TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – An Australian tourist sparked outrage among Japanese netizens after he chugged a drink offered at a cemetery in early August 2025. The tourist uploaded a video of himself at the cemetery on social media, drawing widespread criticism.
As reported by Sora News24, the video showed the man approaching a grave where a canned chu-hi cocktail was left as an offering to the deceased by family members, friends, or loved ones. The male tourist walked up to the gravestone, placed a coin on it, then took a can, opened it, and drank the contents. He then gestured to clink the empty can against the gravestone, as if making a toast.
In Japanese culture, such behavior is unacceptable. Food and drinks left at graves are offerings meant to honor the deceased, not beverages to be consumed. Moreover, the Australian man jokingly referred to them as vending machines or supermarket counters, sparking outrage.
Donations at temples and sacred places in Japan are to be placed in offering boxes located in the main hall, not left at specific graves. In another uploaded video, the man is seen tossing the empty can onto the ground in the cemetery, brandishing a toy gun, and swinging an itatoba, a wooden grave marker inscribed with the posthumous Buddhist names of deceased family members. It appears to have been taken from one of the graves.
The videos were uploaded in early August 2025, but it wasn’t until the end of the month that they drew flak in Japan. Furious comments filled the comment section. “Don’t ever come to Japan again,” and “Apologize, grave robber.”
Respecting Japanese Culture
Before visiting a country, it is important to understand the local culture. Many foreign tourists do not fully understand Japan’s attitude towards religion. Japan’s understanding of religion involves rituals that are not overly formal or involve rigid protocols. However, it does not mean that Japan is indifferent towards those who disrespect its religious traditions, especially those related to preserving the memory of loved ones.
Following the strong reaction in Japan, the Yamanashi Prefecture Police Department, Fuji Yoshida District, stated that they are investigating the matter. Despite having video evidence of the perpetrator, the investigation will likely focus on identifying the individual and considering sanctions to hold them accountable for their actions. They may be banned from the city or even Japan.
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AloJapan.com