 The show originally began airing in Japan in late 1997 under the  name "Sasuke," but was not broadcast in the United States until nine  and a half years later, starting in March 2007. It consists of four  stages which the competitors must complete. Each special is  broadcast (in Japan) as a three hour event, broadcast in half hour  segments. In the United States, the specials are edited down,  creating several dozen 30 minute episodes.