Group mentality

Japanese people sure do like to line up. Well, not really, but when something gets popular in Japan it gets *popular* and people seem to think it's completely acceptable to line up for a couple of hours to get their hands on whatever is the fad of the moment. For some picture proof, see the shots below of people lining up for their daily fix of trans fats at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, which recently opened shop in Tokyo. It should be noted that at the time this photo was taken, the initial craze which had people lining up all over the rather large square in front of the store had already passed, making it slightly less dramatic, so you'll have to use your imagination. Now, what is it about Krispy Kreme doughnuts that makes people wait for hours (yes, that's hours) to sink their teeth into that krispy, kreamy goodness when there are perfectly good ones with no waiting time whatsoever at Mr. Doughnut? Is it the added entertainment value of watching the doughnuts being made? Is it the cute way the name is misspelled? Is it that the doughnuts are powdered with kocaine? Or is it, perhaps more likely, that when Japanese people see a long line, something in their brain goes "Whoa, dude, look at the size of that thing! That's ridiculous, man! There's gotta be something amazing at the end! Gotta get me some of that... Let's line up!".