna put up so I can't watch it!! Think I will have to make a trip to the inlaws.

**ZtefaNNN[K]** · 8th September 2009, 07:54 AM

damn!... already waiting for the youtube translated version...

**Wark 1978** · 8th September 2009, 10:15 AM

Another screening time of the documentary that was written on the AJKF homepage, although they may be subject to change.

NHK BS１
Sunday 13th September 7.10-7.55pm
Sunday 20th September 4.10-4-55pm

NHK Sogo/Digital Sogo
Monday 14th September 10.45-11.30pm

Here are a few stills from the program;

http://www.nhk.or.jp/spotai/onair/200/gallery.html

Really looking forward to this. Must get a TV!

**xvikingx** · 8th September 2009, 10:43 AM

Finally something worthwhile on Japanese television.

I am looking forward to this mainly because I'm not sure exactly what the appeal behind Takanabe's story is, as opposed to others like Teramoto or Shodai who might be equally, if not more, interesting. Also it's not as if he was the only memember of the losing Japan team to have returned to the WKC this year. And he is single handedly responsible for the Japan's loss 3 years ago.

**Wark 1978** · 8th September 2009, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by xvikingx

Finally something worthwhile on Japanese television.

I am looking forward to this mainly because I'm not sure exactly what the appeal behind Takanabe's story is, as opposed to others like Teramoto or Shodai who might be equally, if not more, interesting. Also it's not as if he was the only memember of the losing Japan team to have returned to the WKC this year. And he is single handedly responsible for the Japan's loss 3 years ago.

Maybe choosing someone like Teramoto or Shodai would be too obvious being previous All Japan Champions. Also as, correct me if I am wrong here because I don't have the results to hand, he was the only member in the team this year who actually lost one of their matches in the semifinal against the U.S.A. last time around, the other being Seike who was not in the squad this time around. This gives his journey into the championships somewhat more of an edge.

**xvikingx** · 8th September 2009, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by Wark 1978

Maybe choosing someone like Teramoto or Shodai would be too obvious being previous All Japan Champions.

Yeah but this is Japanese television!!!

**atgm** · 8th September 2009, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by Wark 1978

This gives his journey into the championships somewhat more of an edge.

Japan loves underdog stories where the little man fights the odds and popular opinion to clear a path to victory.

**The great I AM** · 8th September 2009, 10:57 AM

I'm kind of disappointed they chose Takanabe as well, but only because he is a really surly, grumpy fella. He is the only guy I have ever seen refuse autographs to kids after the All Japans, and I've only ever heard him give short, usually one or two word answers to anyone who has ever spoken to him (and not just a drunk me!). At least someone like Teramot and Shodai have personality....ho hum. I'll still be watching it though!

**Wark 1978** · 8th September 2009, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by The great I AM

usually one or two word answers to anyone who has ever spoken to him (and not just a drunk me!).

Sorry Gibbo, I forgot about your gift for language.

**Wark 1978** · 8th September 2009, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by xvikingx

Yeah but this is Japanese television!!!

Oh shit!! This doesn't mean that halfway through the program he gets taken to a restaurant and has to give his views on which type of tonkatsu is the tastiest does it?

**The great I AM** · 8th September 2009, 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by Wark 1978

Sorry Gibbo, I forgot about your gift for language.

I like to think I am quite gifted. Special, even.

Fnar.

**Koban** · 8th September 2009, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by Wark 1978

Oh shit!! This doesn't mean that halfway through the program he gets taken to a restaurant and has to give his views on which type of tonkatsu is the tastiest does it?

I would not be surprised. Maybe Nai Nai will come in as well..