Chinese Tourist Causes Outrage by Placing 'Hell Money' in Tokyo Temple Donation Box

A Chinese man has caused a significant stir after inserting joss paper, commonly referred to as "hell money," into a fortune-drawing donation box at Japan’s Sensoji Temple. This act has led to widespread outrage and renewed discussions about the behavior of tourists, particularly those from China.

The incident was captured in a video that gained traction on social media in November. According to the South China Morning Post, the man placed the joss paper into the box located on the desk where visitors draw fortune sticks. Normally, visitors are expected to insert 100 yen (approximately US$1) into the box to draw from a collection of 100 bamboo sticks. After drawing, they must search for omikuji, a strip of paper that provides a fortune prediction when praying to the gods and Buddhas of the temple or shrine, as explained by the Japan National Tourism Organization.

The act of inserting joss paper instead of money sparked strong reactions from netizens, who labeled it as "disrespectful" and "insensitive" to local customs. Many pointed out that it reflected a lack of awareness regarding religious practices and etiquette at sacred sites. Joss paper is traditionally burned during East Asian funerary rituals as an offering to ancestors. Using it as a form of monetary donation at a temple was seen as highly inappropriate by many viewers.

One netizen wrote, "He is an idiot, asking for blessing with hell money." Another commented, "He spent hell money in exchange for happiness in hell." These remarks highlight the cultural sensitivity surrounding such acts and the expectations of respectful behavior at religious sites.

Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo's most visited temples, did not immediately respond to the video thread. However, temple staff often remind visitors to adhere to on-site rules and show respect when participating in rituals such as drawing fortunes, making offerings, or making wishes at the shrine.

The video went viral at a time of heightened tensions between Beijing and Tokyo, following recent comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, as reported by AFP. In response, China has urged its citizens not to travel to Japan. Additionally, Chinese airlines have been offering refunds on Japan-bound trips, with over 543,000 ticket cancellations recorded between November 15 and 18.

Japan has also issued warnings to its citizens in China, advising them to be mindful of their safety. This incident underscores the growing concerns around cultural misunderstandings and the impact of political tensions on tourism and international relations.