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A 65-year-old American man, Steve Hayes, was arrested in Tokyo last Wednesday for allegedly defacing a torii gate at the historic Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya.
Hayes, who traveled to Japan with his family on Nov. 11, reportedly carved five letters representing family members’ names into a wooden pillar using his fingernails. The damage, measuring approximately 5 by 6 centimeters, was discovered by shrine staff on Tuesday. Following a police investigation aided by security footage, Hayes was apprehended at his hotel.
The U.S. Embassy confirmed it is providing consular support to Hayes but declined further comment, citing privacy concerns.
Meiji Jingu Shrine, an iconic site first opened in 1920 to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, holds significant cultural and historical value in Japan. The shrine, destroyed during World War II, was meticulously rebuilt in the 1950s. Its torii gates are considered sacred symbols of transition and respect in Shintoism.
If convicted, Hayes could face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 300,000 yen (approximately $1,950). Vandalizing culturally significant sites is a serious offense in Japan, reflecting the nation’s deep respect for its heritage and traditions.
The incident has drawn attention as Japan continues to experience a significant rebound in foreign tourism. In the first half of 2024 alone, 17.78 million international visitors traveled to the country, following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. While this influx has provided a much-needed boost to Japan’s economy, it has also brought occasional challenges related to visitor behavior.
