News Israeli tourist asked to sign war crimes statement at Kyoto guesthouse

In April, an Israeli tourist checking into the Wind Villa guesthouse in Kyoto was asked to sign a document affirming he had not committed any war crimes. This incident led the Israeli ambassador to Japan to formally protest to the governor of Kyoto, citing discrimination. The tourist was presented with the document after presenting his passport to the guesthouse manager. In a letter sent by Ambassador Gilad Cohen on 22 April to Governor Takatoshi Nishiwaki, the guest was informed that only Israeli and Russian nationals were required to sign the form.


Ambassador Cohen described the incident as "a discriminatory act, based solely on nationality," noting that it had caused the traveller considerable emotional distress. He also asserted that the requirement violated Japan's hotel business law. The letter urged the governor to take appropriate action to prevent such occurrences and ensure that Kyoto continues to be a welcoming destination for international visitors.

In response, Wind Villa issued an open letter to Ambassador Cohen via X (formerly Twitter), defending the practice. The guesthouse claimed that the policy applies to guests it believes could have been involved in war crimes and has been in place for the past six months. A representative explained that, in their view, asking such guests to sign the form helps ease concerns among other visitors and staff, particularly in smaller accommodations where communal spaces are shared. "We sincerely ask for your understanding," the statement read, "as the presence of individuals suspected of war crimes can cause considerable psychological distress to those around them."

After Kyoto Prefecture became aware of the incident, it instructed the Kyoto city government, which was in charge of such matters, to investigate on 24 April. The city subsequently determined that the guesthouse was not violating the hotel business law, which stipulates that hotel operators should not turn down reservations "without good reason," because guests were allowed to stay even if they did not sign the paper, a city official said. However, the city told the guesthouse that it was "inappropriate" to make the request. When contacted by The Japan Times, Israeli ambassador Cohen said that the embassy has not received an official response from the Japanese authorities. "Contrary to what has been stated, it is a fact that the hotel conditioned the Israeli guests' stay upon signing the said form," he said. "This is a clear case of discrimination against Israeli nationals and citizens of other countries, and a severe violation of the Inns and Hotels Act." "We categorically reject any attempt to equate Israeli citizens with war criminals," he said, adding that he is aware that this case does not reflect Japan's tourism and hospitality sector as a whole.

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Maybe Immigration at the national level can expand their questionnaire to include war crimes in the criminal history question.
Or, to make it non-discriminatory, they can ask all guests to sign it. And maybe throw in declarations against terrorism while they're at it.

Crikey, this is a bit provocative but it's also an excellent protest. I'd heartily recommend you watch the BBC documentary by Louis Theroux, 'The Settlers'.