I spend a great deal of time Japan. I have many friends. Several dozens whom I see every year.
When one thinks of friends it is hard to think of similarities or incongruities among one's own friends even though such a thought is possible. I am approaching that thought.
I notice that among my American friends there are very few who subscribe to neo-scientific theories. Among my Japanese friends there are quite a few.
By neo-scientific theories I mean theories that sound scientific but are not susceptible to empirical testing. Such is true for most psychic, ESP theories and other New Age concepts that are widespread in America. Recently the TEDx organization had to revoke the franchise of the West Los Angeles group that had scheduled an entire day of talks by new age gurus. That is an example of American style neo-scientific theories. I only know one or two people who would go to such a conference.
In Japan the comparable neo-scientific issues deal with healing by ions ( a common TV ad), healing by brown rice, and notions of healing auras and treating infirmities with special foods.
I'm sure my blog readers know how common these ideas are in the United States. But among my friends they are not common.
One possibility is that I have attracted a different group of friends in Japan. The other possibility is that Japanese may have a greater propensity for neo-science.
I suggested the latter to some of my Japanese friends. My theory is that Shinto, which is a nature worship, creates more room for miracles of the sort that underlie neo-science.
The best response I got was that nature in fact includes so many phenomena that appear miraculous that that alone is sufficient reason for people to have neo-scientific theories in Japan.
I only mention this because it is curious, vague and baffling to me.