Batsu game

A Batsu game (罰ゲーム, batsu gēmu), meaning "penalty game", is a common element in Japanese owarai stage comedy and variety shows. The name comes from batsu (罰, batsu), meaning both "punishment" and "X", as in an incorrect answer.

Generally, a batsu game takes place after some sort of competition or bet. The winner forces the loser to participate in the batsu game, which involves doing something unpleasant or experiencing something unpleasant. The winner takes enjoyment in the fact that he does not have to experience the punishment and that he is forcing the loser to do so. Because the batsu game relies on an acceptance on the part of the loser to experience the punishment as a result of losing, precautions must be taken to ensure that the punishment game is not too cruel or needlessly painful.

The most basic example of a batsu game in a variety show would start with a game of "rock, paper, scissors".

Batsu games are often shown on Japanese TV shows because they are considered funny. However, the humor arises not from the punishment itself, but from the reactions of the (most commonly) comedians who are experiencing the punishment.