American tourists have long been known for their adventurous spirit, but occasionally, some cross the line from exploration to outright vandalism. Recently, this was illustrated when Steven Lee Hayes, a 65-year-old American visitor, was arrested for allegedly defacing the iconic Meiji Shrine, one of Tokyo's most cherished cultural landmarks.
On November 13, 2024, Hayes was taken by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police on suspicion of property damage after he reportedly carved letters representing his family name onto the shrine's traditional wooden torii gate. This act, which was said to involve the use of his fingernails, was caught on the facility's surveillance cameras, leading to his quick identification and arrest.
According to reports, Hayes's intentions were less premeditated and more impulsive, as he later admitted to "writing his family members' names" on the shrine structure. This created quite the stir, considering the historical significance of the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, who played pivotal roles in the modernization of Japan.
The shrine, dating back to 1920, stands as not only a site of worship but also a beautiful park space, located close to the sprawling Yoyogi Park. It was once destroyed during World War II but has since been revered and rebuilt, making this defacement particularly unsettling for locals and visitors alike.
Following the incident, officials laid out the potential legal consequences for Hayes, indicating he faces up to three years behind bars or fines reaching up to 300,000 yen, approximately $1,900. The vandalism case has raised alarms not only due to the act itself but also because it reflects broader issues concerning tourist behavior as Japan experiences unprecedented visitor numbers.
Japan has been welcoming large groups of travelers this year, with figures surging as the country recovers from the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. By August 2024, over 24 million tourists had visited, prompting concerns from residents about issues of etiquette and respect, especially around traditional and sacred sites.
Hayes's case isn't the first time tourists have sparked controversy. Earlier this year, international headlines covered the actions of visitors disrespecting local customs, including instances of bodily functions conducted behind sacred structures. Just this past October, another foreigner received backlash for posting videos of herself exercising on shrine gates, prompting apologies and calls for respectful behavior.
Such incidents have led to discussions about implementing stricter regulations and etiquette for visitors. For example, the authorities were forced to erect barriers at popular sites like Mount Fuji to manage the influx of tourists crowding roadways for perfect photo opportunities. Recent months have also seen the introduction of entry fees for hiking trails to help manage visitor flow.
Local residents have expressed growing frustration with the disregard shown by some tourists, particularly around historic cities like Kyoto, where instances of harassment of geishas have been reported. Such behavior has not only elicited disappointment but has also pushed city officials to take action to restore some peace at traditionally quiet cultural sites.
Despite the enchanting allure of Japan and its rich history, actions like those of Hayes must serve as reminders of the importance of respecting local customs and traditions. With the global community still bouncing back from a pandemic, the hope remains for mutual respect between tourists and locals. Only time will tell if travelers reflect on these lessons during their visits.
