expression, noun
Mariko Aoki phenomenon; urge to defecate in a bookstore
Refers to the sudden need to use the toilet upon entering a bookstore, named after the woman who first described it. Used in casual, often humorous contexts.
青木まりこ現象って知ってる？本屋に入ると急にトイレに行きたくなるやつ。
Do you know the Mariko Aoki phenomenon? It's when you suddenly feel like going to the bathroom after entering a bookstore.
彼は青木まりこ現象を信じていて、本屋に行く前は必ずトイレを済ませる。
He believes in the Mariko Aoki phenomenon and always uses the restroom before going to a bookstore.
Named after Mariko Aoki (青木まりこ), who wrote about the phenomenon in a 1985 magazine article. The term combines her name with 現象 (phenomenon).