Tokyo: Fallout from Vandalism at Meiji Shrine

[@shindenkokonomaru434]

The first torii (the one in this video) has had fences and signs around it for several years now, the second (inner) torii did not have fences around it. The second torii is where the recent vandalism happened.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Thank you! No signal in the for a stream but the story doesn’t change.

[@jazyzamp3056]

I was at the Meiji Shrine on the same exact day the Torii gate got defaced. The shrine, garden, and gates were all beautiful and I'll never forget how amazing it was to visit. It's so frustrating seeing people have no respect for other cultures and vandalize such beautiful property. As an American I'm very disappointed in the man responsible for this.

[@Arturo-sm1tb]

I have not doubt who this criminal voted for in the latest election. No sense of culture and international norms.

[@Justcetriyaart]

It's not just a disrespect to other cultures, it's a disregared to others property. It was obviously intentionally disrespectful. These are the types to jump your fence just to 'take a short cut". You're not supposed to do this to park trees either

[@jazyzamp3056]

@Justcetriyaart absolutely

[@wolfmanml320]

He is 65 years old ?!?!?! Stupidity can happen at any age .

[@mr.kilroy6818]

was the 65 year A-ole drunk' And Jhonny Salami goone do some hard time in a ROK prison which I suspected is going to be hella harder then in japan

[@awfulfalafelwafflerofl2800]

Ya I was shocked when John said how old the guy was.

[@gosikh]

Please please please don’t deface, tag, scribble or spray paint your name in Japan. Keep it clean people.

[@gourmetsportsman]

Been visiting Japan for 30 plus years. Having just came back, over tourism has become pretty annoying. Too many morons are visiting Japan now with a weak yen. It's too bad.

[@AB-tb7bt]

I agree with this. I visited first time pre pandemic and last time last year. Felt completely different. :/ Worst of all is that seems like its tons of American tourists.

[@popwallpaper]

People are getting stupider and stupider as the years go on. I look forward to when I have enough money to visit Japan one day. And I am afraid that won't be possible with all of this stupidy that's happening

[@ghostyx9699]

I just had the pleasure of visiting the Meiji Shrine two weeks ago and it was such a peaceful and memorable visit. It’s completely embarrassing to see this and other situations happen to such a welcoming country, the punishments should absolutely be severe to match the level of disrespect.

[@lancemurray6216]

As an American living in Japan .. I think this person needs 3 months in prison, and maybe $50,000 fine. I think J. Somali got off WAY too easy.

[@mojames2719]

Btw this old 65 white male

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Agreed. I think everyone was shocked how light it was. They just wanted him gone but he became others problem …

[@Zante_on_google]

@@onlyinjapanGO From what I heard he tried the same in South Korea and now will be in a Korean prison for a very very long time.

[@andrewcarmichael8683]

I agree!

[@robertparsons313]

And lifetime ban from returning to Japan.

[@lisafair8168]

I am visiting the Tokyo area now and have been watching this channel for awhile. I am so grateful for all of the helpful information. My friends and I would love to meet sometime for a tea if your available. 😀

[@onlyinjapanGO]

A couple from Germany and a nice guy from Australia biking across the country for a month came ton say hi after the stream! Def come catch me when you’re in town. Thank you for watching ^_^ I really appreciate it!

[@johnbrennan9584]

I have also seen KZbinrs calling out influence chasers acting badly/ foolishly on Japanese subways and other places to get reactions from Japanese citizens. This vandalism and influence chasing are embarrassing to the USA.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

It’s not a good look. Social media has ruined travel in many way. Does the good outweigh the bad? To be honest, I loved traveling back in 1996-2003 when the internet was dial up and smartphone didn’t exist! I’d say net bad from 2014-2024 with the smartphone.

[@Larsblikman]

@@onlyinjapanGOI believe it was way better even then! But to be honest, I think the problem grew after 2020. My first time in Japan in 2017 was perfect and not many tourists or influencers at all, I enjoyed so much, visited 2018 and 2019 as well, still perfect. In 2023 it was absolutely the worst in Tokyo. Next year I will live in Tokyo and might even regret it a little. They annoyed me much 🥲. 99% of the tourist don’t even like Japan or understand it but just want to be popular or something idk

[@alfoncesmithe]

This news is very sad, what on earth was this guy thinking of at his age? he should have know better, I think those Torii gates are newish as I have been coming to japan for over 7 years and they look very new with in the last 16 months and I always photograph them, April 2023 they where very dark grey this year as you can see they are New, thanks John for doing this video. If people have this mindset they should not visit Japan. Did you know you can buy sent free deodorant t in japan. Best wishes John

[@bcluett1697]

They said he was there with his parents I thought. So he might not have wanted to be there and decided to cause a stir for his own reasons be that revenge to make them angry or memes to impress his social media. Definitely selfish reasons whatever they were.

[@kyalumtwin]

I was at Meiji when i visited several years ago on a weekday in the early morning. It was totally empty of other tourists. It's an amazing site to visit.

[@iceman24life]

I believe $5000 fine for first offense with public apology and deportation. 2nd offense $15,000 public apology and deportation with no entry into Japan for 5 years.

[@rockon8174]

10 years.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

If Japan lets it get to a second offense, I think the first offense wasn’t steep enough so double that fine! No second chances for visitors. Citizens - can’t deport them, they get a second chance. Good thing I’m not PM!

[@PCP-ov7nj]

We went there around january 2020 and there were no tourists. I miss how peaceful and quite it was.

[@dbl0fluff]

I agree with that thought. Tourism is beneficial but if you are a visitor then respect for the rules and shrines , etc. must be respected. Disrespect reflects heavily not only on the person but on the country they came from and on others.

[@jarihult]

I didn’t saw this completely but i still liked this 😎I don’t get that somebody wants to liberately break up things and the vandalism in general , i never had and i never will😳Thank you for sharing this 🙂👍!!!

[@user-upt6j6hk15]

There’s also an American kid who was arrested for arson last month, he set four houses on fire while vacationing with his family.

[@BeyondTravelsPH]

Well, Enjoy the rest of your day, I will catch you on the next live soon and Thanks for the short tour John.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Thank you ^_^

[@alittlebitofskye]

On the go karts…. I was in at tokyu plaza in Harajuku and saw that them from above. The group leader actually took off his seat belt and took photos of people in karts behind him. Then sat texting on his phone until the lights turned green, putting on his seat belt after accelerating off.

[@ndyajeff]

So infuriating !

[@woutervandenworm]

When visiting Japan i really got annoyed by groups of foreign people and even their foreign guides who where really talking loud at shrines and temples. Just show your respect or just don’t visit Japan anyway. Why do i have the feeling that some westerners feel superior over all cultures.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

This is correct, even I make this mistake by try my very best to stay as quiet as possible. Respect the people around you - and they’ll respect you too. Works well in Japan.

[@Zante_on_google]

@@onlyinjapanGO I hope so: moving to the country in January.

[@Mesue1234]

I am so sadden by this. He should be banned from ever coming back. I cannot believe people have such disrespect.

[@WilhelmTheWise]

Even here in America you could have a giant sign on a nature trail like no dogs allowed or no biking and you will still see people with dogs and bikes. It's like people think rules are just suggestions.

[@susanpurcell3120]

Evening from the U.K and it's disgusting, can't believe it this is sad to hear 😮

[@mschococat]

Well, theres so much i could say about this... I thank my mother for raising me with a proper moral structure. And im not American lol

[@onlyinjapanGO]

It really does feel like your upbringing the way you were raised plays a big impact on how you act, react in real, every day life.

[@landspide]

Shocking what happened to Meiji Jingu!! 🤬 Great to finally meet you today! I forgot to mention that I tried a couple of other times and just missed you when I first arrived in early September. Also... that you inspired me to get off my butt and visit/ride Japan!! Such an amazing place, full to the brim of the very best things in life; the whole country should be world heritage protected ❤ Definitely will be back. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas! :David

[@ricodemarco]

Whenever I visit Tokyo my first stop is Meiji Jingu Shrine to pay my respects. I was there many years ago, it was raining and I had my umbrella open. I remember thinking that I should have brought a larger bulldog clip with me on my trip to keep my receipts together. When I reached the second torii gate I saw a bulldog clip on the ground the size I needed. Maybe a coincidence but I think differently. So when I reach the second torii gate I stop to press my hand against the pillar. I can feel the power and strength of the gate and I feel as though I can absorb the knowledge of the gate. It's really transcendental. I've always touched the pillar with respect.

[@adamf3113]

Tourists should respect the laws of every country, especially Japan. Enjoy and immerse yourself in the culture and respect the rules, laws and each other. Deport all these people who break the rules and show no respect. Can’t wait to visit Japan again and explore new places and have a great time! Great work John!

[@cytokinestorm4868]

wow, that area sure has changed since I was there in 2012. I guess time marches on. I think the dude should be fined the amount it costs to fix. I believe that the police can keep adding another 23 days to your jail stay for as long as it takes for you to confess.

[@Genshin_Impact_is_life]

The meiji shrine is my most favorite place to visit when I come to Japan.

[@heartthrobheart6288]

Very sad to see some people have no admiration for shrines or cultural monuments. Majority of people visiting Japan want to enjoy this beautiful country with its great sites and places to visit. Maybe it would be good to somehow use this incident to spread awareness how people should behave when visiting other countries. You’re representing your country when you’re abroad act wisely

[@BarneyLeith]

Appalling action and such utter lack of respect by the tourist! The Maiji Shrine and its surroundings are very beautiful and spiritual. My wife and I visited in October last year while we were staying with our family in Tokyo.

[@banana_necessary]

Detention and 6 months hard labour. They can use the labour to clean up some of the depopulated islands. Its not like they can swim away in most areas as currents can be quite bad.

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

My artist friend Noriko from Okinawa was here in Canada. When we were walking around town she would sometimes point at the grafitti tags and say (in her charming Japanese accent) "OHHH...Vandalism"!

[@mikechun4734]

He should have his passport suspended

[@moriganbecks4811]

Public shaming may be unwanted in japan and other Asian countries, but doesn't exist in America.

[@alexanderpalidian8864]

I’m planning a trip to Japan, and I’m just scared everytime I see stuff like this. I feel so bad and guilty that someone dose this to such a beautiful and religious place.

[@KariHaruka]

What's frustrating, aside from the mindless vandalism that's being committed, is how this puts all foreigners under a bad light.... 30+ million tourists are coming to Japan each year and 99.9999% will go home without causing incidents. However, you just need that 0.0001% to do something and it'll be in the national news. But I completely agree, that when a tourist does commit a crime, that the Japanese criminal system does need to tackle it with a hard approach. And dare I say it, make an example out of them too, to try and deter other idiotic tourists from committing crimes in the future. And side note.. Since when has there been a cafe by the entrance of Meiji Shrine? Now makes me think of how long it's been since I last visited that area... The last time that I visited the shrine was back in early 2019!

[@Aiken47]

I’m the same about perfumes just a touch at best, not showered in it. BO first thing in the morning is a pet peeve then by the late afternoon well I can’t guess how hard they’ve worked, but I’m not a fan.

[@kevinreily2529]

This is a really terrible thing for foreigners living in Japan, and also for other foreigners visiting.

[@dwalker6868]

Sad, sad sad I don’t understand it. Thank you for the information though.

[@TATOOINETABLEFLIP]

Hey John, would you mind if I used a couple of screenshots of the sign at the Torii if I credit you? This would be used over a couple of socials for a post about this crime. Cheers, and great video! Thanks for reporting on this!

[@shaboopie12]

It really upsets me when I hear about things like this. I've wanted to go to Japan for over a decade, but due to fate and unforeseen circumstances, I have not been able to. I can't believe these ignorant, selfish people who make tourists seem ungrateful.

[@NoraNoita]

3:00 Well, european church doors are also made of wood, and people have vandalized them too.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

By tourists or local idiots? Here, even local idiots don’t do such a thing at all shrine.

[@TheScratchingKiwi]

Fascinated by 'no loitering' showing a person sitting. Knowing Japan, there will be a maximum amount of time where 'resting' becomes 'loitering'. Not everyone wants to sit in a café, Nature and the Kami's home is far more healing. To be fair, the vast majority of temple/shrine vandalism has been done by Chinese tourists. Somehow, I do not see Japan staunching those visitors to protect their country's cultural assets!

[@porsche9302]

I just came back from my yearly trip to Tooooooookyo. I cant wait to back again next year.

[@AlvinKazu]

I believe that people should have their Passport's suspended, or at least there should be something tagged to the passport so that countries know this person is a "high-risk" and had incidents of vandalism. If people do crimes in other countries, the rest of the world should know. Their own country should most likely know too, but not sure what would happen for own citizens. I don't think it's good to see people being punished by both their own and other countries.

[@linhrom7227]

the fact that he was 65 showed how uneducated he is. I remember when we were in YEAR 1 here in Australia and on a field trip, one of the kid tried to carve his name on the stone somewhere, the teacher told us not to and explained. Still remember until this day. I was 6 years old. This dude is 65.....

[@tapunan]

Hmmmm .. Logan Paul, Johnny Somali, some other dudes dancing on trains / not paying train fares, that British dude playing loud music. What were their penalties? Just a slap on the wrist to nothing - maybe Japan needs to start giving out harsher punishments. So much KZbin videos about keeping quiet in trains but the reality is that nothing really happens. Heck it was even a Korean guy who confronted that British dude and a white guy who punched Somali back.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

It’s a growing list … 😢

[@StrikeFreedom78]

I have always wanted to go to Japan, but hearing that other tourist foreigners disrespect the culture by acting like a nuisance and defacing a monument really upsets and angers me to the highest degree. These kinds of foreigners are ruining the experience for everyone else who want to learn and take in the culture. I don't understand why these people would do this, and it breaks my heart that these people don't learn or just don't care about the consequences. This stems from apathy, callousness, selfishness, and lack of accountability.

[@awfulfalafelwafflerofl2800]

How else is one supposed to let people know that they were at a place???

[@Bredaxe]

That Somali guy isn't making it out of Korea for a few years.

[@lioness77alfar]

I do not understand why anyone would do such a horrible thing and someone that old should have more sense. You respect wherever you are.

[@marilyndesantos4806]

As a westerner I feel ashamed and I wasn’t even there!

[@onlyinjapanGO]

No need g ok feel ashamed for what others do. Visitors to Japan should recognize this is an issue and he’ll authorities if they see crime happening, even if it’s just a guy finger nailing a gate. That’s what locals would do if they say it. It’s not a tourists job to do it but it’s helpful to stop the damage from going further. Now, if I were in prison, I wouldn’t snitch. Snitches get stitches!!

[@KK-tr8tf]

It's sad but there are idiots everywhere! These idiots are usually self-absorbed and self-entitled. Start with the ones letting their kids running loose everywhere 😡

[@Pitman33]

I wonder if you can give your feedback on if it's possible or are there any options for a retired foreigner to live in Japan. I know there isn't a retirement visa, but are there any other paths?

[@kezbot2]

Unfortunately stupidity has no age barrier, but you'd expect a 65 year old to show some respect to a national monument. I wonder if he'd deface the Statue of Liberty (as an example)? One way to curb the overtourism is to stop ridiculously low airfares into Japan. Yes, I'm looking at you, Jetstar.

[@chriswheeler6092]

The Headlines here have been about the trial of a man who was able to enter the country illegally and murder a nursing student. This is like the fifth one that I have heard about recently.I say that just so you have some idea as to what kind of crimes American citizens are exposed to. I think that Japan is a beautiful place and I don't like hearing about people doing things like that, but I think that some people may see it as a small thing because they have been desensitized to crime. Graffiti is everywhere and some people even see it as Art.

[@kamilamirov2286]

how could this happen.. I've been there on October 29 and there were the fences already

[@jackmercer4244]

this could be fake news

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Ah, I pinned another comment about more details to this comment section - I’ve not been here for a while. The fences were new to me but the vandalism happened inside more where there was no signal to stream from.

[@MrDvneil]

as you stated, 300 dollars fine is not near what it should be to, should be more around 5k-10k, up to 100k depending on the damages, is like the 60euros fine for entering private not allowed areas on some streets, is ridiculous. people will keep doing. just keep in mind, the chances to catch these people doing this is low, so the effective fine = FINE x chances to get caught, so people that doesnt respect public properties and japan culture doesnt perceive any dangers when damaging it.

[@eclairesdesertjungle]

I think, too, that Japan is so lax because they care so much about what the world thinks of them and don't wanna be labeled "racist" for enforcing harsher tourism laws. Japan was so closed of for so long and the rest of the world thought of them a certain way, that they don't wanna be labeled as such. Which I think is sad. They should put their country and citizens first, who cares what the world thinks and especially what the internet thinks.

[@BatakGemblung]

This incident and attetion seeker influncer andtiktokers etc.. seriously, really effects of too many tourists. Japan needs to make japan visa more strict and also strict with penalties for foreigners.. just copy Singapore. Seriously!!

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Stricter for sure. Entry, well - no reason to penalize the 99.9% who are decent good people. It’s about holding those who break a law accountable like locals would be.

[@smitie1405]

Sadly vandalism by tourists has been going on since ancient times and even though we should know better in modern times it will never go away.

[@ferewtrette]

I know that this is not a video relevant but for temples and castle I've read online that it's best to go to these places early what time do you guys recommend if you have already been to Japan I assume it's quite early like 6/7 am? Thanks

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Kyoto? Before it opens. Any where else, it’s not such an issue IMO except on certain holidays.

[@moxavenger]

Liking the tourist detention center idea. News media could release interviews with really old guys in raggedy clothes who say they've been interned for years and years.

[@musatori]

my cat and my neighbor's dog do this on the pole or walls, marking their remnants/scent. Wondering how similar some citizen in the world did; vandalism should be dragged and thought into that level. Act of feral-territory marking

[@robhulings1520]

I'm disgusted by the thoughtless stupidity that exists with some people.

[@nightshadegiggle]

oh no this is so sad, where was the security guards? 😢

[@dasnack]

"Three names, that's not a good sign" made me snort laugh.

[@wctoronto]

Hey John, I think the American tourist defaced the inner gate just at the entrance of the shrine and not the first gate at the main entrance near Harajuku station. I was there on Oct 2nd and when I look back at my photos and videos, the first gate was already fenced in before this incident occurred. The scratches you’ve shown on the first gate were probably damage from prior to this recent incident.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

You’re probably right - there’s no signal inside and it’s as far as I wish to go without a permit. I was disturbed to see the vandalism on this gate anyhow and see the fence. I bet the other Torii gate has one too.

[@wctoronto]

@@onlyinjapanGOYes, I wouldn’t be surprised if they have already fenced in the inner gate or are in the process of constructing it. In the news articles, the inner gate was not fenced in yet when the photo was taken. Sadly, the fence somewhat takes away from the beauty of the gate. The wood on these gates are so beautiful. I see them as works of art apart from having significant spiritual meaning to Japan.

[@ClefairyFairySnowflake]

Vandalism in any country is very frustrating. I think they should suspend his visa for a certain amount of time. Seems fair enough to me.

[@aa240sx]

that stinks - the torii gate aesthetic is completely ruined when you put a fence around it. Makes me think about that iconic torii gate located in the ocean. Imagine putting a gate around that? It would immediately become an eyesore. bummer.

[@oooppiikkk]

i mean independence is huge in places like the US, that's why I think homicide is high vs society based places like Japan where suicide is more high. Shaming don't mean a damn thing but free publicity like the Paul brothers

[@snakeplisskin8151]

Ill never understand what goes on in people's heads to do stuff like this. I was here last year, i was more concerned about getting my bow correct as i passed under, but people will go ahead and deface these gates.

[@linhrom7227]

OMG Jon, its GENETIC! thats why many countries in SEA dont even sell DEODORANT. But all of the WEST do! get some search on this topic pls!

[@kwongwahwong6289]

I think the problem with punishing tourist may have a little to do with the Japanese mindset when it comes to foreigners generally. I tried to be aware of Japanese etiquette and tried to learn as much as possible, but before I arrived in Japan, the company lady recruiter that hired me told me not to worry too much saying the Japanese will just brush it off "it's a foreigner, it's ok they don't know"... Granted this is almost two decades ago now (~2007), but I think this mind set is why the Japanese legal system has been somewhat lackluster when it comes to misbehaving tourists. The reluctance of the Japanese to enter into a confrontation can lead to people just pushing the boundaries just a little too far. IN a way it's not just damaging the sites of Japan, but in the long term damaging to the Japanese culture of tolerance and non confrontation, since so many tourist vandals are just taking advantage of it.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Perhaps, I think it’s changing as a direct consequence of these repeated actions. How much can they take without increasing the penalties to discourage people? No one (who’s sane) is going to break the law in Singapore. That’s one country where tourists best respect the law. For decent people, this is never an issue.

[@Jamess_z33]

I didn’t skim the comments yet, but those signs were there before this incident.

[@Orodreth888]

I was wondering why everybody walked around it. Then it clicked that not everybody wants to enter the spirit world.

[@jantravis4616]

Respect, decency and common sense is nonexistent in some idiots 😢 why were they in Japan if they can't have any Respect for the culture?!

[@jackmercer4244]

1:35 ha ha, never heard that before. "Notorious criminals are frequently known by three names" Dang, I've got three names...

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Me too, but I’ll keep that to myself. (Japanese don’t have middle names, can’t add them on birth crrtificates so they’re lucky 😂 )

[@TenchiBushi]

Unfortunately there is systemic disrespect because of how local authorities handle these issues. People come to see what they can get away with. That mindset has been passed on. I feel that Ramsey Ishmael was dealt with lazily. He left Japan not learning anything but having more disrespect & a card to continue with his shenanigans.

[@lyndathorne9426]

It would be very appropriate if passports were voided and tourists deported when they abuse the privilege of visiting another country

[@surft]

John should really do his research. Lots of people are wrongly convicted in Japan. Most of the convictions are through coerced confessions, that is why it is so high. There was even a case of wrongful conviction of a man in death row for 45 years recently. Educate yourself before talking about it.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Thank you. (Home many though?) I do know that police are known to be touch I. Interrogations, coerce people with sleep deprivation etc. and the justice system is one I NEVER want to experience. NEVER. A reason to be a model resident. (High standards.) If they nab you, they have a reason for it. But you are right, there are some high profile mistakes that turn my stomach and I am glad you mentioned it.

[@linhrom7227]

John, i hate perfume but ppl with certain genetic have terrible smell (quite a large percentage in the world actually). I'm lucky to be in those similar to japanese that have no smell. But those that do, can sting up the whole Shinjuku station. So pls let those use perfume. I dont want to suffocate.

[@DDB168]

When you're deported, it can (but not always) be stamped in your passport. In the Johnny Somali example, I am guessing his passport was not stamped (would love to know officially), otherwise how did he get into Korea? Japan needs to get strict about deporting wrong do'ers but stamping their passports and making it very difficult for them to travel anywhere, ever again. That by itself is quite a punishment (at a minimum).

[@gosikh]

No comfort in the detention center. No internet, no TV, only newspapers and sudoku. Perhaps volunteering to keep detention center clean to get internet access. Msg app only, no video or audio.

[@Scotty-Dont]

I like the idea of using the real names of trolls. Shame doesn’t work on them but at least we don’t build their brand

[@Scotty-Dont]

But it does mean we have to remember their names 🤦

[@nelsontan8178]

tourists should be there to enjoy not destroy...so obey the law, respect the people and the culture...or face the consequences... no matter which country they come from...look what spain's local people doing to tourists...do they want to be treated like that...

[@awildcyclistappears]

Literally elementary school behavior. Dang.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

At age 65 🤦🏻‍♂️ it’s bizarre the kind of people coming here since Japan’s become a trendy destination.

[@awildcyclistappears]

@@onlyinjapanGO Like, I am trying to visualize, what sort of stuff need to happen in your head to come up with such idea. Super failing at that.

[@ONLYinANTARCTICA]

6:32 On a brighter note no Antarcticans vandalized any gates or buildings in Japan. The crime rate in Antarctica is low. Even lower then Japan’s crime rate! 😮 Although, you do have the odd penguin stealing another’s penguin’s meal (a.k.a. fish). Unfortunately, those don’t always get reported 😢 So, the key takeaway is Antarctica’s crime rate is subjective 😕

[@Kaaru5344]

I really hope that guy goes to jail for a while. Super sad.

[@neubro1448]

Also the content creators disturbing the public with dancing and circus acts. Example there's a video of Tiktok star Delgado dancing in a train disturbing passengers. The 2018 Gegege no Kitaro series had an episode of a streamer causing trouble tampering with yokai seals and turning into a tree. Tourist detention center? Sounds like an episode of The Simpsons which naturally was banned in Japan. Bart and Homer in jail doing painting and tea ceremony.

[@GeoffSeeley]

“Two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I am not yet completely sure about the universe.” - Albert Einstein

[@LuisMCTrabuco]

Sad, quite sad.

[@graceho7845]

This doesn’t only apply to Japan. But there always these crazy people who travel around and do their things. They don’t care about the rules. It can’t be helped. But Japanese is in particular very strict in terms of these actions among development countries. I understand the Japanese mind set, but they need to put more effort in protecting the significant heritage. A guard may not be a bad idea

[@toejamearl6459]

“we wouldn’t go and vandalize a european church”……but it happens as well.

[@Arturo-sm1tb]

Anyone doing this surely has a sad, pathetic life, desperately searching for attention. Should receive prison time.

[@pauld9261]

The way things are going with Johnny he wont be going anywhere for the next 10-20 years.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Karma catching up. Will Korea help the next country by locking him up? Let the justice system run its course.

[@MJBsays]

I don't think that fines or jail works for these kinds of idiots. They will just go and do it elsewhere. What they (not just JP but every country) need to do is an international treaty whereby if someone is doing vandalism they are deported to their home country and their passport revoked for x years preferably at least 10 until they grow some wisdom in that thick head of theirs. Basically treat it like a DUI, they revoke your license, so do vandalism get your passport revoked.

[@dcallan812]

The only things you should be leaving in a temple is a wish and a donation.

[@greenmoss9079]

You would think that this old man would find something better to do with his trip than messing with a tori gate at his age! It's embarrassing and it's disappointing I guess banning badly behaved people may certainly help. You don't need money from that type of tourist!

[@tkyap2524]

Fine, jail, and declared persona non grata. People travel to enjoy themselves not get into mischief.