At the heart of Japanese traditions, hot springs hold a special place, attracting visitors from around the world due to their mineral benefits and therapeutic virtues. Yet, the Japanese press expresses concern over a potential drought affecting these gems, partly attributing this situation to the reservations of some foreigners regarding public baths. This theme raises a broader issue: could it reflect a phenomenon of ‘gaijin bashing’ where tourists easily become targets to justify local concerns? Let’s explore this intriguing phenomenon.
In Japan, the Drought of Hot Springs: An Impact of Overly Reserved Tourists? Analysis of a ‘Gaijin Bashing’ Phenomenon #
The hot springs of Japan, renowned for their therapeutic virtues and rich mineral content, may be in danger. The Japanese press warns of a concerning decrease in water levels in certain hot spring towns, and some voices link this shortage to the reluctance of foreign tourists to undress in public baths. But what is the reality? Is this situation not a product of a trend called ‘gaijin bashing’, which involves blaming foreigners as scapegoats for local issues?
Foreign Couples and Their Preference for Private Onsen
With the increase in tourism to Japan post-pandemic, bathing in the warm waters of onsens has become a popular activity among visitors. However, many prefer to choose private onsens rather than traditional public baths, leading to greater resource usage. Hironori Hayase, deputy mayor of Ureshino, explains that this situation is exacerbated by the modesty of foreigners, who feel uncomfortable being naked in public. Indeed, snuggling into a private onsen within their accommodation seems to be the preferred solution for them to enjoy the moment without constraint.
À lire British influencers discover crayfish and po’boys for the first time in Lake Charles
The Discourse of ‘Gaijin Bashing’
The tendency to point fingers at foreigners as responsible for local problems, a phenomenon often referred to as ‘gaijin bashing’, is resurfacing. Thierry Maincent, president of Japan Experience, highlights that tourists are easy targets when it comes to blaming a problem. The link between the increasing number of visitors and rice shortages, for example, is often exaggerated or misinterpreted. It would therefore be a form of stigmatization towards non-natives.
Water Resources: A Biased Perception
The press describes a concerning reality with measurable declines in hot spring water levels, but specialists downplay this trend. Angelo Di Genova, a tour guide in Osaka, points out that most hot spring towns are not affected by this problem, although specific cases, such as that of Ureshino, are noteworthy. According to him, a decrease in water temperature, only reaching 36°C, is often perceived as a lukewarmness unacceptable for the Japanese, who prefer a hotter experience.
The Real Causes Behind the Shortage
The Onsen Protection and Promotion Bureau of the Ministry of the Environment is conducting studies to identify the real causes of this new situation. Three potential causes are being considered: failing wells, a decrease in the natural resource, or leaks caused by aging infrastructure. These factors have a direct impact on the availability of hot springs and raise questions about the maintenance of thermal facilities, particularly in rural areas where the plumbing can sometimes be outdated.
A Need for Balance and a Wealth to Preserve
As debates about the responsibility of tourists towards Japanese traditions intensify, it seems crucial to find a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving natural resources. The Japanese are known for their sensitivity to resource management, raising questions about long-term tourism policies. Rather than encouraging anti-tourism, it is about reaffirming the cultural and spiritual significance of these moments of immersion in hot waters, as well as their importance for the local economy.
À lire Spain reaches a new peak in tourist attendance in the first quarter
