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7 competitive shows to watch if you’ve been enjoying Physical: Asia

**Physical: Asia** is the newest installment in the Physical franchise, turning individual competition into a battle for national pride. From the creators of *Physical: 100*, the series gathers top athletes like Manny Pacquiao, Robert Whittaker, Superbon, Yushin Okami, and Kim Dong-hyun, each leading a team of champions, Olympians, and fan favorites. Together, they compete for ₩1 billion (around $700,000) and the title of Asia’s strongest nation.

The 12-episode season pits teams from Korea, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Mongolia, Turkey, and Australia against each other in brutal challenges such as shipwreck survival and king of the hill battles. One mistake can eliminate an entire country, making every match a test of strategy and unity.

Filmed on a massive soundstage in Korea, the set spans five soccer fields and features a half-sunken ship, a haunted village, and a replica of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Every design detail, from traditional motifs to the Korean-inspired score, celebrates Asian heritage while pushing athletes to their physical and emotional limits.

If you enjoyed *Physical: Asia* for its themes of teamwork and challenges, here are seven other competitive shows that capture a similar spirit.

*Disclaimer: The following list is ranked in no particular order, and the opinions expressed belong solely to the author.*

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### 1) Survivor

*Survivor* is the American version of the global reality competition franchise based on Sweden’s *Expedition Robinson*. Premiering in 2000 and hosted by Jeff Probst, the show strands contestants in remote locations where they must find food, build shelter, and compete in physical and mental challenges for rewards and immunity.

Contestants are voted out until only a few remain, and a final jury selects the “Sole Survivor,” who wins $1 million. Fans who enjoy *Physical: Asia* for its mix of strategy and team loyalty will find *Survivor* equally compelling, as contestants rely on wit and alliances to outlast opponents in extreme environments.

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### 2) Ink Master

*Ink Master* is an American reality competition that began on Spike in 2012. Tattoo artists compete in creative challenges judged by industry professionals, with one eliminated each episode. Winners earn the title of Ink Master and a cash prize that increased from $100,000 to $250,000 in later seasons.

Produced by Original Media, the show streams on Paramount+ and airs 24/7 on Pluto TV, spawning several spin-offs like *Ink Master: Redemption* and *Grudge Match*. Like *Physical: Asia*, *Ink Master* features elite competitors pushed to their limits, where creativity and precision decide who earns ultimate bragging rights.

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### 3) American Ninja Warrior

*American Ninja Warrior* (ANW) is a U.S. sports entertainment and reality competition series based on Japan’s *Sasuke*. Contestants tackle obstacle courses across various cities, progressing through Qualifiers, Semifinals, and a four-stage Finals in Las Vegas known as Mount Midoriyama.

The competitor who completes all stages the fastest wins $1 million, while top performers may earn $100,000. Hosted by Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, the show has crowned only three grand champions: Isaac Caldiero, Drew Drechsel, and Vance Walker.

If viewers loved *Physical: Asia* for its thrilling obstacle challenges and displays of athletic excellence, *American Ninja Warrior* delivers similar action as competitors battle for victory through strength and focus.

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### 4) The Challenge: USA

*The Challenge: USA* is a spin-off of the long-running reality series *The Challenge*, airing from July 6, 2022, to October 19, 2023. The show features contestants from popular CBS reality shows including *Big Brother*, *Survivor*, *Love Island*, and *The Amazing Race*, competing in intense physical and mental challenges for cash prizes and bragging rights.

*The Challenge: USA* shares *Physical: Asia’s* spirit of teamwork and endurance, uniting reality stars in intense physical and mental tests where only the strongest alliances and strategies prevail.

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### 5) Ultimate Beastmaster

*Ultimate Beastmaster* is an American reality sports competition that premiered on Netflix on February 24, 2017. Unlike other obstacle course shows, it features international contestants and localized versions with hosts from six participating countries, whose reactions appear across all editions.

In the show, contestants race through an intense obstacle course called “The Beast.” Winners from each episode advance to compete for the title of Ultimate Beastmaster. The series expanded in season 3 to include nine countries, using a tournament-style format with semifinals and finals.

Winners include Felipe Camargo of Brazil (season 1), Haibin Qu of China (season 2), and Corbin Mackin of the United Kingdom (season 3).

Much like *Physical: Asia*, *Ultimate Beastmaster* celebrates international athleticism, featuring top contenders from multiple nations competing on colossal obstacle courses for global glory.

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### 6) The Titan Games

*The Titan Games* is an American sports competition series that aired on NBC from January 3, 2019, to August 10, 2020. Hosted by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, it features everyday athletes taking on extreme physical and mental challenges inspired by Greek mythology and Johnson’s own workouts.

Produced by A. Smith & Co. and Universal Television Alternative Studio, contestants compete for the title of Titan and a $100,000 prize under the tagline, “Titans aren’t born, they’re made.”

Viewers drawn to *Physical: Asia’s* emphasis on power and perseverance will appreciate *The Titan Games*, where everyday heroes and pro athletes face mythic challenges designed to test both body and mind.

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### 7) American Gladiators

*American Gladiators* is a U.S. competition series (1989–1996) where amateur athletes faced off against each other and the show’s “Gladiators” in physical challenges. Created by Johnny C. Ferraro and Dann Carr in 1982, it grew from a local event into a global franchise, inspiring international versions and a kids’ spinoff (*Gladiators 2000*).

*American Gladiators* paved the way for shows like *Physical: Asia*, combining fierce athletic competition and the pursuit of honor in the ultimate test of endurance.

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Interested viewers can watch *Physical: Asia* on Netflix.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/k-pop/7-competitive-shows-watch-enjoying-physical-asia

UAE’s Ultra-Rich Are Driving a Fierce Crypto Revolution in Private Banking

The traditional wealth management and private banking sectors—often cautious and skeptical when it comes to cryptocurrency investing—are facing increasing pressure to offer digital assets to wealthy clients. This demand is especially pronounced in crypto hotspots like Dubai, Switzerland, and Singapore.

### High Demand for Crypto in the UAE

Swiss software firm Avaloq, which serves numerous private banks and wealth managers, recently examined high-net-worth (HNW) investing attitudes in the UAE. Based on surveys conducted in February and March 2025 involving 3,851 investors and 456 wealth professionals, Avaloq found that demand for digital assets in the region is unusually high. Specifically, 39% of wealthy clients in the UAE hold cryptocurrency. However, only 20% of those crypto investors use a traditional wealth manager.

Known for its oil-rich ultra-high-net-worth family offices and a low-tax environment attractive to expats, the UAE is rapidly becoming one of the world’s hottest crypto hubs. Dubai, for instance, offers a clear regulatory framework through the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), established in 2022.

### Crypto Education Within Families

Notably, the younger generations of ultra-wealthy families are now educating their elders about crypto investments. For example, even well-known families like the Trumps are part of this trend.

Against this backdrop, Avaloq’s UAE snapshot revealed that 63% of investors have either switched wealth managers or are considering doing so. The primary reason? Their questions about cryptocurrency remain unanswered.

### Traditional Wealth Managers Playing Catch-Up

“As crypto has evolved as an asset class, there has been a growing need among private banking relationship managers to cater to clients who are basically not being served,” said Akash Anand, Head of Middle East and Africa at Avaloq, in an interview with CoinDesk. “Hence, there has been a rush among traditional wealth managers to get equipped to offer crypto.”

### The Roadblocks to Crypto Adoption

Why have traditional financial institutions been slow to serve these clients? The answer lies largely in the nature of cryptocurrency itself—it is highly volatile, and the underlying technology can be complicated to navigate.

In addition to crypto’s notorious price swings, managing wallets, private keys, and unfamiliar custody arrangements presents significant challenges for both managers and clients. Avaloq’s survey found that among UAE investors who do not hold cryptocurrency, the top reasons cited were:

– Market volatility (38%)
– Lack of knowledge (36%)
– Distrust in exchanges (32%)

### Meeting the Gap: Avaloq’s Solutions

Avaloq is capitalizing on the growing gap between client demand and the products offered by traditional institutions. Over the past several years, the company has successfully integrated crypto custody platforms within financial institutions, leveraging crypto safekeeping technology from Fireblocks and collaborating with firms such as BBVA and Zurich Cantonal Bank.

### A Changing Landscape for Wealth Managers

As investor appetite shifts toward greater digital asset exposure, financial institutions are beginning to take notice. According to Anand, there is “a healthy pipeline” of private banks and financial firms looking to either customize their core systems with Avaloq’s crypto custody technology or adopt its pre-configured platforms.

However, many opportunities across the wealth sector remain untapped. “Firms are looking to create a one-stop shop integrated with their existing e-banking systems,” said Anand, emphasizing the growing demand from investors.

### Crypto Millionaires on the Rise Globally

Global interest in digital assets is booming. The number of crypto millionaires worldwide surged to 241,700 in 2025—a 40% increase from the previous year—according to the Crypto Wealth Report 2025 by Henley & Partners. The report ranks Singapore, Hong Kong, the U.S., Switzerland, and the UAE as the top five destinations for digital asset investors.

### Digital Assets: A Serious Contender

Following the spectacular bull run of 2021 and subsequent market corrections, the digital asset sector has matured significantly. It has evolved into a serious investment class, increasingly dominated by institutional money.

“There have been some quite spectacular crashes involving certain crypto exchanges, and that has created a lot of trust issues,” Anand added. “Our research shows that there is an opportunity for banks and wealth managers to step in and provide that trust in the form of fully integrated, secure, and compliant custody.”

As the landscape evolves, traditional wealth managers who adapt to incorporate digital assets may find themselves well-positioned to serve an emerging generation of crypto-savvy clients.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/crypto/uaes-ultra-rich-are-driving-a-fierce-crypto-revolution-in-private-banking/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=uaes-ultra-rich-are-driving-a-fierce-crypto-revolution-in-private-banking

Private Medicare, Medicaid plans exaggerate mental health options: Watchdogs

**Federal Watchdog Report Reveals “Ghost Networks” in Private Medicare and Medicaid Mental Health Plans**

A recent report from a federal watchdog has uncovered that companies running private Medicare and Medicaid insurance plans often inaccurately list mental health professionals as available to treat plan members. Investigators allege that some insurers have effectively set up “ghost networks” comprising psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health providers who supposedly agreed to treat patients covered by publicly financed Medicare and Medicaid plans.

In reality, many of these professionals do not have contracts with the plans, do not work at the listed locations, or have retired, the investigators found.

### Findings from the Office of Inspector General

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees Medicare and Medicaid programs, released the findings. Their report focuses on insurers paid by the government to cover people in Medicare Advantage plans and privately managed Medicaid plans—types of insurance that cover about 30% of all Americans.

The government pays these insurers hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Insurers receive fixed rates per enrollee and keep any unused funds. They are required to have an adequate number of healthcare professionals under contract in each region they cover.

However, the new report discovered that:

– **55% of mental health professionals listed as in-network by Medicare Advantage plans were not actually providing care to any plan members.**
– **28% of those listed in Medicaid managed care plans were similarly not providing care.**

### Providers and Locations Often Incorrectly Listed

Several mental health professionals told investigators they should not have been listed as in-network providers. Reasons included no longer working at the listed locations, not participating in the Medicare Advantage or Medicaid managed care plans, or having transitioned to administrative roles and not providing patient care.

In one striking case, a private Medicaid plan listed a mental health professional as offering care in 19 practice locations. However, when investigators contacted one clinic, a receptionist revealed the provider had retired several years prior.

### Real-World Impact on Patients

Jeanine Simpkins of Mesa, Arizona, experienced the consequences of these skimpy networks firsthand. This fall, she struggled to find a drug rehabilitation program that would accept the Medicare Advantage insurance held by a 40-year-old family member with a disability who was in crisis.

Simpkins contacted about 20 rehab programs, none of which would accept the insurance plan. “You feel kind of dropped,” she said. “I was pretty surprised because I thought we had something good in place for her.” Eventually, her relative enrolled in part-time hospital care instead of an inpatient rehabilitation center.

### Challenges of Accessing Mental Health Care

Accessing timely, nearby healthcare can be difficult for all sorts of health issues—from colds to cancer. However, Jodi Nudelman, a regional inspector general who contributed to the report, emphasized that the stakes are particularly high for mental health care seekers.

“Mental health patients can be particularly vulnerable,” Nudelman said. She explained that acknowledging the need for mental health care is often daunting, and any obstacles can discourage people from seeking help.

Nudelman also noted that taxpayers are not getting their money’s worth if insurers fail to provide sufficient care options for Medicare and Medicaid participants.

### Scope of the Investigation

The report examined a sample of 10 counties across five states: Arizona, Iowa, Ohio, Oregon, and Tennessee. The sample included both urban and rural areas. Importantly, the report did not name the insurers whose networks were evaluated.

Susan Reilly, vice president of communications for the Better Medicare Alliance—a trade group representing Medicare Advantage plans—responded to the findings. She stated that managed care companies support federal efforts to improve access to mental health services.

“While this report looks at a small sample of plans, we agree there’s more work to do and are committed to continuing that progress together with policymakers,” Reilly said.

The report’s authors believe their sample accurately represents the national situation, having reviewed 40 Medicare Advantage plans and 20 Medicaid managed care plans.

### Recommendations for Improvement

The investigators recommend that government administrators:

– Use medical billing data more extensively to verify whether listed in-network health professionals are actually providing care to plan members.
– Create a national, searchable directory of mental health providers that clearly indicates which Medicare and Medicaid insurance plans each provider accepts.

Such a directory would help patients find care more efficiently and enable easier verification of the accuracy of provider listings.

Federal Medicare and Medicaid administrators have already begun work toward establishing such a directory. The Better Medicare Alliance also expressed support for this initiative.

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*This report highlights significant challenges in the availability and transparency of mental health provider networks within private Medicare and Medicaid insurance plans, underscoring the critical need for accurate information and accessible care for vulnerable patients.*
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/private-medicare-medicaid-plans-mental-health-options-watchdogs/

From Drug Raids to Visa Violations: Inside Japan’s Night Patrol Operations

TOKYO, Oct 15 — A police officer approaches a parked car in a dark city parking lot. What emerges from inside is shocking. How do professionals detect crimes that hide in the night? This investigation delves into the work of officers on the front line.

### The Automobile Patrol Unit: Nighttime Crime Prevention

The theme of today’s investigation is the work of the specialist patrol unit that conducts street-level checks at night to prevent crime: the Automobile Patrol Unit.

“Please pull over to the left side of the road. Stop your vehicle on the left,” the officer instructed as he stopped a man driving a white car.

From the trunk, something unexpected appeared.

“What’s this? Be honest.”

“This is for smoking cannabis, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“How long ago?”

“About three or four years ago.”

The man had tools used for smoking marijuana. But why were they still in his trunk?

“I didn’t have anywhere else to put them, and I thought I might need them again,” he explained.

### Illegal Immigration: A Growing Concern

Alongside drug-related offenses, illegal immigration presents another serious problem.

Suddenly, a man bolts from the scene — a foreigner.

“This isn’t his neighborhood.”

“He’s an overstayer,” an officer noted.

The problem is deep-rooted.

“Do you have other friends?”

“Yes, lots of them.”

“Also overstayers?”

“Many. A lot.”

With this in mind, the patrol investigated what kinds of crimes hide in the city at night, and how police spot them.

### Enforcing Vehicle Maintenance and Safety

At around 11 p.m. in Saitama, a black car left a convenience store.

“Look, one of the license plate lights is out,” an officer observed.

Noticing the broken light illuminating the license plate, the officer signaled the driver to pull over.

“Please stop completely.”

Because the car was in violation of maintenance standards, the officer stopped it and spoke with the driver.

“You don’t often see this, but please fix it as soon as possible,” the officer advised.

The driver, a man in his 20s, appeared unaware that the light was out.

“I also don’t have my driver’s license with me,” he admitted.

The man had committed two violations: driving with faulty equipment and not carrying his license.

### Suspicious Items and Minor Offenses

Sensing something suspicious, the officer checked inside the car.

“What’s this? Pepper spray?”

Yes, a canister of pepper spray was found in a pocket beside the driver’s seat.

“Why do you have this?”

“For when someone tries to tailgate me.”

“I see. It’s for self-defense?”

“Yes.”

Even if not used, carrying such an item in public without a legitimate reason can violate the Minor Offenses Act.

“Please come with us to the station.”

“You’re not under arrest, but we need to investigate.”

Police escorted the man for questioning on suspicion of violating the Minor Offenses Act.

### Visa Overstayers: A Persistent Issue

Just before 1 a.m. in Kawaguchi, officers on patrol spotted a man who, upon noticing the police car, suddenly ran away.

“What happened? Why did you run?” officers asked.

The man’s erratic behavior raised suspicion. Officers followed him into a nearby building.

“Why did you run? What’s going on?” they questioned.

The man, in his 20s and Vietnamese, was brought outside and questioned.

“Do you have a residence card?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Do you have a visa?”

“No.”

After further questioning, the man admitted he had overstayed his visa.

“Are you overstaying?”

“Yes.”

Although he initially claimed there was “nothing” wrong, his passport revealed his visa had expired two years earlier, in 2023. He had been working illegally at demolition sites since then.

While officers were questioning him, his phone rang repeatedly.

“Who’s calling you?”

“Friends.”

“Friends who are also overstayers?”

“Yes. Many.”

The man was arrested on the spot for violating immigration laws.

### Another Overstayer Apprehended

In another case at 9 p.m. in Kawaguchi, police attempted to question a Vietnamese man in a parking lot.

The man ran, dropping his jacket as an officer grabbed it.

He was eventually surrounded by police and collapsed on the road.

His shoes and jacket were left behind during the chase.

“Are you overstaying?”

“Yes.”

Japan currently has around 75,000 people living illegally, some of whom are involved in criminal activities.

Police are strengthening their crackdown on such offenses.

### Drug-Related Offenses on the Rise

Drug crimes are another major focus of these patrols.

While on duty, officers noticed a man trying to avoid eye contact.

As they approached his vehicle, they asked, “Do you have anything dangerous in the car?”

The man complied at first but then became agitated.

“I’m in trouble.”

“Why are you in trouble?”

He tried to hide something inside the car.

“Police! Don’t resist!”

Officers restrained him. After about 30 minutes, drug enforcement officers arrived.

“We suspect you’re involved with drugs.”

“Are you using?”

“No.”

“Are you carrying?”

“No.”

The man refused to provide a urine sample.

However, over an hour later, his statements became vague.

“Did you use today?”

“I don’t know. Maybe three days ago.”

He eventually hinted that he had used drugs.

The man, a single father, admitted he had turned to drugs due to stress from work.

A search of his bag revealed MDMA and methamphetamine.

He was arrested on suspicion of violating the Stimulants Control Act.

A woman with him also tested positive for drugs and was arrested.

### Marijuana Possession and Usage

Another patrol in Saitama stopped a black car leaving a parking lot after its driver appeared startled by police presence.

“Do you have anything dangerous with you?”

“No.”

But when asked to allow a search, the man became defensive.

“Please tell us what’s inside.”

“There’s nothing.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

The officer persisted, saying, “We can smell something.”

The man eventually admitted he had marijuana in his possession and had used it that day.

“How long have you been using?”

“For over a year.”

The man, a construction worker in his 30s, had two children in elementary school.

The officer urged him to stop, warning, “If you keep this up, it could lead to stronger drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine, and then it’s too late.”

A further search of the car found marijuana residue under the seat.

The man tested positive and was arrested.

### Conclusion

Through these cases, the work of the Automobile Patrol Unit demonstrates that crimes can be found in the most ordinary places.

Police officers remain vigilant, noticing even the smallest irregularities to protect the safety of the community.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147288.php

Lorde to join ‘no music for genocide’ anti-Israel boycott

**Lorde to Join ‘No Music for Genocide’ Anti-Israel Boycott**

Singer Lorde, along with over 1,000 music industry professionals, has joined the “No Music for Genocide” campaign by geo-blocking their music to make it inaccessible to Israeli listeners. This collective action aims to protest against Israeli policies through a cultural boycott.

Lorde, known for her impactful music and advocacy, is among the high-profile artists participating in this movement. The campaign reflects growing calls within the arts community to take a stand against perceived injustices.

The New Zealand singer was last seen attending Variety’s 2021 Power of Women event at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills, California, on September 30, 2021.

*Photo credit: REUTERS*

*By JERUSALEM POST STAFF*
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-869373