On January 3, 2025, two young Japanese tourists visiting China’s iconic Great Wall near Beijing took a prank too far—and the consequences were swift. While visiting the popular Mutianyu section of the Wall, one of the tourists exposed his bare backside while the other snapped a photo. Security guards on-site spotted the stunt immediately, and Chinese authorities detained both individuals. After spending two weeks in detention, the pair were deported back to Japan on January 17.
Who Were the Tourists?
The two individuals involved were a Japanese man and woman in their early twenties. Their names have not been released, and officials from both China and Japan have kept details to a minimum. Japan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed their involvement and said it had communicated with the local embassy, but declined further comment. These tourists weren’t known troublemakers—they were just young travelers who made a poor decision in a culturally sensitive location.
Japan has seen similar missteps in the past. In 2003, a Japanese man defaced a moai statue in Chile, a move that made headlines. But this latest act at a globally revered monument like the Great Wall added new weight to the pattern of bad tourist behavior.
The incident occurred on January 3, 2025, at Mutianyu—a well-preserved and frequently visited stretch of the Great Wall. During their visit, one of the tourists dropped his pants and exposed his buttocks for a photo while standing on the monument. Guards intervened quickly, leading to the pair’s arrest. Chinese media reported they were held in detention for two weeks before being deported back to Japan.
The tourists reportedly told the Japanese embassy that it was “just a prank.” But for China, the joke fell flat. Authorities treated the act as a violation of public order, and no leniency was shown in their detention or deportation.
The Great Wall isn’t just a scenic backdrop—it’s a national treasure and a powerful symbol of Chinese identity and resilience. The prank was seen by many as not only disrespectful, but a direct affront to China’s cultural heritage. Chinese social media exploded with anger. A hashtag translating to “Japanese detained for indecency at the Great Wall” gained over 60 million views on Weibo.
Public figures added fuel to the fire. Actor Chen Yitian, who has millions of followers, condemned the act, calling it “shameful.” Some commentators even referenced Japan’s occupation of China in the early 20th century, showing how deep-rooted tensions can resurface over perceived slights.
The consequences were immediate and clear. Chinese authorities detained the tourists for 14 days and then deported them without pressing further charges. Japan’s Foreign Ministry didn’t attempt to challenge the process and appeared to consider the matter closed once the tourists were returned. Still, the backlash continued online and in media circles, with discussions about the need for tourists to understand cultural norms and behave accordingly when abroad.
There’s no indication that the tourists will face legal action back in Japan, but their reputations have likely taken a hit. Travel experts predict that the fallout could lead to stricter signage and enforcement at Chinese heritage sites. Tour guides may now spend more time briefing visitors on appropriate behavior before allowing them near sensitive locations.
In Japan, the incident has triggered conversations about educating young travelers before they go abroad. Meanwhile, many in China are calling for stronger penalties for disrespectful behavior at sacred sites. So far, no further diplomatic action has been announced, but the cultural impact of this case could linger much longer.
The Great Wall of China stands as a symbol of endurance and pride—and for good reason. What happened on January 3 was more than a bad joke; it was a moment that reminded the world how quickly a prank can become an international embarrassment. For future travelers, the takeaway is simple: when visiting cultural landmarks, especially in places with rich historical significance, respect isn’t optional—it’s required.