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Viral stories

Viral stories
Trending events, happenings and people that have made waves on social media or online in wider Asia, and the world beyond.
A man in Japan has faced ridicule for most of his life after his mother gave him the name Happy. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/ABEMA Prime
Japan

Happy not happy: Japan man’s odd name brings bullying, struggles in love, work

Man finally finds satisfaction after years of ridicule, gets job in which clients think his moniker will bring them good fortune.

Japan

Japan student gains 32 million views as only one to dig up 8-year-old time capsule

Thailand

Thai dad arrested for abandoning baby in forest to punish wife who denies him sex

Thailand

Bizarre 2-way mirror in Thai park toilet lets men watch women for ‘enjoyment’

Outrage as theme park boss says voyeuristic looking glass was installed to give ‘fun experience for everyone’, netizens call it ‘disgusting’.

A theme park in Thailand has been slammed for installing a two-way mirror in a male toilet so that urinating men can watch women passers-by fix their appearance. Photo: SCMP composite/IG@womenofindia_official
Trending in China

Shock as Malaysia teacher tells pupil struggling with dialect to ‘go back to China’

Teacher tells complaining relative of abused student that she would call police to track him down because he had ‘invaded her privacy’.

Chinese Football Association (CFA)

Hangzhou becomes sea of red as China fans brace for decisive World Cup qualifier

China must beat Australia on Tuesday to have any chance of securing automatic qualification to 2026 tournament.

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Trending in China

Tearful Wu Yanni’s 60m hurdles Worlds failure sparks furious social media debate

Despite setting a new national record time of 8.01 seconds, the 27-year-old missed out on qualification by 0.01 seconds.

China’s Wu Yanni of China celebrates after breaking the national record during the women’s 60 metres hurdles semi-finals at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships. Photo: Xinhua
Japan

Japanese dental clinics offer dog pals, on-site gym to boost declining business

Declining birth rates see business slump heralding introduction of nurses dressed as maids, French-style clinic cafes, brightly-decorated spaces.

Trending in China

‘Never mess with a Chinese woman’: student chases Italy phone thief, goes viral

With help of police and passers-by, China student trio snare subway phone thief, sending powerful anti-crime message to would-be lawbreakers.

Japan

Japan love motel converts to funeral home, spurs birth, ageing population debate

Japan sees slump in number of places of ‘privacy and comfort’, some of which offer five-star facilities while others are more down-to-earth.

A so-called love hotel in Japan has been converted into a funeral home, sparking much debate on social media. Photo: SCMP composite/Sohu/X.com
Trending in China

5 celebrity cats from Thai runway to Hawaiian waves that captivate fans globally

The felines show remarkable adaptability, resilience, and survival strength to entertain, inspire those who meet them.

Pets have become essential in people’s lives, acting not only as sources of companionship and stress relief but also as beloved family members. Photo: SCMP composite/IG@kulithesurfingcat/fun-japan.jp/Douyin/QQ.com/TikTok
Trending in China

Chinese tourist critical as she leans from train for photos, strikes tunnel wall

Daredevil holidaymakers who dice with death while travelling on railways overseas are hit with travel safety warning by Chinese authorities.

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Japan

Japan grandma barber, 108, inspires with wisdom ‘hold no grudges, feel no jealousy’

Woman attributes longevity to healthy diet of light foods, routine exercises – walking, shoulder movements, leg stretches.

Japan

Japanese public servants win US$67,000 payout over order to come in early

Policy introduced by town’s draconian former mayor is overturned by country’s Fair Trade Commission which orders workers be paid overtime.

Japanese public servants have won US$67,000 in back-paid overtime after they were ordered to arrive five minutes early for a meeting each day. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
Japan

Japan ‘key-copying demon’ breaks into home, watches TV for 2 hours before caught

Serial housebreaker admits to making up to 20 copied home keys by stealing private information of women, branded a ‘pervert’.

A Japanese man dubbed the “key-copying demon” has been arrested after he broke into a woman’s home and was snared by police because he sat down to watch television for two hours. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
Trending in China

Plan to put Trump on US$250 bill tickles China, number means ‘idiot’ in slang

Congressman’s proposal has garnered over 14 million views on mainland social media, with majority of users finding it amusing.

Singapore

Japan woman says ‘racist’ Singapore cabby polite after realising she was not Chinese

Rude Lion City taxi driver treats woman badly on way to airport, then starts to ‘treat her like a queen’ when it became clear she was Japanese.

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Japan

Japan maid cafe now speaks 100 languages to elevate customer experience using AI

Chain will broaden device’s deployment to additional locations if proven effective.

Japan’s maid café unleashed the power of AI, instantly translating conversations into 100 languages for an unforgettable customer experience. Photo: SCMP composite/X
Japan

Japan police academy hires beauty consultant for male officers’ make-up skills

The academy reminds students that maintaining a proper appearance is crucial as both members of society and future police officers.

Trending in China

Chinese tourists pay to travel to Japan for free snow-clearing, spark debate

Locals are surprised this labour-intensive work, usually frowned upon, has turned into a profitable tourist venture.

Japan

Japan firm offers time off for hangovers, news about favourite celebrities

Amid sluggish job market, IT company bosses choose quirky benefits ahead of pay hikes, say move boosts efficiency, staff retention rates.

A company in Japan is offering its staff sick leave for hangovers and time off for negative news about employee’s favourite celebrities. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
South Korea

South Korean bank robber with toy gun quickly subdued by special forces veteran

Bungled bank heist by jobless man with financial problems who had not even planned his escape causes wave of hilarity on social media.

A South Korean bank robber “armed” with a toy gun was quickly subdued by an ex-special forces sparking much amusement online. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
Japan

‘Dog’ man in Japan rents out canine costumes so others can live animal dream

Entrepreneur launches online costume business to leverage childhood dream of becoming a dog, charges up to US$320 to rent canine outfit.

Trending in China

Vietnamese eatery owner resembles Hong Kong singer Faye Wong, goes viral online

Restaurant is popular with local low-income workers, serving 30 free bowls of pho, called ‘suspended noodles’, daily to those in need.

Swimming

32 most drug-tested swimmers globally in 2024 were all Chinese, data reveals

Updated figures for last year continue the pattern before the Paris Olympics, when China’s swimmers were targeted for extra testing.

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China’s quartet, including Qin Haiyang (second from left), display their gold medals after winning the men’s 4x100m medley relay at the Paris Olympics. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Japan zoo bans solo male visitors to ensure family-friendly environment

Zoo director shares her struggle with openly rejecting, turning away visitors, frequently feeling forced to smile, respond politely.

A Japanese zoo has banned solo male visitors, citing discomfort among families and couples due to flirtatious behaviour. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
Chinese Football Association (CFA)

Chinese footballer, 18, ‘brain-dead’ from Spain accident, family accuse club, FA

Guo Jiaxuan has ‘little chance of survival’ following collision during match, according to brother, who says family want to bring him home.

Japan

Japan man starts dating agency after 2,000 failed blind dates due to low income

Despite numerous failed dates, man persists in dating to refine conversational skills, decision-making, date planning.

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