Sign appears in Harajuku telling tourists to “go to hell” as anti-foreigner sentiment appears to rise in Japan

A sign in Tokyo’s popular Harajuku district has caused a stir, as it contains a rather blunt message towards some tourists.

Harajuku has historically been known as the center of Tokyo’s alternative fashion scene, with styles such as decora and lolita popular amongst some of the most well known amongst visitors to the area.

The ever busy Takeshita Street located in Harajuku was once a mecca of fashion stores, with many brands choosing to house their flagship stores on the street.

Takeshita Street and the surrounding area attracts a large number of tourists everyday

In recent years, many brands have either closed or moved their Harajuku presence from Takeshita Street to other areas to avoid the increasingly commercialized and tourist centric direction the shops on the street seem to have moved towards.

What was once a bustling street full of stores dedicated to the best of Japanese alternative fashion has become somewhat of a tourist trap, with many stores now vacant or replaced with character goods or capsule toy stores that appeal to foreign visitors.

A sign that has recently appeared in the entrance to Dog, a vintage fashion store, located in nearby Harajuku Street appears to be fighting back against this trend, as it delivers a stern message towards tourists who are visiting the area for non fashion related purposes.

The sign uses strong language to express their feelings about tourists

The sign, pictured above, tells tourists who are not interested in fashion that they are “not welcome”, however the message seems to gradually escalate, as tourists are then told to “go home”, before the final line delivers a rather indelicate message, telling them to “go to hell”.

It’s fairly uncommon for such messages to be posted publicly, with many Japanese natives instead choosing to air grievances on social media, where they can remain anonymous.

This is also not the first time that this particular store has posted this type of message, as a similar pair of posters were previously displayed alongside and additional one that stated group tourists were not welcome.

A previous sign at the same location advises “group tourists” not to enter

This message does however come at a time of heightened tensions in many areas over a perceived lack of respect for the country of Japan from tourists, which hasn’t been helped by a number of incidents that have either been directly caused by foreign visitors, or have been pinned on immigration or tourism by locals.

Recent incidents include two cases whereby American tourists have brought guns into Japan, with one stating he did so accidentally, whilst the second stated ominously that he “wished to visit the Osaka-Kansai Expo”, leading police to investigate a potential link to terrorist activities.

Other less serious, but nonetheless frustrating for locals, have included a shrine in western Japan that introduced a “tourist ban” due to an “unforgiveable incident” of disrespect and two reported cases of pickpocketing in Tokyo – one in Asakusa and another in Tsukiji Market – both of which appeared to be carried out by foreign visitors to Japan.

Some cases, such as a recent incident of vandalism to vending machines in Kamakura, have led natives to blame immigration or tourism, despite no arrests being made as yet.

It’s clear by online sentiment that there is a potential rising tide of anti-foreigner views in certain quarters, which will no doubt be amplified by right-wing political groups, such as the Conservative Party of Japan, who are traditionally opposed to immigration amongst other values it views as being “untraditional”.

The Harajuku are of Tokyo is hugely popular with tourists as well as with locals

The appearance of this latest sign in Harajuku draws parallels with signs that have been seen at some food establishments where foreign tourists are told they are not welcome, either due to a language barrier or due to restaurants experiencing issues with foreign guests, such as not paying or being disrespectful to staff.

Some restaurants have even been known to display signs that tell foreign visitors they are not welcome in English, Chinese or Korean, whilst also displaying an alternative message in Japanese for local patrons stating a message such as “If you can read this message, you can enter. Only foreigners are not allowed.”

This sign outside a Kyoto area restaurant advises English and Chinese speakers that there is no room available, but the smaller Japanese text advises locals they can enter without issue

It should be stated that the vast majority of people in Japan are incredibly receptive and accommodating of tourists, with the country having a reputation globally as being a safe and welcoming environment for anyone wishing to visit.

These recent incidents, whilst isolated in nature, have however allowed certain groups to enhance their narratives and persuade those who may previously have been indifferent to foreign visitors that they should change their opinion.

This shouldn’t be a major cause of concern for any foreign nationals living in, or planning a trip to, Japan however, as many natives understand that the isolated actions of some do not indicate that all foreigners will act in the same way. It goes without saying that, in any country, you should be respectful of local practices and values to ensure that your stay is as trouble free as possible.