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Japan, renowned for its ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and cutting-edge modernity, remains a top travel destination. However, as the country experiences a tourism boom with over 2 million visitors last month alone, incidents of cultural insensitivity have increased. These missteps, ranging from disruptive behavior on public transportation to the desecration of sacred landmarks, highlight the urgent need for cultural awareness among tourists.
Recent high-profile incidents, including acts by American and Chilean tourists, underscore the importance of respecting Japanese customs and laws.
Two High-Profile Incidents of Disrespect
1. The Meiji Shrine Vandalism Case
Steve Lee Hayes, a 65-year-old American tourist, was arrested last week for allegedly carving letters into a torii gate at Tokyo’s historic Meiji Jingu Shrine. These gates, which symbolize the transition between the secular and spiritual, hold profound significance in Japanese culture. Hayes’ actions not only caused physical damage but also deeply offended local sensibilities. His arrest serves as a warning about the strict consequences of disrespecting cultural landmarks in Japan.
2. Chilean Gymnast’s Viral Shrine Antics
Maria del Mar Perez Banus, a Chilean gymnast and social media influencer, recently sparked outrage in Japan after a video of her performing pull-ups on a sacred torii gate went viral. The incident occurred at a shrine in Sapporo, where Maria, accompanied by her sister, used the gate as a workout station.
In the video, Maria can be observed executing pull-ups while dancing to a popular TikTok song, with her chin raised above the lower bar of the gate. Her sister also caused an uproar by performing a handstand at the shrine’s main entrance. These videos were shared on their joint Instagram account, which boasts over 130,000 followers, and quickly drew backlash both in Japan and their home country. Chilean media criticized their actions, with one headline reading, “Anger at a Chilean Woman Who Did Pull-Ups on a Japanese Torii.”
For the Japanese, such acts are deeply offensive. Torii gates are sacred symbols marking the entrance to holy grounds, and misusing them for entertainment or social media stunts is considered a grave insult to Japanese heritage.
Japan’s Tourism Boom and Its Challenges
As Japan welcomes record-breaking numbers of international visitors, it also faces the challenge of managing cultural misunderstandings. The term meiwaku gaikokujin, meaning “nuisance foreigners,” has gained traction in Japanese media to describe tourists who behave disrespectfully, intentionally or not.
Incidents like the vandalism at Meiji Shrine and Maria del Mar Perez Banus’ shrine stunts reflect this growing problem. While the vast majority of tourists are respectful, a few high-profile cases can tarnish the reputation of all visitors.
Everyday Etiquette: Public Transportation in Japan
Beyond respecting sacred landmarks, understanding proper behavior in everyday situations is crucial. Japanese society places a high value on harmony, which is reflected in public transportation etiquette:
• No Phone Calls: Talking on your phone while on the train is considered disruptive. Silence your phone and use it for texting or browsing instead. Every time I board a train in Japan, I am able to spot at least one person calling on the train. The train rules are clear that there are no talking on cellphones while riding a train in Japan.
• Keep Conversations Quiet: If speaking with companions, keep your voice low to avoid disturbing others.
• Respect Priority Seating: Seats marked for the elderly, disabled, or pregnant passengers should be vacated when needed.
• Mind Your Space: During crowded commutes, be considerate by keeping bags compact and avoiding unnecessary physical contact.
Why Respect Matters
Cultural landmarks like shrines and torii gates are not just tourist attractions—they are sacred spaces that represent centuries of history and spirituality. Disrespecting these sites diminishes their meaning and can alienate the local communities that care for them. Similarly, public behavior, such as noise on trains, impacts the daily lives of residents and contributes to how tourists are perceived.
Tips for a Respectful Visit to Japan
1. Learn Before You Go: Familiarize yourself with Japanese customs and laws to avoid unintentional offenses.
2. Act with Reverence in Sacred Spaces: Follow posted rules, avoid touching or climbing on structures, and maintain a respectful demeanor.
3. Think Before Posting: While social media can document your travels, avoid actions that disrespect cultural sites for the sake of views or likes.
4. Follow Local Norms: From train etiquette to dining customs, small acts of consideration can go a long way in showing respect for Japanese culture.
Final Thoughts
The incidents involving Steve Lee Hayes and Maria del Mar Perez Banus serve as cautionary tales for tourists worldwide. Whether it’s defacing a sacred structure or using one as a workout prop, such actions are not only culturally insensitive but can also result in legal repercussions and social backlash.
As international travel continues to rebound, visitors to Japan—and any other destination—must embrace cultural awareness and respect. By doing so, tourists not only enrich their own experiences but also contribute positively to the communities they visit.
Let’s strive to make travel a bridge of understanding and appreciation, ensuring that the beauty of these shared experiences endures for generations to come.