Gaki no Tsukai No Laughing Batsu Game (2003)
Japan's legendary endurance comedy where five comedians must survive 24 hours without laughing — or face painful consequences.
Gaki no Tsukai No Laughing Batsu Game - Series Information
- Original Title: 絶対に笑ってはいけない
- First Air Year: 2003
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Created by: Kenji Suga
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Reality
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (240 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 18
- Number of Episodes: 18
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: July 27, 2003 (United States - TV-14)
- Networks: Nippon TV
- Production Companies: Yoshimoto Kogyo, Nippon Television Network Corporation
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: 絶対に笑ってはいけない (JP), ممنوع الضحك (SA), Gaki no Tsukai No Laughing Batsu Game (SE), ห้ามหัวเราะ 24 ชั่วโมง (TH)
Gaki no Tsukai No Laughing Batsu Game - Plot
After participating to a previous show where they have to bet or be challenged to any kind of competitions, the losing members of the Gaki no Tsukai are selected to spend 24 hours in a setting which they have no knowledge of the theme nor the course of the events. They are exposed to various absurd and crazy situations nonstop for 24 hours and must refrain from laughing. If they do so, hang-men appear and hit the rule breakers with a weapon (the weapon varies every year).
Gaki no Tsukai No Laughing Batsu Game - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Kenji Suga
Main Cast
- Hitoshi Matsumoto
- Masatoshi Hamada
- Hōsei Tsukitei
- Shôzô Endô
- Naoki Tanaka
- Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Itsuji Itao
- Chiyoko Asami
- Jimmy Onishi
- Masahiro Chôno
Executive Producers
- Bunta Azumai
Gaki no Tsukai No Laughing Batsu Game - FAQs
What is the No Laughing Batsu Game punishment?
Whenever a cast member laughs during the 24-hour challenge, masked hangmen immediately appear and strike the rule-breaker with a weapon. The type of weapon changes each season, keeping the punishment fresh and unpredictable. The threat of pain is central to the show's tension and comedy.
How many seasons does Gaki no Tsukai No Laughing Batsu Game have?
The series spans 18 seasons, each set in a different themed location such as a police station, hospital, spy agency, prison, high school, and even Las Vegas. Each season consists of a single feature-length special episode running approximately 240 minutes.
Is Gaki no Tsukai No Laughing Batsu Game based on a true story?
No, it is not based on a true story. It is a scripted comedy endurance challenge produced by Nippon TV and Yoshimoto Kogyo. However, the cast members' reactions and pain are entirely genuine, which contributes to the show's authentic and hilarious appeal.
Who are the main cast members of this series?
The core cast features the regular members of the Gaki no Tsukai comedy group: Hitoshi Matsumoto, Masatoshi Hamada, Hōsei Tsukitei, Shôzô Endô, and Naoki Tanaka. Each season also features celebrity guests including Hiroshi Fujiwara, Itsuji Itao, Jimmy Onishi, and Masahiro Chôno.
When did Gaki no Tsukai No Laughing Batsu Game first air?
The series first aired on July 27, 2003, on Nippon TV in Japan. It became a beloved New Year's Eve tradition in Japan, with annual specials typically broadcast on December 31 each year, drawing massive domestic audiences.
What is Gaki no Tsukai No Laughing Batsu Game about?
The show follows the losing members of the Gaki no Tsukai comedy group, who must survive 24 hours in a secret themed environment without laughing. They face relentless absurd situations and outrageous guests. Anyone caught laughing is immediately struck by a hangman as punishment.
What is the content rating for this series?
Gaki no Tsukai No Laughing Batsu Game carries a TV-14 content rating in the United States. The rating reflects the show's physical comedy, adult humor, and occasional crude gags, making it suitable for viewers aged 14 and older.
Is Gaki no Tsukai No Laughing Batsu Game still ongoing?
The series is listed as a returning series and remains in production. It ran annual specials from 2003 through 2020, with 18 seasons completed. While recent installments have been less frequent, the show has not been officially cancelled and retains a passionate global fanbase.
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