
Need a break from reality? Take a look at this video created by a student from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
The video features the mythical Escherian Staircase (aka Penrose Stairs), or the never-ending staircase where you go up two flights of steps and end up at the same place you began. It’s said that Filipino architect Rafael Nelson Aboganda is the genius who built the “Impossible Staircase.”
There is something fishy, however. This physics-defying creation – first thought up more or less simultaneously by the Lionel and Roger Penrose team, and M.C. Escher in the 1950s – was built by Abgonda in the 60s, yet no one knows about it― not even students at the school, despite being a seemingly physically impossible feat! Hmm….
First watch this video…
It seems alright. It’s cheesy a TV show called Can You Imagine? highlighting the cool things about the school. Seems pretty legit, right? But that staircase!! How? Why isn’t this world-famous?! What’s going on? Why didn’t Aboganda get some kind of science award for this?
Oh, because it doesn’t exist…
Enter video two:
In 2013, Michael Lacanilao, graduate student of animation at RIT, created this video just to mess with our heads. Thanks pal! You’ve fooled people all over the Internet! In fact, we even wrote an article about the staircase when the first video first came out! Now, we’re having a hard time finding proof that the supposed Filipino architect Rafael Nelson Aboganda even exists! Oh, Lacanilao, you weasel! (But we applaud your video editing skills and thoroughness.)
Source: Taho News
Videos/Images: YouTube (Michael Lacanilao 1, 2)

Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
Baskin-Robbins Japan’s 2026 popularity poll results are in and the champion flavor is crowned
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan now sells canned water, but does funky packaging mean funky flavor?[Taste test]
Choc mint ice cream season hits Japan with a spectacular drinkable ice cream from Tully’s
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
Baskin-Robbins Japan’s 2026 popularity poll results are in and the champion flavor is crowned
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan now sells canned water, but does funky packaging mean funky flavor?[Taste test]
Choc mint ice cream season hits Japan with a spectacular drinkable ice cream from Tully’s
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Is the two-hour wait for Tokyo’s Yokota Gaijin Burger worth it?【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Saltiest ramen in Japan? Ikebukuro White goes viral for crazy salt levels
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
“They’ve got be kidding me.” – Mayor in Japan fed up with off-season Mt. Fuji hikers needing rescue