Did you know that Japan also celebrates April Fool’s Day? This special day is the famous day of lies or the day of fools. In Japan, this day is called 「4月馬鹿」 (Shigatsu Baka) or in English 「エイプリルフール」 (Eipuriru Fuuru – April Fool). There isn’t much to say about this date, only that it is the day when you find the most false news and information, especially on the internet. In this article, we will show the biggest April lies from Japan.
Research conducted in Japan indicates that less than 20% of the population has participated in a prank of this kind or ended up falling for an April lie. The number may be lower, as surveys are not usually conducted throughout Japan.
The cover image of the article featured an Audi car where it is possible to cook and prepare meals; unfortunately, this is a big lie, but a brilliant idea that could be applied in the future.
Table of Contents
April Fools’ Lies in Japan
Astro Boy: In 2003, the Tokyo Newspaper reported that the Japanese government planned to send robots based on Astro Boy to help rebuild Iraq after the war.
Oil found in Japan: In 2003, the Tokyo Newspaper reported the discovery of 110 billion barrels of oil in Tokyo Bay. Did someone forget it was April Fool’s Day and invest in stocks?
Lottery tickets instead of pension payments: Again, the Tokyo Newspaper said in 2004 that the government was considering including lottery tickets instead of pension payments to make cuts and balance the economy.
Canned pizza. – In 2013, Domino’s Pizza Japan announced a canned pizza.
Giant Penguin: In 2014, Ueno Zoo announced the discovery of a giant penguin measuring 165cm tall and weighing 80kg. The penguin was presented to the public (a guy in a costume).
Coca-Cola business cards: In 2015, Coca-Cola Japan was forcing its employees to carry bundles of Coca-Cola and hand them out to people as if they were business cards.
Smartphone Airbag: The company Volvo Japan was concerned about cell phone users and created an AirBag for smartphone users. However, this airbag is for people and not for the smartphone.
Ultraman Figure: In 2015, it was announced that Bandai was selling a 40-meter tall Action Figure of Ultraman. Its price was 78 million yen and delivery was free.
LIXIL’s Smart Toilet Bike (2019): The company LIXIL, which manufactures bathroom products, announced a bicycle that supposedly transformed human waste into biogas while you pedaled.
Mizkan’s Drinkable Sushi Vinegar (2021): Mizkan, a food company, claimed to have created a sushi vinegar that could be drunk directly from the bottle, like a refreshing drink.
Sushi-flavored Beer: A company announced in 2017 the creation of a sushi-flavored beer, causing much curiosity and laughter among consumers.
McPasta: In 2016, McDonald’s Japan pulled a prank announcing the launch of “McPasta,” a line of Italian pasta to compete with sandwiches.
There are many more famous April lies from Japan, but I hope these are enough for you! If you know of others, feel free to leave your comments, and don’t forget to share with your friends.
April Lies from International Japanese Companies
Nissin’s Edible Noise-Canceling Fork (2016): Nissin, known for its instant food products, announced a noise-canceling fork that supposedly blocked the sound of people eating instant noodles.
Banana PlayStation: In 2019, Sony announced that it was releasing a special edition of the PlayStation in the shape of a banana, as a fun way to celebrate April Fool’s Day.
PlayStation Flow: In 2015, Sony joked about the launch of “PlayStation Flow,” a supposed virtual reality device for playing underwater.
Pizza Hut Japan’s Mini Delivery Scooter (2017): Pizza Hut Japan introduced a miniature delivery scooter, which was presented as an efficient solution for quick pizza delivery in congested areas.
Pokémon GO Dead Bodies (2018): An April Fool’s prank made by a Japanese website claimed that Pokémon GO players had found human bodies while playing, generating some temporary commotion.
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