DeepSummary
The hosts discuss the Mariko Aoki phenomenon, where some people feel an urge to defecate when visiting bookstores. They trace the origin of the phenomenon's name to a Japanese woman named Mariko Aoki who wrote a letter to a magazine in 1985 describing her urge, leading to a feature article on the widespread experience.
One of the hosts shares a personal anecdote about feeling the need to defecate when in a quiet auditorium in high school while preparing for a school radio show, drawing parallels to the bookstore environment. Various theories for the phenomenon are explored, including the gut-brain connection, association of reading with bathroom habits, the squatting position when browsing lower shelves, and the calming atmosphere of bookstores prompting a desire for relief.
The episode also addresses potential criticisms of the phenomenon, such as the frequency illusion or confirmation bias making people more aware of the urge after learning about it. The hosts invite listeners to share their own experiences or observations as bookstore employees to further understand the phenomenon.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The Mariko Aoki phenomenon refers to the experience of feeling an urge to defecate when visiting bookstores, named after a Japanese woman who first brought attention to the phenomenon in 1985.
- Around 10% of people in Japan reported experiencing the phenomenon, though anecdotal evidence suggests it may be more widespread.
- Various theories attempt to explain the phenomenon, including the gut-brain connection, association of reading with bathroom habits, squatting posture when browsing shelves, and the calming atmosphere of bookstores.
- Personal anecdotes and experiences suggest the phenomenon may extend to other quiet, empty spaces beyond just bookstores.
- Critics argue the phenomenon may be a result of the frequency illusion or confirmation bias, where people become more aware of the urge after learning about it.
- The hosts invite listeners to share their own experiences or observations as bookstore employees to further understand the phenomenon.
- The episode explores the Mariko Aoki phenomenon through a mix of scientific theories, personal accounts, and cultural context, highlighting the intersection of psychology, physiology, and human behavior.
- The phenomenon serves as an interesting case study in the complex interactions between the mind, body, and environment, and how seemingly ordinary experiences can reveal unexpected patterns and phenomena.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “So here's my story. In high school, still one of my very best friends, Jim. Isa. You know Jim. Jim and I had an afternoon radio show which was over the intercom of the school. And it was basically instead of the principal reading the daily announcements, we asked if we could take it over and round it out with jokes and top ten lists and what have you. So we had WRHs was our dumb little show.“ by Ben
- “There's another theory that isn't specifically identified as from Japan, but if it's not from Japan, I will eat my hat. And I don't even have a hat. I'll go buy a hat to eat it. If this isn't a japanese theory, that because life is stressful, when you walk into a bookstore, a bookstore is very calm, and so you feel relieved, and so you want to relieve yourself.“ by Josh Clark
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Episode Information
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts
3/20/24
Ten percent of people – in Japan at least – get the urge to poop when they visit bookstores. But it wasn’t until a courageous woman stepped up and became the voice of the phenomenon now named after her that they realized they were part of a movement.
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