American tourist arrested for defacing Meiji Shrine

A 65-year-old American tourist was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of vandalizing the torii gate of Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. It is alleged that at around 11.20am the day before, he carved a family member’s name into the gate as a prank with his fingernails. The Tokyo Police Department identified the suspect as Steve Hayes.

Provided by Fuji News Network

Hayes arrived in Japan on Monday, November 11, with four family members for a vacation. He claimed that he etched just for fun. That day, crews discovered the vandalized gate almost immediately. Police identified the suspect through surveillance video. Hayes was detained and questioned after being found at the hotel. He admitted the charges.

Hayes’ arrest came three days after police discovered what appeared to be kanji characters on another torii gate at Meiji Shrine.

Tourist vandalism continues to trouble police and locals

Since Monday, Tokyo police have also investigated a case of vandalism at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo’s Chiyoda district. Graffiti with the kanji character for “death” was found on two different locations on the shrine’s stone walls. The incident occurred just three months after Another case of graffiti exist same shrine.

Unlike Hayes’ carving, the black felt-tip graffiti from three months ago was political in nature, containing words such as “die to death,” “militarism” and “toilet.” Two and a half months ago, a Chinese man urinated on the same pillar and wrote “toilet” in red paint. The Yasukuni Shrine has long been a controversial site because it was built to commemorate Japan’s wartime leaders who were later convicted as war criminals in international tribunals after World War II.

Last month, a Chilean influencer with over 137,000 followers facing backlash Used for exercising on the shrine torii gate. She posted a video of herself doing pull-ups, sparking outrage among Japanese netizens. Despite her apology, the viral video sparked yet another conversation in Japan about nuisance influencers.

A week later, a US teen arrested seven times for arson In Tokyo. When questioned, the 18-year-old, who was on holiday with his parents at the time, said he “didn’t remember anything”.

Meiji Jingu Shrine: Historical and Cultural Significance

Meiji Jingu Shrine was established in 1920 and is one of the most visited shrines in Japan. As an ancient religion, Shintoism is deeply embedded in the daily lives of many Japanese people. This special shrine honors Emperor Meiji, who played an important role in Japan’s modernization and globalization, and Empress Shoken, who promoted national welfare and women’s education.

Approximately 120,000 trees are planted around the shrine, representing 365 different domestic species. The trees were planted by 110,000 volunteer citizens, forming Japan’s first “Eternal Forest.” Today, the shrine and its forest are regarded as a precious place of solace and reverence for the Japanese people.

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