Controversy is growing after it belatedly became known that a Korean travel YouTuber who visited a hot spring in Hokkaido, Japan, filmed video in an area where recording is prohibited.
Recently, criticism has continued on several online communities over a Hokkaido hot spring video released in January by a female YouTuber identified as A.
In a video titled "First mixed-gender bath in Hokkaido + nude outdoor bath experience," A is seen visiting a hot spring inn in Hokkaido and trying the women-only bath, the outdoor bath, and a mixed-gender bath used by both men and women.
The scene that sparked controversy is the filming inside the mixed-gender bath. The hot spring prohibits filming, but A brought a camera and recorded inside the mixed bath.
In the video, A said, "Normally, if there are people, you can't film," suggesting awareness that filming was restricted there.
She went on, "It's a place where filming is banned, but there was really someone filming who didn't care at all whether I went in or not," adding, "I said let's enjoy it together, and I'm joining in."
The explanation is that she filmed because another visitor was filming, but criticism arose because she picked up a camera even though she knew filming was prohibited at the location.
The video also showed a notice that "swimsuits are required here." A explained that she, too, had not prepared a swimsuit and rented one at the inn for 300 yen.
As the video spread online belatedly, some pointed out that hot spring users' privacy and local filming rules must be respected. In particular, for mixed-gender baths, extra caution is needed because other users may not realize filming is taking place or could be exposed in the footage.
Some commenters reacted, saying, "You shouldn't follow just because others do," "Don't do what you're told not to," and "National disgrace."
On the other hand, some argued that "many people were filming at the actual site," noting that numerous people were recording at that hot spring.
Earlier, when criticism of the video surfaced, A reportedly replied to one commenter, "Thanks for the point," adding, "I'll take it to heart and be more careful as I go around."