American Ninja Warrior 5 Announcement

After the inexplicable absence of American Ninja Warrior from Sasuke Rising (Sasuke 28) that taped in November and aired in December, 2012 on TBS Japan, it is time again for NBC to announce the new American spin off competition.  For those of us counting at home.. ANC9 folks.. but for these purposes this is now American Ninja Warrior 5.

American Ninja Warrior 5 Application

(Application Deadline March 15, 2013)

After a minor snafu a couple of days ago with the wrong website having the wrong information and dates.. it seems this one is the legit one.  The application process is now open and will remain open to March 15, 2013.  Sometimes it's extended but be warned as every year the competition gets more popular so expect a much higher influx of applicants. Remember this is a casting process so do your best and get your stuff in early and in a professional manner.  As was reported earlier (and discussed on SMF) the air dates are set for NBC this summer.
EDIT: During the ANW4 broadcast the application above was confirmed to be correct.

All-Star Makoto Nagano 長野誠 laughing at the demise of an ANW4 competitor ©Las Vegas Sun

What we know so far

Seems they will be having regionals again.  No cities have been mentioned on the application and at this early time we don't know yet of any specifics other than taping for Regionals will take place from April-May, 2013.

Finals will again be in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The only thing different is that instead of 2 days.. they will take a friggin' week to play out if the application information is correct.  Dates for Finals are June 10-17, 2013. I'm assuming taping for it will actually be during the weekend but who knows at this point.  The application is there to make sure you are available at that time and if you aren't available then don't bother applying.  If I find out more concrete information I'll post about it. This is by far the earliest we know of an actual taping for the finals so that's good news.  We don't know about any format though given last year's success on NBC I doubt much will starkly change in terms of format.  Again, if I find out I'll post more.

All-Star Makoto Nagano 長野誠 and ANW4 Announcer Matt Iseman in Las Vegas for the taping of American Ninja Warrior ©Matt Iseman
(... they are holding a sign saying hello to me! LOL)

My biggest concern is, as always (and the focus of this blog), Sasuke Japan.  We don't know if this is at all tied to the Japanese Sasuke or not.  The application has not specified if it is sending any athletes to Japan.  Heck we don't know what the prize is (outside of the title of American Ninja Warrior which no one has ever received).  Given NBC just about boycotted Sasuke Rising, it's obvious to everyone watching that NBC is not at all interested in Japan's competition.  With the death of G4 the United States no longer has a home for Sasuke Japan (or the main show Ninja Warrior).  Time will tell if that burned bridge gets rebuilt.

Sasuke Finalist Yoshiyuki Okuyama 奥山義行, Sasuke All-Star Makoto Nagano 長野誠 and Current 2-Time Sasuke Champion Yuuji Urushihara 漆原裕治 being interviewed during ANW2 ©Convex Photography
Sasuke Stars USA Visit blog

 

Also, it is also unknown at this time if any Japanese competitors will be sent to Las Vegas as guests. Last year a very last minute showing of Sasuke Champion Makoto Nagano was made, however it is still undecided if that will repeat.  With his wife Asami Nagano expecting her 2nd child with him around that time of year it is possible he may not make himself available. (She's technically due in early July).  It is my hope that 2-Time Champion and newly anointed Sasuke King Yuuji Urushihara 漆原裕治 (Cliffer #3) gets an invitation as a guest. It's about time he gets the international exposure as the current Sasuke Ambassador.