East Asian prank involving poking targets in the rear
Illustration of how kanchō is performed
Kanchō (カンチョー; pronounced[kaɲtɕoː]) is a prank performed by clasping the hands together in the shape of a finger gun and poking the anus of an unsuspecting person, often while exclaiming "Kan-cho!"[1] It is a common prank in East Asian countries such as Japan.[2] In Korea, it is called ttongchim (똥침;똥針, pronounced[t͈oŋ.tɕʰim]),[3][4] and in China, qiānnián shā (千年殺, "thousand-year" or "immortal kill"). The word "kanchō" is a slang adoption of the Japanese word for enema (浣腸, kanchō).[5] In accordance with widespread practice, the word is generally written in katakana when used in its slang sense and in kanji when used for enemas in the medical sense.
In English-speaking countries, the term "goosing" generally refers to a comparatively mild poke, prod, or pinch on or between the buttocks with the tips of the fingers and thumb, in imitation of a harmless bite on the butt from a goose.[6][7] This does not typically involve direct contact with or penetration of the anus. However, the kanchō prank may also be informally known as "goosing" in some contexts.[3]
Unlike traditional goosing, kanchō involves directly targeting the anus, which means that performing it without consent in jurisdictions such as the United States could constitute assault, battery, or sexual assault/battery, depending on factors such as the victim's age, the circumstances, intent, and local laws. This may lead to criminal charges, fines, school discipline, or other consequences.[3][8][9][10]
Other meanings
Kanchō is primarily a word referring to a chief, government officer, superintendent, director, or curator; a spy; low tide; or an enema.
Popular culture
Kanchō is present in the form of the "One Thousand Years of Death" technique in the Shōnen Jump series Naruto, along with its anime adaptation of the same name.
See also
Boong-Ga Boong-Ga – video game which allows the player to engage in simulated kanchō
↑"goose". American Heritage Dictionary. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Retrieved 2026-02-07. To poke, prod, or pinch (a person) between or on the buttocks.
↑"goose". Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved 2026-02-07. to poke between the buttocks with an upward thrust
↑Kumiko Makihara (2009-07-24). "My Un-American Son". The New York Times. Retrieved 2026-02-07. That would likely have the camp counselors in America alleging sexual abuse.
↑George Khoury, Esq. (2019-03-21). "5 Pranks That Could Get You Arrested". FindLaw. Retrieved 2026-02-07. While seeing someone convulse to the disturbingly squishy feeling of getting a saliva-tainted finger shoved in their ear may result in great pleasure to the owner of the now wet and waxy finger, under the law, giving a wet-willy can be considered assault.
↑"Battery and Assault". Nolo. Retrieved 2026-02-07. The slightest touching of another person against their will and without legal justification is a battery. Even if no injury results, the touching itself is considered a battery.
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