Japanese actor Sasaki Rintaro recently made headlines with his blunt self-praising title, "Fugainai 1-nen" translated as "A Disappointing Year." Over the past year, Sasaki had faced numerous professional setbacks and personal trials which he candidly highlights in his recent announcement. It captures the actor’s introspective journey and paves way for collective societal reflection.

In Japan, public figures are often expected to maintain a polished image. Sasaki's frank disclosure of his disappointments challenges this norm. His honesty has sparked a considerable amount of dialogue among Japanese citizens about vulnerability, personal growth and the concept of failure within their society.

In contrast, Western celebrities in the US or EU are often more open about their struggles and failures. The discourse around failure, particularly in the field of personal growth and mental health, can be quite open, and it's not uncommon for celebrities to share their 'low moments' as part of their journey.