×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Wednesday
21
Jan 2026
weather symbol
Athens 10°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> World

What really happened to the man from a “parallel universe” who bewildered Japan

The truth behind one of modern history’s most popular urban legends is less thrilling than the concept of alternate dimensions

Newsroom May 26 12:01

It was a hot summer day in July 1954. A businessman, whom people say looked just like any other traveler, arrived at Haneda Airport in Tokyo.

However, this man would cause chaos — of the existential kind — minutes later. Upon checking his passport, authorities found that he came from Taured, a country that does not exist.

In an apparent head-scratcher, the man’s documents appeared legitimate. His passport had stamps from countries he previously visited, including Japan. He explained that Taured was located in Europe in an area nestled between France and Spain. He even pointed it out on a map.

See Also:

>Related articles

Turkish authorities raid Temu’s offices in Turkey

Ukraine: 60% of Kyiv without electricity after Russian strikes on energy facilities

Japan reopens the world’s largest nuclear power plant

European Commission admits to handing millions in tax cash to far-left NGOs

But to the Japanese authorities — and to us, at least in this universe — this country is the Principality of Andorra. The man became angry and confused, insisting that Taured has existed for more than 1,000 years.

Read more: Next Shark

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#japan#mystery#parallel universe#strange#universe#world
> More World

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

Pulse poll: ND leads by 16.5 points, the 2nd largest margin since 2016, with left and center-left losing ground — Karystianou, Tsipras

January 21, 2026

Karditsa: Snow and severe weather – More than a meter in the mountainous areas, snow chains mandatory

January 21, 2026

Vasilis Markou: Strategy and outreach for Attica Vineyard

January 21, 2026

Tsiaras: Bipartisan dialogue necessary for the development of a national agricultural strategy

January 21, 2026

Turkish authorities raid Temu’s offices in Turkey

January 21, 2026

Schools in Attica will operate normally on Thursday

January 21, 2026

Ukraine: 60% of Kyiv without electricity after Russian strikes on energy facilities

January 21, 2026

Mitsotakis may travel to Davos tomorrow due to weather conditions – No European leader signs on to Trump’s Peace Council

January 21, 2026
All News

> Culture

Tatoi Estate: The rescue and restoration of 100,000 historic objects

Among them are ornate carriages, luxury automobiles, furniture, works of art, and extremely valuable garments

January 19, 2026

The historic cafes of Athens: 12 legendary hangouts lost to time

January 16, 2026

Actress Melpo Zarokosta dies at 93

January 16, 2026

Cycladic Identity Initiative launches fourth funding phase to preserve the Cultural and Natural Heritage of the Cyclades

January 16, 2026

Grief in Crete for the loss of Yannis Xylouris

January 15, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα