{"id":53815,"date":"2025-10-05T05:32:50","date_gmt":"2025-10-04T20:32:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phys-edu.net\/wp\/?p=53815"},"modified":"2025-10-05T05:32:50","modified_gmt":"2025-10-04T20:32:50","slug":"the-hyakunin-odoshi-how-a-hundred-person-static-shock-became-the-ultimate-science-show-of-japans-edo-period","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phys-edu.net\/wp\/?p=53815&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"The “Hyakunin Odoshi”: How a Hundred-Person Static Shock Became the Ultimate Science Show of Japan’s Edo Period"},"content":{"rendered":"

I’m Kuwako Ken, your Science Trainer. Every day is an experiment.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Crack! Have you ever touched a doorknob in winter and involuntarily cried out? Static electricity is all around us, but what would happen if dozens of people held hands and experienced this small crack all at once?<\/p>\n

This was, in fact, a spectacular science entertainment show that became wildly popular in the Edo period, more than 200 years ago. Its name: “Hyakunin Odoshi” (The Hundred-Man Shock). This time, we’ll explore the history of this unique experiment created by geniuses and even show you how to recreate it!<\/p>\n

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What is “Hyakunin Odoshi”? The Science Show of the Edo Period!<\/h3>\n

The name “Hyakunin Odoshi” might sound a bit intimidating, but what exactly is it? First, please watch this video. This is the Hyakunin Odoshi. Perhaps some of you have experienced it in a school science class.<\/p>\n