Format

Japanese broadcaster Yomiuri TV (YTV) has introduced Cash Stash, a new unscripted competition format at MIPCOM 2026. The format revolves around a simple but compelling premise: one million yen in cash is hidden within the game environment, and whoever holds the money at the end of the competition takes home the entire prize. Throughout the game, contestants must locate the cash, find ways to hide and protect it, or steal it from their rivals. As the prize continuously changes hands, players are forced to rethink their strategies, build temporary alliances and navigate betrayals, with no one guaranteed victory until the final moment.

Adding another layer of suspense is the Game Master, who regularly introduces unexpected twists designed to increase pressure on the contestants. By reducing playable areas, removing potential hiding places and forcing players into difficult situations, the Game Master ensures that the competition remains unpredictable.

“While audiences around the world continue to embrace strategy-based competition formats, Cash Stash introduces a treasure-hunt element that transforms the genre into something entirely new,” said Takeshi Murakoshi, International Sales Manager.

“Contestants must not only outsmart one another, but also physically hunt for, hide and protect a real cash prize. Meanwhile, the Game Master continuously accelerates the game with disruptive twists that eliminate options, increase pressure and force the money to change hands again and again. The result is a format where viewers can never look away because the winner is never truly safe until the very end.”

The format has already delivered promising results in Japan, with its first two broadcasts on YTV both ranking number one in their respective time slots.
Yomiuri TV handling format licensing worldwide.