Speculation surrounds @hezuruy’s, (right), description of the incident, with concerns that his behaviour towards the Chinese tourist may have crossed legal boundaries. - Photo: QQ.com
TOKYO: A Japanese man became outraged after alleging that he witnessed a Chinese tourist mistreating a wild deer at a national park in Nara City, Japan.
He shared a video of the incident on August 30 on his X account @hezuruy, which has since ignited a heated discussion on social media.
In the video, a middle-aged man speaking Mandarin is shown teasing a deer by poking one of its hooves with his foot. Disturbed by the sight, @hezuruy quickly rushed over to confront the tourist about his behaviour.
He shouted at the tourist accusing him of abusing the deer and demanded he stop.
The man immediately stopped and said “sorry” in English many times. He also explained in Mandarin that he was just “playing with the deer”.
His explanation did not convince the Japanese man, who continued to berate him.
A woman who appeared to be with the tourist said the local man was “scary”, and that she would call the police, but the local man said her companion would be arrested.
The Japanese man, identifying himself as a volunteer who patrols the park to protect the deer, took to X to share the incident.
He reported that he confronted two tourists, stating that a Chinese man had been “kicking the deer as if he was kicking a football.”
His post attracted 30 million views and 6,000 comments and sparked heated debate.
“Bullying animals as cute as the deer is intolerable,” one said.
Another agreed but said the Chinese tourist “only appeared to be teasing the deer, and it was the Japanese man who was bullying the tourist”.
Speculation has arisen regarding the accuracy of @hezuruy’s description of the incident, with some questioning whether his threatening behaviour towards the Chinese tourist may have crossed legal boundaries.
While opinions vary on the tourist’s actions in the video, it is important to note that any form of abuse or bullying of the deer in Nara Park is both illegal and unethical.
Folklore has it that they are the heavenly offspring of a legendary white deer that the thunder god Takemikazuchi rode into Nara.
The deer in Nara Park, which have inhabited the area for 1,300 years, are deeply embedded in local folklore.
According to legend, these graceful creatures are considered the heavenly offspring of a mythical white deer, which is said to have been ridden into Nara by the thunder god Takemikazuchi.
The park’s official website also reminds visitors that deer are wild animals and must only be fed with the crackers sold in the park and that any attempt to capture or hurt them is illegal.
Offenders might face up to two years imprisonment or a 2 million yen (US$14,000) fine.
In July, a Chinese mother and son caused a stir online after attempting to provoke the deer in Nara Park by feeding them crackers dipped in deer faeces. Their actions sparked considerable outrage online.
In response, a quick-witted park volunteer humorously engaged with the tourists by offering them a similar snack, resulting in the duo fleeing the scene. - South China Morning Post
