On American Ninja Warrior, people have been wondering why the Team Japan members--who have conquered Stage Four in their own country more than once--seem to have substandard performances in the U.S. competition. They believe it is due either to the climate or to the enormous support of American audiences for the American players.

I believe otherwise. I believe that it is due to a residual, archetypal guilt in the Japanese players' subconscious that goes back all the way to World War II.