Ayako Ito, a well-known freelance caster, recently found herself at the center of controversy after she expressed her good intentions of helping foreign tourists aboard the Shinkansen, Japan's famous bullet train. On March 3, 2025, Ito publicly apologized on her blog for her actions, which had stirred significant criticism online.
The incident initially began when Ito wrote about her experience on February 24, 2025, detailing how she had offered her seat to foreign tourists who were seated apart from each other. The story, which she shared on her blog, quickly gained traction, resulting in backlash as some commentators accused her of violating train rules by changing seats without the permission of the train staff.
"I was surprised to receive such criticism for writing about giving my seat to foreign tourists. I didn’t expect it to spark such debate," Ito wrote. Many commenters on social media highlighted concerns about how her actions might disrupt other passengers. They pointed out potential issues, noting, "Certainly, it would be troubling if later passengers found foreigners sitting in their seats, and it could lead to trouble. That’s absolutely correct." This pointed criticism caused Ito to reflect deeply on her actions.
For Ito, the act of offering her seat stemmed from her desire to create a harmonious and enjoyable atmosphere aboard the train. "What I’m doing might be like the meddlesome old lady from the Showa era," she joked, recognizing the cultural nuances of her actions. She has been known for her kindness, frequently finding herself facilitating seat exchanges when she notices travelers, regardless of nationality, who might prefer to sit together.
On her blog, Ito expressed her surprise at how her small act of kindness turned controversial, stating, "The last thing I wanted was to cause any discomfort to fellow passengers. It was my intention to make the ride more pleasant for others." She later added, "I would like to act carefully from now on to avoid causing any inconvenience to everyone." This admission not only showcased her concern for the rules governing train travel but also her dedication to making each trip enjoyable for all.
Despite the backlash, some noted the gray area surrounding kindness and rule-following. Ito's actions sparked conversations around the rigidity of certain regulations on public transport and the human inclination to help others. Reflecting on this, Ito considered the experience to be both humbling and eye-opening, recognizing the importance of balancing kindness with compliance.
Previously, just a month earlier, Ito had another experience where she acted helpfully on the train. She recounted how she had seen a mother with a baby and another child sitting apart. She offered her seat to the mother, hoping to facilitate their comfort. This kindness was appreciated publicly when she was thanked by the train's staff. "I had the belief the conductors also recognized the nuances of these situations and could be flexible," she shared confidently.
The interaction with the mother and her children painted a different picture of train travel, where kindness could weave its way through formal regulations, albeit with care. Ito's reflection on her experiences teaches us about the delicate balance between adhering to rules and offering warmth to fellow passengers.
Through this incident, Ito emphasizes the importance of intention behind actions, encouraging travelers worldwide to think carefully about how they can assist fellow passengers without stepping on toes. The broader conversation surrounding hospitality on public transport continues, and as Ito navigates these waters, she presents herself as both vulnerable and relatable to her audience.
With her apology, Ito not only addressed her specific incident but has also sparked dialogue around the nature of social norms on public transport and how acts of kindness are perceived. Her resolve to approach future situations with greater awareness, including consulting the train's staff before any actions, showcases her commitment to respecting both regulations and the feelings of fellow passengers.
Whether on packed Shinkansen trains or busy city buses, this incident reminds us of the delicate dance we do as we approach interactions with strangers. The kindness we want to share becomes transformative when married with the necessary respect for societal guidelines, and Ito's story serves as both cautionary and inspiring.
Travelers everywhere hold the power to define their journeys—making each one filled with potential moments of compassion, even as they navigate through the sometimes rigid structures of public transport. Ito's honest reflections on her experiences inspire many to reflect on their own actions and the responsibilities they hold to create inclusive spaces during their travels.