# This is why we can't have nice things: asshole tourists in Japan **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 1, 2024, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391 "2024-06-01T21:03:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2024, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/121 "2024-08-28T16:21:47Z")
> [@Hamlet](#): > > But fuck the Dad who couldnt be bothered to keep an eye on his kud around ancient pottery. Is that slang referring to the invasive kudzu plant species? Because as a dad of two daughters I can slightly relate to that. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2024, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/122 "2024-08-29T02:17:02Z")
Gotta say, though, at least AFAICT from the article, this whole incident seems to be refreshingly short on asshole behavior. > [@](#): > > […] the Hecht Museum defended its decision to present certain objects without protective glass, adding that its founder Reuben Hecht had emphasized making artifacts accessible to the public. > > “The museum believes there is a special charm in experiencing an archaeological find without any obstructions,” the statement said, adding that the institution would “continue this tradition” despite the incident. > > […] the child’s father said his son had “pulled the jar slightly” on a visit to the museum last Friday because he was “curious about what was inside.” The man added that he was shocked to see his son beside the broken artifact […] > > […] the museum’s head Inbal Rivlin invited the boy and his mother, who was also present during the incident, back to the museum for a private tour. > > “The museum is not a mausoleum but a living place, open to families (and) accessible,” she told the news outlet, adding: “We are appealing to parents: Don’t be afraid. Things like this happen. We will fix (the jar) and put it back.” > > Rivlin said the museum had printed new signs indicating which items can, or cannot, be touched. […] > > A restoration expert has been approached to restore the broken jar with the help of photographs, the museum said. > > “The jar will be returned to its place in a short time,” the statement continued, adding that the museum would use the restoration as an opportunity to educate the public. > > The boy’s father meanwhile told the BBC he was sorry that the jar “will no longer be the same item.” […] Let’s look at that lineup again: - Curious four-year-old unintentionally breaking jar he didn’t realize he shouldn’t touch: Not Asshole - Father of said four-year-old, admittedly negligent for not supervising child closely enough in that moment, but expressing shock and remorse at the accident: (Provisionally) Not Asshole - Museum director and administration telling everyone “It’s okay, these things happen, we’ll get it fixed, we’re still going to trust the public to experience these nice things without protective barriers but we’ll be more clear about the signage. Aw, don’t feel bad! How’d you like a private museum tour to cheer you up?”: Definitely Not Asshole - Artifact restoration expert who’s going to get on the repair so the jar can be quickly returned to display: Also Not Asshole Kinda heartwarming all around, if you ask me. But yes, parents, keep a closer eye on the little darlings around unprotected exhibits. And yes, museum staffs, make sure the signage is very clear about what’s touchable and what’s not. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2024, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/123 "2024-08-29T03:10:09Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > Kinda heartwarming all around, if you ask me. Damn, I’d send a donation to that museum. That is cool. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2024, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/124 "2024-08-29T03:21:08Z")
> the museum’s head Inbal Rivlin invited the boy and his mother, who was also present during the incident, back to the museum for a private tour. Absolutely amazing response. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2024, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/125 "2024-08-29T06:03:21Z")
Hey, the Hecht Museum! That brings me back. I’m a Haifa University graduate, and I’d walk past the museum every day on my way from the library to the cafeteria. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/126 "2024-11-30T02:02:12Z")
The fence is back. > **[Bad tourist manners lead to new Mt. Fuji view-blocking scree at Japan’s “Fuji...](https://soranews24.com/2024/11/29/bad-tourist-manners-lead-to-new-mt-fuji-view-blocking-scree-at-japans-fuji-convenience-store/)** > > Rural town put its faith in tourists to be polite, and that faith was not rewarded. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/127 "2024-11-30T02:13:26Z")
I’m surprised this hasn’t been mentioned: [https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/15/travel/american-tourist-arrested-tokyo-shrine-gate-intl-hnk/index.html#:~:text=A%2065-year-old%20American,Metropolitan%20Police%20spokesperson%20told%20CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/15/travel/american-tourist-arrested-tokyo-shrine-gate-intl-hnk/index.html#:~:text=A%2065%2Dyear%2Dold%20American,Metropolitan%20Police%20spokesperson%20told%20CNN). ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/128 "2024-11-30T02:46:27Z")
> [@Dissonance](#): > > In the past few months, “Johnny Somali” has been trending in Japan for all the wrong reasons. [And guess who’s back in the news!](https://www.yahoo.com/news/controversial-american-live-streamer-faces-011908642.html) (The link goes to Yahoo.) > A controversial American live-streamer is facing the prospect of prison in South Korea for his offensive antics, in a case that is shining a light on the rise of so-called “nuisance influencers” seeking clicks overseas. > > Ramsey Khalid Ismael, 24, commonly known by his online alias, “Johnny Somali,” has been indicted of causing a “commotion” at a convenience store, Seoul prosecutors confirmed to CNN. If convicted he faces [up to five years](https://elaw.klri.re.kr/eng_service/lawView.do?hseq=28627&lang=ENG) in prison. > > A departure ban has also been placed on Ismael, preventing him from leaving the country while authorities continue their investigation, CNN [affiliate MBC News reported](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ho2vLPwPm8). [Here’s an 8’ 56" YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k83DVNW_g1U) with some commentary on the news. The upshot is he’s facing some serious charges, to include narcotics charges. A note: if you did drugs outside of Korea, arrive in Korea, do something illegal and get arrested, then you’re going to be tested for drugs. I presume this time Somali’s hair was tested and was positive. Korean law doesn’t care where you ingested the substance; what matters is if it’s still in your body while your body is in Korea. And here is a much more informative [17’ 30" YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uid95tk8bXY) which not ony shows his inane acts which are grounds for the charges against him, but explains the legal situation and also the cultural situation. ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/129 "2024-11-30T02:52:05Z")
What fresh Hell is this? Foreign tourists in Japan commit [cruelty on the Nara deer!](https://www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/news-and-opinion/tourists-terrorize-naras-sacred-deer/) Try that shit on cat island and they’ll have made powerful enemies ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/130 "2024-11-30T09:53:38Z")
Huh, the article talks about bizarre and horrible things tourists have done to the deer, and then says > In this latest video, Hezumaryu’s actions follow a familiar pattern: leveraging shock value and public indignation to bolster his notoriety. While his confrontations might seem like righteous outrage on the surface, they often serve a more insidious purpose, stoking the flames of xenophobia and societal division. > > His video has amassed over 25 million views, with many Japanese netizens quick to condemn the tourist’s actions. However, some have pointed out that the supposed kick was more of a nudge and argue that the video caters to those eager to consume anti-Chinese content, regardless of the facts. So it’s a little unclear what’s going on there. I visited Nara years ago. Like everyone else, i fed the deer and enjoyed the completely tame animals. So this one feels personal to me. ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 10:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/131 "2024-11-30T10:19:17Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > So it’s a little unclear what’s going on there. This is a different person than the ones showing the tourist kicking the deer or the people putting feces on a cracker. The last guy is Japanese and is trying to create outrage. You saw the video? It doesn’t look that bad and the tourist isn’t acting outrageous, IMHO. The first video of the tourist kicking the deer is really bad behavior, and something you just don’t see in public in Japan. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/132 "2024-11-30T12:50:49Z")
Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2024, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/133 "2024-12-17T21:50:03Z")
Nara’s deer are “gentle creatures” (according to the article)? When we visited, they were about as gentle as the off-brand costumed characters angling for tourists in Times Square or on Hollywood Boulevard. You still shouldn’t abuse them, of course. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/134 "2024-12-18T15:55:09Z")
Sound like the deer on Miyajima Island near the Itsukushima Shrine. If you have a large bag, hold it closely or it is getting rifled through by the deer. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/135 "2024-12-18T16:20:58Z")
On Miyajima Island, the deer rifle you! ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/136 "2024-12-18T16:22:07Z")
Ha! They do! ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/137 "2024-12-18T16:23:16Z")
When I was a kid there was a tourist attraction in SoCal called **[Japanese Village and Deer Park - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Village_and_Deer_Park)**. Which had a compound with a bunch of small deer that you could feed out of hand. Where they genuine Japanese deer? Hellifino. On one visit there one of the deer buried its head up to the shoulders in my Mom’s giant carry-on sized purse and proceeded to munch on pretty much everything in there trying to find something tasty. Took Mom a few seconds to notice what was happening. Quite the surprise. The deer ended up mauling her pocketbook and a few other things. And probably swallowed an unknown something not real good for it. Wow, that was a long time ago. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/138 "2024-12-18T16:40:38Z")
Whenever I see mention of the Nara deer, I think about this old (or recent? What _is_ 2008 now?) TV series where a talking Nara deer tasks a man with saving Japan from a disquieted [earthquake fish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namazu). > **[Shikaotoko Aoniyoshi](https://usagitoneko.wordpress.com/2014/11/05/shikaotoko-aoniyoshi/)** > > It seems appropriate, given the currently airing Kyou wa Kaisha Yasumimasu, to take a look at another Tamaki Hiroshi-Ayase Haruka collaboration, the 2008 drama Shikaotoko Aoniyoshi. This is an unde… ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/139 "2024-12-18T16:53:05Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > When I was a kid there was a tourist attraction in SoCal called **[Japanese Village and Deer Park - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Village_and_Deer_Park)**. Which had a compound with a bunch of small deer that you could feed out of hand. Where they genuine Japanese deer? Hellifino. In my area there was something called the Monkey Park. In my childhood it was a children’s playground with the standard dangerous metal equipment that were standard toys for the time, so I always thought (if I gave it much thought at all) that it was named after monkey bars. But no, when the area was a textile mill town in the early 1900s the space was a park that included a cage full of monkeys and a pen full of deer. Being the dark ages before cell phone cameras, there are no known clear photos of the things in the park, but there are old maps of the layout. In recent decades most of the park/playground was replaced by a grocery store (originally a Bi-Lo, now a Food Lion) and in a local Facebook group people were trying to figure out the layout of the park a hundred years ago. One person estimated the location of the animals as at a certain area in the supermarket. But I pointed out that the deer park should be located on the water aisle. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391/140 "2024-12-18T19:21:12Z")
I’ve been to both Nara and Miyajima multiple times. You don’t need to hand feed them. Just put the feed in your pants pocket and THEY WILL FIND IT. And eat everything else in your pockets too. Seriously, they will go nose into your pockets, feed or not. And they are pushy. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-asshole-tourists-in-japan/1002391.md?page=8)