10 Japanese Prank Show Videos That’ll Bring You To Tears

We’ve gathered the funniest Japanese prank show videos for you to laugh at. You’ll never guess what they get away with in Japan!

If you’re in the mood for a good laugh and some light-hearted mischief, it’s time to discover the world of Japanese prank shows. Japan has been known for producing some of the most creative pranks presented in comedy shows – turning everyday situations into moments of fun and mayhem!

Buckle up and prepare to be entertained as we delve into the crazy side of Japanese prank show shenanigans that have their pranks guaranteed to leave you in stitches!

The Humor of ‘Owarai’

‘Owarai’ is what is known as Japanese comedy in Japan, translating to ‘have a laugh’ (warai) in Japanese. Japanese humor has made its way to the UK and USA through their iconic comedy shows – anybody remembers Takashi’s Castle?

One core aspect of Japanese comedy is the craziness of Japanese pranks, which still continue to be a major hit online, featuring thousands of views on YouTube. These funny videos showcase a range of humorous tricks involving clever setups and creative execution, reflecting the funny and silly side of Japanese culture. 

From harmless gags to theatrical productions, we’ve found some of the greatest Japanese prank show clips that we have enjoyed over the years. Warning: do not eat while watching these funny videos – you might laugh too hard you’ll choke!

SUDDENLY CHASED BY A CROWD – FLASH MOB PRANK

A hilarious series of attempts to scare random strangers on particular streets in Japan. This Japanese prank has victims walking down an empty street, minding their own business, when suddenly from around the corner, a mob of 100+ people begin chasing them!

Each person has their own reaction, but most often bolt in the opposite direction as if their life was dependent on escaping!

THE FAMOUS JAPANESE DOOR PRANK

This clip features a young businessman requested to bring a pile of documents for the boss holding a meeting with other colleagues in a conference room. The young businessman knocks on the door to the meeting room with the documents in his hand, only to find out that the door opens in different, crazy ways! 

Every scene shows a new and absurd way to open the door, with an ending that will leave you laughing! It’s a prank that adds humor to the culture of Japanese office workers.

ICONIC DINOSAUR ATTACK PRANK

The dinosaur attack prank is a simple yet effective prank – surprise the target by chasing them with a lifelike dinosaur suit! The funniest bit of this prank is how far these office workers run away from the dinosaur without realizing that they’re fake. 

Catch a laugh at how each target reacts to the dinosaur. Some fall, some cry, some even have their wigs taken off! At the end, each target laughs along with how silly the prank is.

LIFT FLOOR BREAKS OPEN – JAPANESE ELEVATOR PRANK

You may have seen the video where the lift floor falls away but turns out to be multiple screens on the floor. Well, this Japanese prank ACTUALLY breaks the floor open. Now that’s effort!

The victim walks into the lift and suddenly the floor splits in two as they fall down into a bright white shoot and slide into a pool of gooey slime! Yes, this is officially “Next Level” pranking.

The funniest part of this prank is the slow-motion camera which captures the shocked expressions of the victims as they plunge into their impending doom! Don’t worry, all prank victims were safe afterwards.

DERO GAME SHOW – DISAPPEARING BEAM WITH NO FLOOR PRANK

A Japanese challenge show called DERO or aka Escape Game challenges its competitors to stand on a thin support beam after the floor below has been retracted! All that can be seen below is an ‘infinite’ drop into black nothingness. Think Indiana Jones!

Competitors must use their strength with a plunger’s suction against the wall and their intellect by answering questions that will stop the beam from disappearing to escape the room before they fall!

A high-pressure situation! It’s very dramatic to watch the competitors fall into nothingness!

A GHOST IN A TAXI PRANK

So cruel… but yet so funny! This Japanese prank features various Japanese celebrities taking a taxi from their work locations to the next. It’s just them and the taxi driver and seemingly no one else.

However, from a hidden trap door in the front seat appears a terrifying ‘ghost woman’. When the victim sees the ghost they’re very frightened! The ghost often slowly turns around to talk to the victim, “You can see me?”, “What is your name?” “Answer me!”

The taxi driver plays along, pretending that the ghost doesn’t exist. Although what’s exceptionally hilarious about this clip is the driver and the ghost trying to hold in their laughter because of how scared the victim is. Nothing beats a good Japanese scare prank!

DOWNTOWN NO GAKI NO TSUKAI YA ARAHENDE! – NO LAUGHING PRANK

A Japanese game show called “Downtown no gaki no tsukai ya arahende” which in Japanese (And a Kansai accent too) means, “Can’t use the kids from Down Town”. This show has been running since the 1980s, a very popular variety comedy show hosted by an Owarai duo Hosei Tsukitei and Cocorico.

This particular section is what the Japanese call a “Batsu Game” or a game with a punishment! The hosts and guests are in a high school classroom situation, and the aim is not to laugh! If they do laugh, they’ll have to be whacked on their ‘rear posterior’ with a bat!

As the “class” proceeds, hilarious scenarios are played out, often which are impossible not to laugh at! In this clip, a man tries to wash himself with buckets full of what seems to be wax. It’s silly and nonsensical – which drives the audience to fits of laughter! 

JAPANESE WATER FOUNTAIN PRANK

What better way to prank someone if not with the element of surprise? In this video, innocent Japanese citizens are strolling around until they need to take a drink from a water fountain. It looks like your typical water fountain, except well of course, it shoots water hard enough to soak your entire face!

The citizens who are victims to the prank are left stunned as the water fountain takes them by surprise! This prank is an easy pick-me-up for sure!

SCARY SADAKO SHOWER PRANK 

If there’s one thing Japan is good at – it’s creating scary characters. One of their most iconic characters, Sadako, is a staple when it comes to a good Japanese scare prank. Watch this hilarious prank unfold as Sadako gives these men a fright while surprising them in the shower. 

You wouldn’t want to imagine yourself opening your eyes in the shower to find a ghostly girl above your head, but it’s definitely funny to see these men fall onto their knees and even run out of the shower naked!

LAUNCHING A SLEEPING MAN 150 FEET INTO THE AIR – FLYING MAN PRANK

If you want to see a Japanese prank that uses up an entire production crew, this prank goes beyond your typical harmless gag. This man unknowingly sleeps in a home that launches him into the air using a catapult attached to his bed!

This is definitely one of the craziest Japanese pranks yet that confirms how serious the Japanese are when it comes to pranks. This prank will definitely be an unforgettable one!

Enjoy Top-Tier Japanese Comedy!

In the world of humor and hijinks, Japanese pranks stand out the most for their originality and sheer entertainment value. Whether it’s a harmless gag or a masterfully orchestrated setup, these pranks offer a delightful glimpse into the world of Japanese prank shows.

So go ahead, share these Japanese prank show videos with friends, and let the laughter— and perhaps a few tears—begin!