A video showing two Indonesian men playing padel at a Japanese cemetery has sparked widespread outrage online, drawing condemnation from netizens in both Japan and Indonesia.
The clip, which has been circulating on social media platform X, shows the men setting up a net and hitting a padel ball within the cemetery grounds — an act many viewers deemed deeply disrespectful and inappropriate.
The incident was first highlighted by Japanese X user Haruka Suzumori, who criticised the behaviour and questioned how such an activity could take place in a space meant for remembrance.
“Two Indonesian Muslim men decided to play padel at a Japanese cemetery. I don’t think I even need to explain how unbelievably disrespectful this behaviour is,” she wrote.
Her post quickly gained traction, with many Japanese netizens expressing anger and disappointment. Some said the video reflected a broader frustration over what they perceive as a lack of cultural sensitivity among certain foreign visitors or residents.
In Japan, cemeteries are regarded as sacred and solemn spaces closely tied to ancestral spirits and family heritage. They are meant for quiet reflection, prayer, and remembrance — not recreational activities. As such, actions like playing sports or treating the area as a leisure space are widely seen as offensive, regardless of intent.
The backlash was not limited to Japan. Many Indonesian netizens also condemned the men’s actions, calling them “embarrassing” and damaging to Indonesia’s image abroad. Some accused the pair of chasing attention or acting out of FOMO by playing padel in an unusual location, while others stressed the importance of respecting local customs when overseas.
However, the online discourse took a darker turn when an Indonesian netizen posted a highly offensive comment that went viral. While apologising to Japanese viewers, the user made derogatory and racist remarks about Indonesians as a whole.
The comment was swiftly criticised by other users, who condemned it as demeaning, racist, and factually baseless. Many pointed out that while the actions of the two men deserved criticism, attacking an entire nationality only escalated tensions and undermined meaningful accountability.
Several netizens also emphasised that the behaviour of the individuals did not represent Indonesians as a whole, calling instead for cultural awareness and mutual respect across borders.
