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Why Do Japanese People Struggle to Forgive Celebrity Affairs? A Cognitive Science Perspective on Scandals and Social Comparison

In today’s hyper-connected world, celebrity scandals often ignite fierce debates online, especially on social media platforms like Twitter (now X) and Instagram. But have you ever wondered why certain cultures react more intensely to these personal missteps? In Japan, news of a celebrity’s affair can lead to massive backlash, with …

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What Does “Omoshiroi” (面白い) Mean in Japanese?

Have you ever encountered a word that seems to weave together a tapestry of meanings, each one shifting slightly depending on how it’s used? In Japanese, “Omoshiroi” (面白い) is one such word—a versatile adjective that can mean “interesting,” “funny,” “amusing,” or “enjoyable.” For English speakers who are just dipping their …

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Shocking Phone Scam in Japan: 66-Year-Old Loses ¥48.4 Million – How to Protect Yourself from Fraud

In a heartbreaking case that underscores the escalating threat of phone scams worldwide, a 66-year-old unemployed man from Kawaguchi City in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, fell victim to a sophisticated fraud scheme, losing a staggering ¥48.4 million (approximately $335,000 USD) over just two weeks. Announced by the Saitama Prefectural Police’s Bunan …

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