The Australian Embassy in Japan has since warned tourists to behave themselves.
An Australian tourist was seen desecrating a grave in Japan’s Aokigahara Forest. The forest, located at the foot of Mount Fuji, has become known for an unfortunate reason: people go there to die by suicide. So when Sydney-based Lochie Jones stole a beer from a grave in the “suicide forest,” he drew significant criticism.
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In a video posted a month ago, Lochie Jones is seen walking through a cemetery in Japan while discussing suicide rates and mental health in the country. He stops in front of a grave, finding a beer can on it—a common Japanese tradition, as people leave food and drinks as offerings to the dead. Jones does not appear to recognize or respect this custom. Continuing to narrate into his camera, he debates whether he should drink the can and ultimately leaves the decision up to chance. After flipping a coin and finding it in his bag, he drinks it—burping afterwards.
“Happy blessings and rest in peace,” he says, leaving two cigarettes on the tombstone so it would not be empty-handed.
His comments in the video were also widely condemned. While searching for a coin, he said, “Japanese women are absolutely vicious and cold. The men still have their honor, but it’s been weaponized against them. They’ve been tricked into not having any feelings, and it results in one of the highest suicide rates in the world.”
Many people were appalled by the disrespect he showed to the dead and voiced their concerns on his post, calling out his “depraved behavior.” Several commenters said they reported him to the authorities. One person wrote, “In Japan the offerings you see on a grave aren’t decorations or props, especially not for content. Families leave food, drinks, and incense as gifts for the spirits of their loved ones, they’re believed to reach the deceased in some form.”
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This week, the Australian Embassy in Japan issued a warning to Australians to be mindful and respect local laws. “The Australian Embassy, Japan works closely with Japanese authorities to ensure that travelers from Australia respect and observe local laws and rules. We encourage appropriate behavior when visiting Japan. We take these matters seriously acting in cooperation with relevant authorities,” it said.
Jones has since posted a two-part apology on Instagram: “Look, if you felt I desecrated your dead, I am sorry. It was a mistake. I’m coming clean. I shouldn’t have portrayed that.”
However, his apology includes criticism of Japanese diplomacy and culture. Chewing gum, he goes on a rant about the country’s group mindset and claims it has emasculated itself by selling its defense to the U.S. “Gambling and smoking is vilified, but your culture and the normalization of pedophilia is inviting demonic forces into the mainstream,” he said.
Meanwhile, he told news.com.au that he does not owe an apology to anyone but his family. “My stunt in the graveyard was extreme. But we live in an extreme world. I would like to thank people for their stupid hatred, and hope that they can log off Facebook, Instagram and do some inner work. Find a stick and either smoke it or sit on it, clear out whatever the hell it is blocking you right up.”
Local authorities are currently investigating the video.
American influencer Logan Paul was criticized when he filmed in the Aokigahara Forest and showed a body hanging from a tree. He also apologized after facing backlash. The forest has a plea for visitors at its entrance: “Quietly think once more about your parents, siblings or children. Please don’t suffer alone, and first reach out.”
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AloJapan.com