12 AMERICAN PLAYERS ANNOUNCED FOR "I SURVIVED A JAPANESE GAME SHOW," PREMIERING WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 ON ABC

Season 1 Series Big Winner as "Best of 2009" at Rose d'Or Festival

"I Survived a Japanese Game Show" has completed shooting in Japan for Season 2, premiering WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET/PT) on ABC. The unscripted reality/game show takes an eye-opening, behind-the-scenes look at 12 Americans (listed below) who were whisked away to Japan to compete in the ultimate Japanese game show� with hilarious results. The final winner will take home $250,000.

Season 1 of the game show was the big winner at the recent 49th Rose d'Or Festival, one of Europe's most prestigious TV honors, taking the prize as "Best of 2009" (best show on television -- scripted and unscripted), as well as the Rose Trophy for best reality show. The series also received a DGA nomination for Best Reality Competition Show.

Returning will be the witty game show host Rome Kanda ("Pink Panther," "Saturday Night Live"), who leads the contestants through all of the zany challenges; Mama-San, a house mother and resident pot stirrer; and Judge Bob, the rarely dynamic but always entertaining referee of the games.

The 12 players are:

YARI AGRAMONTE (22) -- Accounting Clerk -- Bronx, NY

Loud, outgoing and opinionated, this spunky Latina is the center of attention wherever she goes. This energizer meets Rosie Perez can't hold back on her emotions and will give it to you straight whether you want it or not, both in English and in Spanish! She's a little spark plug who brings her can-do attitude to everything she does, especially the games. This girl from the Bronx knows what she wants, will stop at nothing to get it, and she'll have the time of her life on the way to reaching her goals.

BRENT ALEXANDER (28) � Salsa Instructor � Miami, FL

Energetic, smart and fun, Brent is the guy all the other guys want to hang out with and all the girls want to date. Possessed of a certain charm, he can't help but be the life of the party, and others can't help but befriend him. Brent is as genuine and real as they come: He'd give the shirt off his back to help a stranger, but would also be straightforward and honest if he didn't agree with someone or something. A good personality and good looks aren't the only things going for him; he's also extremely smart, athletic and an incredible dancer. For someone who has it all, he's surprisingly humble. Accomplishing any task he puts his mind to, Brent says he is "confident but not cocky."

DAN BARBOUR (27) � Librarian � Shrewsbury, MA

Willful yet likable, Dan is a librarian who "has an opinion about everything." Whether the topic is politics, movies or the color of the sky, Dan's the type of guy who "always believes he's right, and everyone else is wrong." But don't let his choir boy looks and tendency to blush fool you. This avid poker player is no pushover, and he's not afraid to manipulate a situation to his advantage. This self professed virgin was home schooled and is the product of a conservative, religious upbringing. He never curses, and his favorite phrase is "Oh my goodness." He'll be the ultimate fish out of water not only in Japan, but also living with the other Americans.

MEGAN BENTLEY (28) -- Dental Supply Salesperson � Chicago, IL

Megan puts the ME in Megan. The world revolves around her and, if it doesn't, she'll do something about that! Growing up on a farm in rural Ohio, this only child is also a walking television show, and everything that comes out of her mouth is wildly funny or sarcastic. Beneath the sarcasm and bravado, however, you'll find that Megan is incredibly sensitive, likable and prone to drama and tears.

JUSTIN BROWN (22) -- College Student � Carbondale, PA

Justin Brown is a real life "Van Wilder." He is funny, has tons of ambition, but lacks the focus and dedication to truly get what he wants. As a fifth year senior, he has gained the confidence and subtle arrogance that come with being a big fish in a small pond. He often uses humor, charm and wit to get what he wants, including talking his way back into school after being academically discharged and being elected president of his fraternity.

CATHY GROSAM (35) � Housewife � Bartlett, IL

Cathy is the cute and funny housewife who's also ultra competitive. She's is one of those moms that everyone wishes they'd had growing up: She's super involved, loud, crazy and a whole lot of fun. She's also always the loudest mom cheering from the sidelines. Not a �desperate housewife,' Cathy loves being a full time, stay at home mom, calling herself a "child engineer." Some may call her controlling, but she'd say she just loves to be involved in everything her kids do. She is the VP of the PTA and the coach for her son's soccer team. The moms around her neighborhood call her "The Queen of School."

DEBBIE KAUFMAN (22) -- Stable Hand � Easton, CT

Debbie is an incredibly book smart, eccentric and funny young woman. She was raised an only child by supportive parents who shielded her from the realities of sharing, poverty and heartache. Debbie hasn't had to deal with a world that says "no" or tells her that she isn't good enough. She believes that she can do anything, get anything she desires, and she isn't afraid to tell you what's on her mind.

BOB "BOBALOO" KOENIG (35) � House Cleaner � Los Angeles, CA

Bob "Bobaloo" Koenig is a loud, large, loveable guy with true Midwest values. Growing up in Milwaukee, Bobaloo was always the funny athletic kid who loved sports and traditional Midwestern food. With a healthy diet of beer and cheese, he was the chubby kid everyone loved to be around. Not much has changed for Bobaloo since his childhood days -- he's still the funny, high-energy guy from the Midwest everyone wants on their team.

JAMIE LEWIS (25) � Leasing Agent � Fairless Hills, PA

A "tell it like it is" kind of girl with a big mouth and no filter, Jamie is a spitfire from Philly who is sure to heat up this competition. "Being real" is what Jamie is all about, and whether or not people can handle the truth "isn't her problem." With her spunky charm, bubbly personality and electric smile, it's easy to see why Jamie describes herself as "a ray of sunshine." And with her feisty, in-your-face attitude, it's also easy to see why she adds that she's "a ray of sunshine that isn't afraid to burn you." Possessing the "rawness" that she feels embodies her beloved hometown of Philly, Jamie is "honest to a fault, opinionated and tough, but also has the biggest heart in the world." After the Eagles lost their shot at the Super Bowl recently, Jamie says, "Philly is hungry for a new champion, and she intends to be the Rocky of Majide!"

LINDA PLAXEN (32) -- Button Seller � Los Angeles, CA

Athletic, fun and easygoing, Linda is a tomboy who still likes to look good and shop. Extremely active and in great shape, she works hard to keep her physique. Brutally honest and a trash talker, Linda isn't afraid to speak her mind. Born and raised in Southern California, she has the laid back California vibe and the cute girl-next-door look. Down to earth and likable, Linda gets along with boys better than she does with girls. Nothing gets under her skin more than fake blonde bimbos � she HATES them.

DREW SEALY (29) � Attorney � St. Louis, MO

Good looking, smart and admittedly shallow, Drew is as blunt as they come. This successful attorney has a high opinion of himself and has a low tolerance for those who don't meet his standards. Working hard for his money, he's happy being frivolous with it and loves showing it off with toys and in his lifestyle. Drew works hard but plays harder; he frequently flies to South Beach and Vegas to party on the weekends. Into his looks, skin care and clothes, this pretty boy is as straight as they come. He thinks the world revolves around him and will only help others out if it would benefit him in one way or another.

KIMBERLY WHITTAKER (25) -- Elementary School Teacher � Philadelphia, PA

Outgoing, outspoken and hardworking, this beautiful former pageant queen and Junior Olympian is in a league of her own and knows it. Standing six feet tall with a size 24 waist, Kimberly is definitely a looker and attention grabber. A go-getter, she knows what she wants and won't stop until she gets it; you don't want to be the one to stand in her way, or you'll get the wrath of Kimberly. The first to admit that she's a diva, Kimberly will tell you exactly what's on her mind and doesn't care about hurting someone's feelings.

Some of the games/challenges will include:

BIG FOOT BANG BANG

"Wacky" doesn't begin to describe this game which puts a larger than life spin on Foosball. From the crazy costumes of fruit and cactus to the highflying action, "Big Foot Bang Bang" is an instant classic!

ALIEN TOOK MY TEDDY BEAR

Contestants are dressed as green aliens seeking to cross two conveyor belts and three spinning platforms while trying to transport as many stuffed bears as possible in 3 1/2 minutes. If they fall into the powder pit at the end, they have to start again.

GOPHER MAKE YOU CRAZY

In this homage to the arcade classic, "Whack-a-Mole," contestants pop their heads up through a set of holes and try to spit the most ping-pong balls into a container. One problem -- an opponent is waiting for them with an inflatable hammer!

The executive producers are Arthur Smith and Kent Weed for A. Smith & Co. ("Kitchen Nightmares," "Hell's Kitchen"), and David Sidebotham, Karsten Bartholin and Tim Crescenti for Babyfoot APS Denmark.

"I Survived a Japanese Game Show" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound and Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning.