OSAKA - A foreign visitor was filmed hanging from a torii gate at a popular scenic spot in Ikeda, Osaka, known as the ‘Sky Torii,’ where the city can be seen through the frame of the gate. The footage shows a man doing pull-ups on the sacred gate while another person filmed the act on a smartphone.
The incident, regarded as disrespectful and disruptive, was captured on video by Ilya, an Estonian resident traveling in Japan.
Ilya, who shot the footage, said: "I felt very uncomfortable seeing such disrespect toward the torii and thought I had to do something. I regret not shouting at them to stop. This is destructive behavior."
The two individuals, believed to be foreign tourists, appeared to be deliberately recording the act. The location, formally called Shuho-dai Observatory, has gained popularity online as a photogenic site.
According to Ilya, the pair arrived by taxi and immediately began hanging from the gate, apparently intending to post the footage on social media such as Instagram or TikTok.
Ilya later took the video to the police station as evidence. "I went to the police and explained the situation while showing them the video. The officers looked very disappointed," he recalled.
Expressing concern about the broader impact of such incidents, Ilya said: "I worry that Japanese people may come to view all foreign tourists negatively. Please leave bad manners and behavior in your own country. Do not bring them to Japan."
Ikeda City, which manages the torii, commented: "The torii is a sacred object, so please refrain from such acts," and announced it would strengthen patrols at the site.
Source: FNN
