[Taiwanese media] “Japan’s image is completely shattered” – Taiwanese tourists have trouble with excessive charges in Okinawa．

record china Friday, September 13, 2024 17:00 Taiwanese media Sanli News Network published an article on the 13th titled “Taiwanese people get tricked on Okinawa trip!” It was reported that a Taiwanese tourist who accidentally parked his car on private property was charged the exorbitant amount of 200,000 yen. According to the article, the woman in question rented two cars with her family on the 1st and traveled to Okinawa, but the place where they parked at the “instruction of the hotel staff” was actually private property, and although she did not realize it at the time, there was a notice saying “Unauthorized parking is prohibited. If found, 10,000 yen will be charged.” The women were forced to pay 10,000 yen to the landowner, but the other party demanded 100,000 yen (per vehicle). Upon looking closely at the notice, a thin vertical line had been handwritten over the “one” in “ten thousand yen” to make it “hundred thousand yen.” When he refused to pay because the amount was too high, the other party took his cell phone. Furthermore, the police officers who responded to the call also stated that they “should pay” a fine of 200,000 yen for both vehicles, leading the woman to lament, “I felt like I was being blackmailed” and “My filter (positive impression) of Japan has completely broken.” According to the woman, after a two-hour argument, she was able to get her phone back by paying 10,000 yen. Taiwanese citizens have commented on the matter, saying, “It’s illogical and I feel like I’m being deceived. I think this kind of thing is rare. Japan has an image of being very honest.”
“That’s a bit harsh. “Japan and Taiwan have an image of being friendly, and Japanese people are kind,” were some of the surprised voices. In addition, internet users commented, “If you’ve parked illegally, a fine is understandable, but turning a ’one’ into a ’ten’ is too much,” and “It’s too scary. The “one’’ turns into “ten’’ and even my smartphone is taken away. It’s a total lawless place.”
“Maybe the Japanese economy is sluggish and this is showing its bad side?”
“The Japanese police don’t help foreigners.”
“If you’re going to drive yourself, it’s best to do your research beforehand. Comments such as “Taiwanese people are not cautious enough” and “I believe most Japanese people would never do something like this” were reported. Taiwanese guide Chen Jianqin said, “There is a phenomenon called overtourism in Japan, and on farmland and fields in Hokkaido, there are signs in traditional Chinese (used mainly in Taiwan and Hong Kong) saying, ’Private property, no entry,’” explaining that the large number of tourists flocking to the area is causing trouble for local residents. An article on Sanli News warned, “People traveling abroad should take care to protect themselves and avoid accidentally entering private property and being ripped off in the same way.” (Translated and edited by Kitada).

「日本のイメージが完全に壊れた」＝台湾人観光客が沖縄で高額請求トラブル―台湾メディア

台湾メディアの三立新聞網は13日、台湾人観光客が沖縄で誤って私有地に車を止めてしまい、20万円という高額な請求を受けたと報じた。写真は沖縄。

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