"Korean Snacks Discarded in Japanese Park by Koreans... Truly Thoughtless": Female City Councilor Faces Backlash for Stirring Controversy

A Japanese woman sparked controversy after posting criticism of Korean tourists visiting Nara Park, a major tourist attraction in Nara Prefecture, Japan. She highlighted Korean snacks discarded in the park and called out what she described as irresponsible behavior by Korean visitors. However, Japanese netizens pointed out that it was impossible to definitively say Koreans were responsible and criticized her for inciting xenophobia.

Hez Mari, a city council member of Nara City, and his spouse, YouTuber "Sijjang," sparked controversy by claiming that Korean tourists littered in Nara Park, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Sijjang X

원본보기 아이콘

Sijjang, the spouse of Hez Mari, a Nara City council member and a YouTuber, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on the 19th, stating, "Korean snacks were thrown away in the deer park. There was still content left inside, which is truly thoughtless." Nara Park is a deer park located in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, in western Honshu.

She continued, "Chinese and Korean trash stands out. What exactly are tourists trying to do when they visit Japan? If the deer eat it, it could be dangerous." She added, "Foreigners who act as they please should leave quickly," and asserted, "I will not forgive anyone who abuses the deer."

In subsequent posts, Sijjang shared photos of snack boxes and their contents labeled in Korean, warning, "Chocolate snacks can be poisonous to animals," and urging, "Do not discard them where deer can reach them."

As of October 22, this post had gone viral with over 3 million views, but it also faced strong backlash within Japan. Many argued that it was difficult to conclude that Korean or other foreign tourists were responsible for the litter, and accused her of fueling xenophobia. Online, there was a growing sentiment that "It's good to pick up trash, but you should leave your prejudices behind."

Photo of abandoned Korean snacks revealed by YouTuber 'Sijang'. Sijang X

원본보기 아이콘

Many Japanese netizens pointed out, "Those snacks are sold in Japan as well, so how can you say a foreigner threw them away?" and "How many people actually carry their own country's snacks when traveling abroad?" Others commented, "Who would intentionally bring new snacks just to throw them away?" and "It could have been a Japanese person. Provide evidence before blaming foreigners." There were also comments such as, "If it was a Japanese person harassing the deer, would you be just as angry then?"

Meanwhile, Sanae Takaichi, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Japan, also argued during the Liberal Democratic Party leadership race last September that measures were needed to address foreign tourists allegedly abusing deer at Nara Park. However, there were no confirmed cases of deer abuse at the time, and her remarks were interpreted as a political statement aimed at supporters with anti-immigration sentiments.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.