The X post from @historyinmemes

 shares a viral video clip (over 2.2 million views as of early January 2026) titled: "A Japanese TV show played a prank on a former Yakuza gang member."Video DescriptionThe footage shows a hidden camera prank on an ex-Yakuza member. A person dressed in a ghostly costume (pale makeup, eerie appearance) suddenly appears to scare him. His reaction is intense: he panics, fights back aggressively, punches and kicks the "ghost," and ends up destroying cameras and equipment in the chaos.The ClaimThe post and many reposts imply that the TV production team had to pay around $60,000 (some sources say over $70,000) in compensation for the damaged gear and possibly to settle with the participant.This story has spread widely across social media (YouTube shorts, Threads, Reddit), blending humor with the stereotype of Yakuza toughness—even former members don't mess around when startled.Fact CheckWhile the prank reaction video appears genuine and hilarious (or terrifying, depending on your view), the $60,000 compensation detail seems to be an urban legend or exaggerated meme. Searches across English and Japanese sources turn up no verified news reports, lawsuits, or original TV episode confirming this specific incident or payout. Japanese prank shows (like Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai) have done ghost scares and Yakuza-themed gags before, but nothing matches this exact story with financial consequences.It's classic internet lore: a funny clip gets paired with a dramatic "and then they had to pay big money" twist for extra virality.The post has garnered thousands of likes, reposts, and comments—many joking about "never prank a Yakuza" or sharing similar wild Japanese TV moments.If you'd like me to describe specific frames from the video or check related posts, let me know!