Rashomon Effect: What it is and How it Affects Our Perspective

Have you ever witnessed an event with other people — only to hear completely different versions of what happened? Maybe you were sure your memory was accurate, yet someone else described it in a way that felt like they were talking about a different experience altogether. This strange and frustrating phenomenon has a name: the Rashomon Effect.

The Rashomon Effect describes how different people can interpret the same event in completely different — and often contradictory — ways. It challenges the idea that there is one objective truth and shows how personal perspective, emotion, and memory shape how we see the world.

In this in-depth exploration, we’ll unpack what the Rashomon Effect is, where the term comes from, why it happens, how it impacts everything from relationships to eyewitness accounts, and how we can better understand its influence in our daily lives.

What is the Rashomon Effect?

The Rashomon Effect refers to the occurrence of conflicting interpretations or accounts of the same event by different people, each of whom believes their version is true. It emphasizes the subjectivity of human perception and memory, and how personal biases, emotions, and motives can influence what we believe happened.

While the event in question remains the same, the perception of that event diverges based on the observer’s viewpoint. This isn’t about lying or deception. Often, each person genuinely believes their perspective is accurate — even if those accounts directly contradict each other.

Where Did the Term “Rashomon Effect” Come From?

The term originated from the 1950 Japanese film “Rashomon” directed by Akira Kurosawa. In the movie, a crime — the murder of a samurai and the assault of his wife — is recounted by four different characters: the bandit, the wife, the dead samurai (through a medium), and a woodcutter who witnessed the event.

Each version of the story is dramatically different, even though they all describe the same moment. The film doesn’t confirm which version is true, forcing the audience to confront the ambiguity of truth and the complexity of human perception.

The psychological concept inspired by this storytelling device became known as the Rashomon Effect, and it has since been studied in fields like psychology, law, journalism, and philosophy.

Why Does the Rashomon Effect Happen?

The Rashomon Effect isn’t simply about faulty memory — it’s the result of multiple psychological and cognitive mechanisms working together. Understanding the factors that contribute to it helps us appreciate just how subjective our experiences really are.

1. Memory is Constructive, Not Reproductive

Contrary to popular belief, memory doesn’t work like a video recorder. Every time we recall something, our brains reconstruct the memory using fragments, impressions, and emotional context.

What we remember is filtered through what we felt, what we expected, and what we already believed. The more time that passes, the more distorted that memory can become — not because we’re dishonest, but because memory is inherently malleable.

2. Cognitive Biases Shape Perception

Our brains rely on mental shortcuts, or cognitive biases, to make sense of the world. These biases help us make quick judgments but also distort our perception.

Some common biases involved in the Rashomon Effect include:

• Confirmation bias: We tend to remember details that support our beliefs.
• Egocentric bias: We view events as centered around our own experience.
• Self-serving bias: We may unconsciously reinterpret events to protect our ego or justify our behavior.

These biases lead two people to experience and remember the same situation very differently, depending on their roles, feelings, and expectations.

3. Emotional Involvement Alters Memory

Emotion plays a powerful role in how we encode and retrieve memories. Events that trigger strong emotions — like fear, shame, love, or anger — are often remembered more vividly but not always more accurately.

When emotions run high, we may distort the sequence of events, exaggerate impact, or selectively forget information that doesn’t align with our emotional experience.

4. Differences in Perspective and Identity

We all bring unique identities to every situation — including our culture, gender, history, social roles, and personal values. These factors shape how we interpret and assign meaning to events.

For instance, a boss and an employee might walk away from a tense meeting with wildly different interpretations, shaped by their social roles and perceived stakes in the situation.

This isn’t manipulation — it’s human nature.

Real-Life Examples of the Rashomon Effect

The Rashomon Effect appears in everyday life more often than we think. Let’s look at a few real-world examples to see how it plays out.

In Relationships

Couples frequently experience the Rashomon Effect during arguments or emotionally charged conversations. Each partner may later describe completely different versions of what was said, what the tone was, or who escalated the situation.

One person may recall feeling dismissed, while the other insists they were being calm and rational. In therapy, couples often uncover subjective truths that both feel real — even when they conflict.

In Eyewitness Testimony

Perhaps the most well-known application of the Rashomon Effect is in criminal justice. Eyewitness accounts are notoriously unreliable, even though juries often place great trust in them.

Witnesses to a crime may provide inconsistent details about what they saw, such as the suspect’s appearance, the direction they ran, or the weapon involved — not because they are lying, but because trauma and stress distort perception and memory.

This is one reason modern law enforcement encourages the use of body cameras and other objective evidence when possible.

In Journalism and Media

Journalists covering the same political protest or major event may report it in very different ways, depending on what angle they choose, which sources they quote, and what footage they highlight.

These variations are shaped by editorial bias, audience expectations, and media framing, all of which contribute to differing public perceptions of a single event.

This is how public discourse becomes fragmented, with people forming opposing views despite accessing similar facts.

In History and Cultural Memory

History itself is rife with Rashomon Effects. Ask people from different countries to describe a major war, and you’ll hear entirely different narratives — often based on national pride, trauma, or cultural values.

The same historical event can be seen as liberation, invasion, revolution, or betrayal, depending on who’s telling the story. This reinforces the idea that truth is not only subjective but collective, shaped by cultural consensus over time.

How the Rashomon Effect Affects Our Daily Lives

The Rashomon Effect isn’t just a quirky concept — it has profound implications for communication, relationships, and conflict resolution. Here’s how it plays out in our everyday interactions.

It Complicates Conflict Resolution

When people believe their memory is the truth, they often become defensive or dismissive of others’ perspectives. This leads to misunderstandings, resentment, and emotional distance.

Recognizing the Rashomon Effect allows us to step back from insisting on a single “truth” and instead validate that multiple perspectives may hold emotional truth — even if the facts differ.

It Impacts Leadership and Teamwork

In workplace settings, differing accounts of the same meeting or event can lead to tension, miscommunication, and fractured team dynamics. Leaders who understand the Rashomon Effect are better equipped to mediate conflict, create psychological safety, and encourage multiple viewpoints.

It Shapes Identity and Self-Perception

We often construct our identities from past events — childhood memories, achievements, and failures. But if those memories are distorted by emotion or bias, then our self-narrative may be too.

Understanding that memory is fallible can help us reflect more compassionately on our past and recognize that others may remember our shared experiences very differently.

Can the Rashomon Effect Be Prevented?

We can’t completely avoid the Rashomon Effect — it’s a natural outcome of how the human brain processes information. But there are ways to reduce misunderstandings and increase empathy when conflicting versions of an event arise.

1. Practice Active Listening

When someone recounts an experience differently than you, resist the urge to correct or invalidate them. Instead, ask open-ended questions to understand their perspective.

This promotes mutual respect and emotional safety, even when you disagree.

2. Acknowledge Subjectivity

Instead of insisting “that’s not what happened,” try saying:

• “That’s interesting — I remember it a little differently.”
• “Let’s talk about what each of us experienced.”
• “Can we explore both perspectives without assuming one is wrong?”

These phrases validate emotional truth without negating your own memory.

3. Use Objective Tools

In settings like legal disputes, therapy, or mediation, using objective evidence (video, written records, timestamps) can clarify events without relying solely on memory. But even then, how people interpret that evidence may still vary.

4. Reflect Before Reacting

Before jumping into a heated debate about who’s “right,” pause and ask yourself:

• Could we both be remembering different parts of the experience?
• What emotions might be influencing my memory?
• What is more important: being right or being understood?

These questions open the door to compassionate dialogue instead of conflict.

FAQs About Rashomon Effect: What it is and How it Affects Our Perspective

Is the Rashomon Effect the same as lying?

No. The Rashomon Effect involves honest, subjective recollections that differ — it’s not about intentional deceit. Each person believes their version is accurate based on their perception and memory.

What fields study the Rashomon Effect?

The Rashomon Effect is studied in psychology, law, journalism, sociology, communication, and philosophy. It’s especially relevant in eyewitness research, therapy, conflict resolution, and memory science.

Can two people be right if they remember an event differently?

Yes. In many cases, both versions contain emotional or partial truths, even if they contradict each other. Human experience is filtered through emotions, bias, and identity.

Does trauma increase the Rashomon Effect?

Yes. Trauma can distort memory encoding and retrieval, making it more likely that people will remember different or fragmented parts of an event. This is common in high-stress situations like accidents, abuse, or crises.

How can I reduce conflict caused by the Rashomon Effect?

Validate multiple perspectives, practice active listening, and focus on emotional understanding rather than strict facts. In relationships, prioritize empathy over winning the argument.