The TBS program “SASUKE 2024: The 42nd Tournament” aired on December 25th from 6:00 PM JST, captivating audiences for 5 hours and 10 minutes with thrilling athletic feats and emotional victories.
This year’s event once again gathered the strongest past contenders and unprecedented elites at SASUKE’s sacred ground, Midoriyama, pushing each competitor to their limits in pursuit of total victory.
Among the standout participants was Rinne Sugeta from 7 MEN Samurai, making his fifth appearance in the competition since 2020. Known for his exceptional athleticism and heartwarming charm, Rinne returned to SASUKE driven by his relentless desire to overcome past failures and conquer the daunting course. Wearing the number 52, he set his sights firmly on clearing the First Stage, a goal that had eluded him for the past two years.
This year, in front of cheering fans and fellow contestants, Rinne accomplished what had felt like an uphill battle—he cleared the First Stage for the first time after failing for two consecutive years. As he hit the buzzer with just 2.88 seconds to spare, tears streamed down his face, and his jubilant cry of “Yes!” echoed across the Midoriyama grounds. It was a moment that embodied the essence of SASUKE: perseverance, growth, and raw emotion.
The relief and pride that washed over you as you watched Rinne push the button and clear the First Stage was overwhelming.
As someone who has followed his SASUKE journey since the beginning, every triumph, every failure, and every moment of doubt played like a vivid movie in your mind. There had never been any doubt in my mind that Rinne wouldn’t be able to do it. First Stage, Second Stage, Third Stage… anything’s possible.
The countless hours spent analyzing his technique, the exhilarating highs of his victories, and the heart-wrenching lows of his setbacks had all led to this pivotal moment. You could feel the adrenaline coursing through your veins as he embraced the cheers of the crowd, knowing that his determination had not only inspired you but also countless fans who believed in his dreams.
Every year, I believe in Rinne. I cheer for Rinne with unwavering enthusiasm, knowing that his journey is filled with challenges and triumphs. SASUKE is the reason why I fell in love with Rinne; it was clear that SASUKE meant a lot to him and for that reason, I wanted to support him.
The raw emotion and authentic pride and joy when he cleared the First Stage the very first time still live vividly in my mind, a moment etched forever as a testament to his dedication and resilience. This is why I love him; why he is the one I want to support, not just for his achievements, but because he represents hope and perseverance to all who dare to dream big.
His success in the First Stage wasn’t just a personal triumph but a testament to the countless hours of training and self-belief that carried him through moments of doubt. Despite his rigorous idol schedule, Rinne dedicated himself to physical training, sometimes sharing his workouts on social media. His passion for SASUKE shone brightly, and along with his outstanding acrobatic abilities on stage, he reminds everyone why he is affectionately called the “genius acrobat.”
However, SASUKE is unforgiving, and the Second Stage proved to be a formidable challenge. Despite his emotional high from the First Stage, Rinne’s journey came to an end as he fell short on the second leg of the competition. The Backstream was the end for him this year.
The obstacle is a large swimming tank, 10 meters in length and 2 meters in depth, in which the competitors must swim through the tank to reach a ladder and slide down to the next obstacle. There is also a series of jets toward the end of the obstacle, designed to disrupt their progress to the ladder. Due to the nature of the obstacle; on the Second Stage’s starting line, every competitor who advanced to the Second Stage must wear swimming goggles on their head and use them while attempting this obstacle.
Though the outcome wasn’t what he had envisioned, his performance resonated deeply with fans and fellow participants alike.
Even Snow Man’s Hikaru Iwamoto, a close friend and SASUKE veteran, was visibly moved by Rinne’s success and subsequent fall, shouting encouragements like “Watch your footing!” during his run. Later, Hikaru could be seen nodding in admiration, quietly uttering, “This is insane.” The camaraderie between them highlighted the true spirit of SASUKE—competitors bound by mutual respect and a shared passion.
The SASUKE legends also watched Rinne’s performance in awe, drawing comparisons to past champions like Makoto Nagano. Social media lit up with messages of support: “Incredible,” and “I hope he makes it even further next year.”
Reflecting on his SASUKE journey, while being frustrated about the results, Rinne remains steadfast. In previous interviews, he shared that his motivation stemmed from the sheer excitement of seeing the SASUKE set and the desire to build a body capable of taking on the course. “Each year, I think ‘Next year, I’ll try even harder,’ and that’s what keeps me going. It’s a personal challenge to push myself beyond my limits,” Rinne said.
His love for the competition and the experience of self-improvement fuel his drive, even in the face of setbacks. As Rinne often says, “How far can I go with my current abilities?” It’s a question he continues to answer with unwavering determination.
The Screwdriver obstacle, returning for the second year, posed a significant challenge in the First Stage, testing competitors’ agility, strength, and endurance. Rinne’s successful completion of this stage serves as a beacon of hope for his future runs.
Whether or not Rinne reaches the elusive Third Stage next year, one thing remains certain—his heart, dedication, and perseverance make him a true SASUKE champion in the eyes of fans. His journey is a reminder that SASUKE is not only about total victory but also about the courage to keep climbing, one step at a time.
So as we cheer for Rinne, we know this isn’t the end—it’s just another step in his SASUKE story. がんばりんね！
Photos from @sasuke_tbs