Chilean Influencer Apologizes for Pull-Up Stunt on Japan's Sacred Torii Gate

Recently, a Chilean influencer with over 140,000 Instagram followers is facing criticism after posting a video of herself performing a pull-up on a sacred torii gate at a Shinto shrine in Japan.

According to Tokyo Weekender, Marimar Pérez-Banus, known for sharing fitness content with her sister under the Instagram handle @/mmgymsisters, originally uploaded the footage to her account.

Following widespread backlash, the video was removed. Still, it continues to spread across social media platforms such as X where it has accumulated millions of views and sparked heated debates about cultural sensitivity.

Public Outrage Over Disrespect to Sacred Japanese Site

Torii gates hold significant spiritual value in Japan, symbolizing the boundary separating the everyday world from the sacred realms of Shintoism. Pérez-Banus’ decision to use one as a fitness prop ignited outrage, with many criticizing her for being disrespectful toward Japanese cultural and religious traditions.

Public Apology on Social Media

In response to the backlash, Pérez-Banus quickly deleted the original video and issued a public apology on her Instagram.

In the video, she admitted to acting thoughtlessly and expressed remorse for any offense caused. She further explained that it was not her intention to disrespect stating,

“I’m making this video to apologize to everyone. The last video I made hanging in Japan—I truly wasn’t thinking about what I was doing. I sincerely apologize. It was not my intention to do that. So, I hope you can understand that. Thank you very much.”

Similar Incidents of Influencers Causing Trouble in Japan

Japan’s growing popularity among tourists has been marred by the actions of certain foreign influencers who disregard local customs in pursuit of viral content. Several high-profile incidents illustrate this ongoing issue:

Logan Paul’s 2017 Aokigahara Controversy:

In 2017, American YouTuber Logan Paul faced backlash after posting a video showing a suicide victim’s body in the Aokigahara forest, a site known for suicides near Mount Fuji.

The footage included joking comments, leading to widespread condemnation for its insensitivity. The video garnered millions of views before being taken down, with Paul later apologizing.

Johnny Somali’s Repeated Arrests in 2023:

American influencer Johnny Somali (Ismael Ramsey Khalid) gained notoriety in 2023 for offensive antics, including trespassing at a construction site in Osaka and making insensitive jokes about Hiroshima and Nagasaki, taunting Japanese locals.

He faced legal repercussions, being arrested multiple times for his behavior.

Fidias Panayiotou’s Train Fare Dodging Incident in 2023:

Cypriot YouTuber Fidias Panayiotou and three other foreign content creators filmed themselves dodging train fares and exploiting Japan’s hospitality by posing as hotel guests for free meals.

The stunt attracted significant backlash and an investigation by Japanese authorities, prompting an apology from Panayiotou.

Please find a reuploaded video of his shenanigans at the end of this article.

Importance of Cultural Sensitivity for Content Creators

The backlash against Marimar Pérez-Banus highlights the need for influencers to be culturally aware, especially when visiting countries with unique traditions like Japan. Her video has received over a million views on X, showing how quickly mistakes can spread on social media and lead to public outrage.

Influencers should take the time to learn about local customs, especially in sacred places like Shinto shrines. Content creators must be mindful of their actions and strive to respect the cultures they engage with, ensuring they promote understanding rather than disrespect.

Watch her video here: X