Influencer slammed for disrespectful acts across Japan
A Russian influencer has sparked controversy as she filmed herself performing a number of disrespectful acts during her time in Japan.
The woman, who commands a substantial following of over 2.7 million individuals on social media platforms, ignited a significant wave of criticism following the posting of several pictures and videos depicting her engaging in activities deemed inappropriate at a Japanese hotel and within Nara Park.
The initial controversy arose from images and a video shared by the influencer showing her applying makeup and subsequently cutting her own hair while in an open-air bath (onsen) at a Japanese hotel.
This conduct was swiftly met with a considerable outpouring of disapproval from online communities.
Adding to the public outcry, another post surfaced showing the influencer engaging in the potentially hazardous, and quite obviously disrespectful, act of feeding wild deer directly by mouth in the renowned Nara Park.
This particular post has also drawn considerable criticism, with many expressing concern that it could inadvertently mislead viewers into believing that copying these actions would be acceptable.
The first video that has become the subject of much debate, titled “My Morning Routine,” is believed to have been filmed in the scenic setting of an open-air bath at an unidentified hotel.
The influencer is believed to have visited popular tourist destinations in Japan during the month of March, including the Shibuya district in Tokyo and the historically rich city of Kyoto.
In the first heavily criticized incident, the woman is shown commencing her morning routine by applying makeup while leisurely soaking in a public open-air bath.
Following this, she proceeds to pick up a pair of scissors and abruptly begins to cut her hair above the bath water.
The video can be considered disrespectful for a number of reasons, not least of all due to the fact that the influencer was filming in a public bath.
Whilst a public bath is by its nature a shared space, it is expected that you would not be subjected to potentially being caught in someone’s video whilst enjoying a soak, or have to share the space with someone using the bath as a prop for social media content.
The act of cutting her hair into the bath shows a blatant disregard for others sharing the same space and basic common sense would suggest such an act would not be looked upon kindly.
In response to this incident, Haruki Ishikawa, representing the National Ryokan and Hotel Association, articulated strong disapproval, stating:
“It’s purely a nuisance. There is concern and anxiety that overseas influencers spreading incorrect bathing methods and Japanese culture may cause others to commit disrespectful acts.”
The online reaction to the influencer’s behavior has been overwhelmingly critical, with numerous comments expressing dismay and concern.
Examples of the sentiments shared online include: “Because you have influence, please be careful about posting things that could lead to a breach of etiquette,” and “It feels like Japanese culture is being tarnished.”
These comments highlight the public’s perception that the influencer’s actions demonstrate a lack of respect for Japanese customs as well as a basic lack of common sense and decency.
There is also understandable concern that the promotion of any act that can be seen as disrespectful would potentially encourage others to do the same.
Further compounding the controversy, the Russian influencer also engaged in potentially dangerous behavior during a visit to Nara Park, a location famous for its freely roaming wild deer, which are designated as a national natural treasure.
A video captured the woman being chased by one of the deer, as well as feeding another directly from her mouth.
Whilst the woman being chased by a deer is a sight that many will see throughout Nara Park, due to the fact that many deer can become a little too friendly if they believe you may have rice crackers to feed them, it’s unclear as to whether the woman actively sought to engage in such a situation purely to create social media content.
The act of feeding a deer from her mouth however cannot be construed as anything but attempting to create controversial or ‘viral’ content. This particular act has angered many locals who consider the woman’s actions ‘unforgivable’.
In response to this concerning behavior, the Nara Park Office of the prefecture has issued an urgent appeal for caution, stating, “Deer are wild animals and can become aggressive, which could lead to personal injury, so please do not approach them carelessly.”
It should go without saying that if you plan to visit Nara Park, you should only feed deer the “deer senbei”, or “deer crackers”, sold by vendors around the park, and you should only do so by hand, not any other body part.
Nara Park authorities have recently broadened the scope of regulations regarding “harmful acts” towards the deer that roam the area, advising that they will actively pursue legal action against anyone found to be engaging in acts that could cause harm or distress.
Despite numerous attempts made by various media outlets to reach out to the influencer in question for a response to the widespread criticism of her actions, as of the latest reports, she has not yet issued any public statement or provided any form of reply to the concerns raised.
For anyone considering visiting Japan, it’s important to remember that whilst it can be exciting to be in what for many is a dream destination, this is no excuse to engage in disrespectful behavior.
You should still act with common courtesy and respect for others, as well as trying to adhere as closely as possible to any cultural or societal norms in Japan.
Sources: FNN
Images: © FNN
