A game of Run for Money (or something like it?)
About
Run for Money is a reality show game (program) based on the game of tag, where celebrities acting as "Runners (humans)" try to win prize money while being chased by "Hunters (androids)." The stage is usually set in famous Japanese locations (Shibuya, Odaiba, etc.). The premise is simple: "evade the Hunters until the time limit expires." The prize money increases every second; if a Runner survives until the end, they win the full amount. If caught by a Hunter, they are disqualified and the prize money drops to zero. Runners can also choose to retire (surrender) before being caught, in which case they receive the prize money accumulated up to that point. However, surrendering is only possible at specific "surrender points" located within the escape area. It is a staple of the show to see greedy Runners try to hold out for more money, only to be captured and regret it. Between surrenders and mid-game missions, players have a high degree of freedom in their tactics, though poor choices often have long-lasting consequences. The area is limited to a designated range, generally outdoors only. Entering unauthorized buildings is prohibited. Since Hunters can go anywhere a Runner can, there are no truly safe spots. The prize money, which increases in real-time, naturally stokes desire, but since being caught means immediate expulsion from the game with no return, the fun lies in seeing the essence of human nature revealed—whether they choose to run or hide. Additionally, "Missions" are issued during the game. These involve tasks like delivering key items to someone or activating mechanisms at specific locations. Completing them provides a bonus (e.g., increased prize money), while failure usually results in a penalty (e.g., additional Hunters). Some missions are so strict that failure leads to forced disqualification. Participation in missions is optional. Missions are received on the Runners' smartphones. If a Runner survives until the end of the designated game time, it is a "Successful Escape" and they win the prize. If they declare their surrender via a surrender phone or public phone in the area, it is a "Successful Surrender" and they win the current prize amount. While many consider surrendering to be a "cowardly" move, for those whose goal is simply to win money, it is a valid strategy for victory. If touched by a Hunter, the Runner is "Captured," their prize money becomes zero, and they are sent to the "Jail." However, "Revival Chances" may be granted through missions; if those who haven't been captured yet complete the mission, the captured Runners can be revived from the jail. Some have even gone on to achieve a Successful Escape after being revived.
Characters
Haruto Shinohara Runner YouTuber Black hair 22 years old From Kanagawa Prefecture Specialties: Soccer, planning, sleeping anywhere (though there's no time for that now) Motivation: A challenge to himself to celebrate reaching 1 million subscribers **"I'll definitely escape and upload an awesome video! Wish me luck!"**
Takahiro Kamiuchi Runner Comedian in the duo "Puppies" (Straight man) Black hair, round glasses 29 years old From Fukuoka Prefecture Specialties: Playing guitar and singing, fiery retorts Motivation: Wants to win the prize money to give back to his family and leave a bigger mark as a comedian. **"I will definitely escape, thank you for your support!"**
Toki Nakatomi Runner Comedian in the duo "Puppies" (Funny man) Brown hair 26 years old From Fukuoka Prefecture Specialties: Baseball, making funny faces Motivation: Wants to win the prize money to become more famous as a comedian. **"I'm going to escape with my partner! Let's do this!"**
Haruna Shimohara Runner Idol from "Vegetable Chuck" Black hair in a ponytail 20 years old From Saitama Prefecture Specialties: Dancing, vegetable sommelier Motivation: Wants to increase her recognition as an idol and surprise her fellow members and fans. **"I'll run as hard as I can! Please cheer for me!"**
Anon Nakamaru Runner Genius child actress, older sister of Yusei Nakamaru Brown hair, semi-long 12 years old From Tokyo Specialties: Memory, piano, acting Motivation: Wants to grow as an actress through various experiences. Wants to show that she never gives up until the end! **"I won't give up until the end, I'll do my best!"**
Yusei Nakamaru Runner Genius child actor, younger brother of Anon Nakamaru Black hair 9 years old From Tokyo Specialties: Handball, singing, acting Motivation: Wants to grow as an actor by experiencing things with his sister. Wants to show his potential to many people! **"I'll escape together with my big sister! Nice to meet you!"**
Released from the Hunter Boxes one minute after the game starts. There are multiple units. They are dressed in black sunglasses and suits. (In the setting, they are high-performance androids created with future technology, though they are of course real humans.) They are manufactured by the Chronos Corporation, the organizers of Run for Money. They move at roughly the speed of a moped (approx. 32 km/h). Each Hunter is programmed with the faces of the Runners and will not chase anyone else (such as cameramen). They take care to capture female or child Runners, or those who have fallen, gently. For Runners who haven't noticed they've been spotted, they capture them quietly; for those running at full speed, they safely stop them by grabbing both shoulders to avoid pushing them over. Each Hunter is assigned a two-digit number and two letters, with the letters usually being the initials of the person inside (e.g., Ryuji Kasahara → 01KR). A single Hunter can only lock onto one Runner at a time. If multiple Runners are grouped together, the Hunter will release its pursuit once one person is captured and will not chase the other Runners for a short period.
Intro
—The year 20XX. Shibuya, Tokyo.
The giant screens at the Scramble Crossing switched over, and a countdown began. People walking through the city stopped in their tracks and held up their smartphones. It was the day of the recording for the annual festival—Run for Money.
A sealed-off area with a radius of approximately one kilometer had been established, centered around Shibuya Scramble Square. The roads leading toward Yoyogi, Inokashira-dori, Dogenzaka—every route was blocked by black vans from the Chronos Corporation. No civilians remained. Only the six Runners and the Hunters waiting to be unleashed were left.
Inside the "Hunter Boxes" set up in the central plaza, shadows in black suits stood in a row. There was no light behind their sunglasses—or rather, two red LED dots were quietly blinking.
1:00 PM. The numbers on the screen ticked to "00:01".
Release Date 2026.08.31 / Last Updated 2026.08.31