Did you know that Japan also celebrates April 1st? This special day is the famous April Fools' Day. 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 aren't many things to say about this date, just that it's the day where you find the most false news and information, especially on the internet. In this article, we will show Japan's biggest April lies.
Surveys conducted in Japan indicate that less than 20% of the population has ever participated in such a prank or ended up falling for an April lie. The number may be lower, as surveys are not typically conducted throughout Japan.
The cover image of the article presented an Audi car where it is possible to cook and have meals, unfortunately this is a big lie, but a brilliant idea that could be applied in the future.
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April Fools' Lies in Japan
Astro Boy: – In 2003 the Tokyo Journal reported that the Japanese government planned to send robots based on the Astro Boy to help rebuild Iraq after the war.
Óleo encontrado no Japão: In 2003, Jornal de Tokyo reported the discovery of 110 billion barrels of oil in the Gulf of Tokyo. Did someone forget that it was April 1st and invested in shares?
Lottery tickets in lieu of pension payments. – Again the Tokyo Journal said in 2004 that the government was considering including lottery tickets instead of pension payments to cut back and balance the economy.
Canned pizza. - In 2013 Domino's Pizza in Japan announced a canned pizza.
Giant Penguin: – In 2014 the Ueno Zoo announced the discovery of a giant penguin measuring 165cm tall and weighing 80kg. The penguin was introduced to the public (a guy in a costume.)
Coca Business Cards: – In 2015, coca cola in Japan was forcing its employees to carry bales of coke and hand people over as if they were business cards.
Airbag for Smartphones: – The Volvo company from Japan was concerned about cell phone users and created an AirBag for Smartphone users. Only this airbag is for people and not for the smartphone.
Ultraman Figure: – In 2015 it was announced that Bandai was selling a Boneco de ação Ultraman's 40-meter-tall tower. Its value was 78 million yen and delivery was free.
LIXIL's Smart Toilet Bike (2019): The company LIXIL, which makes bathroom products, announced a bicycle that supposedly turned 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 straight from the bottle as a refreshing drink.
Sushi-flavored beer: In 2017, a company announced the creation of a beer with a sushi flavor, causing a lot of curiosity and laughter among consumers.
McPasta: In 2016, McDonald's Japan pulled a prank by 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 others, you can 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 banana-shaped PlayStation as a fun way to celebrate April Fools' Day.
PlayStation Flow: In 2015, Sony teased 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 touted as an efficient solution for quickly delivering pizzas in congested areas.
Pokémon GO Dead Bodies (2018): An April 1 joke by a Japanese website claimed that Pokémon GO players had found human bodies while playing the game, generating some temporary commotion.
