Japanese pranks are great for their over-the-top elaborateness, attention to detail, and cruelty. Today, we have eight of our favorite practical (and not-so-practical) jokes, straight from the Land of the Rising Sun. Tanoshimasu!


In this clip, the pranksters set up traps to drop clueless participants into steaming hot water and time how long they can last. Most of them are probably too surprised to notice the heat, but don't worry — there's always a bucket of ice to crawl on nearby. Just in case.


Another key to a good prank is getting people to play along. You know how when you come up with a great practical joke, but you need your friends to help you execute it, and none of them will because the don't have any balls?

The Japanese have balls. (Well, they also have an extremely collectivist culture that values conformity and so-called "groupthink," but whatever.


This poor guy gets into an office elevator with a pretty girl who immediately starts stripping off her clothes. No wonder he followed suit (or tossed aside his suit, rather) for some sexxy time!

Sadly, that's not what she had in mind. But how was he supposed to know the building had a floor with an indoor pool?


After a long day on the slopes, these skiers take some time to hit the massage chair.

Too bad these rigged chairs hit back.


Did you know Japan has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the world? Nonetheless, its citizens know exactly how to react when confronted with armed gun or swordsmen.

Even if their weapons are imaginary.


These nurse trainees had a chance to get an MRI scan. They also got a little something... extra.


Who needs an alarm clock when you have a crew of stealthy, creative, and cruel prank show producers to get you going in the morning?


This poor man went in for a job interview and ended up reliving a scene from a Jason Bourne film.

Sure, he's probably traumatized for life, but at least it's a good story for cocktail parties.