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Taylor Swift fever has hit Tokyo hard. But with her arrival, some of the die-hard Swifties traveling to see her have clashed with local customs.
Thousands of fans from all over Asia and beyond have descended upon Japan's capital as Taylor Swift takes the stage at the Tokyo Dome for four consecutive nights. The issue, according to some Japanese concert attendees, is that these international fans don't quite adhere to the reserved demeanor typically expected at Japanese concerts.
On the platform X, a Japanese V.I.P. ticket holder expressed frustration, stating that even with a hefty price tag of 130,000 yen (about $870) and third-row seats, their view was obstructed by foreign fans who stood up and rushed forward.
"It's really disheartening," the post lamented. "It's unbelievable that following the rules means missing out on the show."
While Japanese fans are praised worldwide for their respectful behavior at events like soccer matches, at home, their adherence to strict etiquette can sometimes breed resentment towards visitors. Another post on X, featuring a video of audience members holding up cellphones during the concert, complained about "foreigners who couldn't respect manners."
This discontent reflects Japan's complex relationship with international tourists, who have played a crucial role in reviving the country's economy, the world's third-largest, post-pandemic. Last year, over 25 million people visited Japan, nearly 80 percent of pre-pandemic numbers, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.
As visitor numbers surged, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed concerns about overcrowding and etiquette issues impacting local residents' lives and travelers' satisfaction.
Chiharu Nakayoshi, 31, an occupational therapist, attended Taylor Swift's concert on Wednesday and found her experience marred by the behavior of non-Japanese concertgoers who disregarded assigned seating and blocked views in the V.I.P. section.
"I splurged on the most expensive ticket, hoping for a rare chance to see Taylor at her best," Nakayoshi shared. "But it turned into chaos."
Some Japanese fans noted on social media that local spectators could also misbehave, citing an incident at an outdoor music festival in Osaka where fans groped a singer onstage.
Critics of the backlash against foreign fans coming to Tokyo to see Taylor Swift denounced it as "disgusting discrimination."
For many international visitors, particularly those from China, Southeast Asia, or the United States, the concerts served as a bonding experience. Thousands of Chinese Swifties formed WeChat groups to share ticket strategies, arrange carpools, and exchange shopping recommendations, creating memorable moments amid the controversy.
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