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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.

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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

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