If you ever found yourself desperately needing the loo while browsing a bookstore, then you’re not alone. A doctor has explained why shopping may trigger urgent restroom trips.
Dr Saurabh Sethi, a board-certified gastroenterologist, took to his TikTok channel to reveal that many of his patients often feel struck by the need to visit the toilet for a number two when they are in bookstores or clothing stores.
He explained that this phenomenon, known as the Mariko Aoki phenomenon, was first described in Japan in 1985.
It was Japan’s Hon no Zasshi, which translates to Book Magazine, that put this occurrence on a map.
The magazine printed a short letter from a woman named Mariko Aoki, who had realised that browsing bookstores triggered this sudden urge in her.
toilet for a number two when they are in bookstores or clothing stores.
