...In any case, using "simulacrum/simulacra effect" in English is problematic because it refers to another thing entirely: a philosophical (and art/social science) concept, where (often intentionally distorted) representations/imitations of the real thing become 'real' in the minds of others (and have a visible impact on reality, like people acting out stereotypes) when they accept it as truth.
This is pareidolia.
It refers to a phenomenon where people interpret shapes as faces, like three spots arranged in an inverted triangle.
The Japanese uses "Simulacra Effect", which in some sources (net/urban dictionaries) is defined as a certain type of pareidolia, specifically "three spots arranged in an inverted triangle". In some others it's considered synonymous.
We're definitely not faces, nope.
Yep, yep.
So they just look like faces despite not being faces, ahaaa!
Oooooohh!
I see, I seeeeee!!
You're riiiiiiight!
Well, if you put it that way, doesn't yours look like one too?You think so?
Ah—!
That thingy on your waist looks like a face, doesn't it?!
A faaaaace!