I like a Good Cheap Laugh

By Jim Calder

This time of year is typically known as the most depressing time for many. It is cold outside, exercise is usually lower than the warmer months, it gets dark earlier, and some are still coming down from the holidays. I recently was exploring the vast library of YouTube and rediscovered what the people of Japan have known for years.
Laughter is the best medicine and one that we all need. There is nothing like a good laugh, and Japanese game shows offer tons of easy and quick laughs. I have put together some clips here for easy access for our readers.
The Japanese have also figured out that it is OK and healthy to laugh at ones self, to not take yourself so seriously.

I would like to dedicate this post to two special individuals.
The first is my father-in-law Tom, who has a great hearty laugh that can be infectious at times making you smile and join in the laughter.
The second is my brother Peter, who will be traveling to Japan this spring and hopefully will be competing in one of these insanely awesome game shows.
Enjoy

This one is truly and literally NUTS.

Japan Insane Probe Spinner
I like this one because the water is either insanely hot or burns the skin and the contestants have to jump in a bucket of ice after to cool down.

Treadmill Madness with Hurdles
This one is pretty funny because most of the contestants just all go through or destroy the hurdles.

Crazy Treadmill Japanese Game
Anytime that you involve eating, a treadmill and a pit of water at the end, it will equal comedic gold!

Pantyhose Tug of War
This is one of my favorites because of the simplicity of the game and of course the smashed faces that it creates.

This one involves some serious skill and again the burning water and ice bucket. Classic.

Quiet Library
This one is pretty awesome. I am still not sure why. Probably because they are trying so hard not to make noise. The old man at the end is great.

This one is cool because of the crazy costumes the contestants have to wear.

Others
Rope Swing










This one is just straight up weird.