Aussie tourist's surprise response to backlash over 'disrespectful' stunt in Japan
The young man was filmed inside the popular teamLabs Planets in Tokyo.
An Aussie tourist involved in a questionable social media stunt inside a popular Japanese attraction has defended his actions, even after being called out publicly online by locals.
While visiting in February, the youngster was filmed inside teamLab Planet in Tokyo, an interactive art exhibition popular among tourists. He was shown swimming fully clothed in the ankle-deep water despite it being strictly prohibited.
"Going for a swim at teamLab Tokyo," the traveller known as Lil Mad on TikTok said before diving into the shallow water. He then takes big strokes as he sweeps through the water before being stopped by someone who appears to be a worker at the facility.
Tourist's teamLab Toyko stunt slammed on social media
His video has since gone viral on social media with an Aussie woman living in Japan calling him out this week, and others also criticising the "disrespectful" and "thoughtless" move. The venue's website clearly states "the water area is not for swimming purposes".
"This is why we can't have nice things," Sandy captioned the original video, going on to say it's this behaviour that "ruins it for everyone". She also noted the recent changes to the sought-after Geisha district in Kyoto, another Japanese city, after anti-social tourist behaviour in the area.
Aussie responds to criticism over behaviour in japan
The Aussie man however was not fazed by his online grilling, and after watching Sandy's video wrote a comment defending his actions.
"This place is a tourist attraction, no? Also I got multiple messages from Japanese people saying this was funny?" he wrote. However, many others disagreed.
"Sigh... this is why we hate you tourists," replied one, appearing to be a local in Japan. "You're literally ruining it for everyone else.. for clout," another shared.
"So disrespectful. These types of tourists are the ones ruining tourism in Japan," someone else said. Others simply said "it's not funny".
On the man's original video another mocked, "it’s with things like this that you can tell how intelligent someone is".
Crackdown on unruly tourist behaviour at popular spots
Japan's popularity as a holiday destination has grown exponentially over the last few years — kicking Bali out of the top spot as Aussies’ favourite destination, but an influx of tourists has left a sour taste in the mouths of locals.
The new tourist ban in Gion, Kyoto stemmed from concerns from residents living in the famous geisha district. The outcry urged the city’s government late last year to take action amid a surge of complaints the area’s quaint streets have become a "theme park".
Bali has also made efforts to crack down on unruly foreigners in recent years after claims many continue disrespecting local customs and culture.
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