Tourist alleges racist treatment in Japan: 'I said I'm from India, she called…' - Video

An Indian tourist has alleged that he faced racist behaviour and harassment at a 7-Eleven convenience store in Japan's Shizuoka Prefecture. The incident, which he shared in a now-viral Instagram video titled, "Japan police saved Indian tourist from racism and harassment," reportedly unfolded after he asked a staff member to heat his food.

The traveller, identified as Anant, said the incident took place on his final day in Shizuoka.

Dispute began over request to heat food

According to Anant, he asked a Nepali employee at the store to reheat his meal, and the staff member agreed. However, before the food could be heated, the store manager allegedly intervened and began behaving aggressively.

Explaining the incident in the caption of his video, Anant wrote:

"While I was in a 7-Eleven, I requested the staff to reheat my food, for which he agreed. But later the store owner shouted at me and made racist reactions."

Anant alleged that the store owner questioned him about his nationality and, after learning that he was Indian, contacted the police and accused him of misconduct.

As the confrontation intensified, Anant said he decided to record the interaction so that he would have evidence to support his version of events if required.

Police reviewed footage, says tourist

According to Anant, police officers arrived at the store shortly after the complaint was made. After assessing the situation and reviewing the video footage, they concluded that he had not done anything wrong.

He claimed the officers treated him respectfully and reprimanded the store owner.

Recalling the incident, Anant said: "Later, she called the police against me, but nothing happened. And the police scolded her and let me go with respect and an apology."

Social media users urge him to help Nepali staffer

The incident has since sparked debate on social media about the experiences of Indian and other foreign tourists in Japan. While many users commended the police for the way they reportedly handled the situation, others urged people not to jump to conclusions, pointing out that only the traveller's version of events has been shared publicly.

Several social media users urged Anant to locate the Nepali employee and offer him support.

Responding to those comments, Anant said he was unable to speak to the staff member because both the police and the store owner prevented him from doing so.

He wrote: "I tried a lot to reach out to the Nepali Guy, but the police and the owner didn't allow me to talk to him. I don't know why they were rude to him; maybe because he didn't lie and tried to stand with the truth."

Another wrote: “I feel sad for that Nepali guy.”