The International Tribune takes stock of Japanese batsu game shows, known for their degree of humiliation and punishment, which are about to make the leap to American shores. I have a sneaking suspicion that, like Iron Chef America before it, adding hapless gaijin to the mix will simply water down what was once a fascinating phenomenon. I could be wrong, but I doubt it. Might make for some good YouTube clips, though.

“I Survived a Japanese Game Show” and “Wipeout” — making their debuts Tuesday on ABC — each borrow from the batsu format but in different ways. “I Survived” takes American contestants to Japan and puts them through 16 games. These contests, collectively known as Maji-Deh, which roughly translates to “you must be crazy,” actually form a show within a show. Segments that are shot on film to distinguish them from the video of the actual games offer a backstage glimpse of the competitors and crew. “Wipeout” is more straightforward; its contestants run obstacle courses.

The new shows are the most recent examples of American programmers cribbing from other countries, although the producers say they are not direct imports. “I Survived” is a compendium of recreated stunts from different Japanese hit shows. And Matt Kunitz, an executive producer of “Wipeout,” said his show paid homage to its Japanese predecessors but was not based on any particular program. Still, some of the obstacles — like the “sweeper,” a giant arm that whips around while contestants stand on poles and try not to fall — seem straight out of the Japanese playbook.