Shimpei Okuhara 
A group of disruptive foreign YouTubers attempt to board a ferry at Kagoshima New Port, February 23 (from the group's livestream footage)
このページを 日本語 で読む
Ice Poseidon and several other foreign YouTubers have built a notorious reputation in Japan for a series of disruptive antics. The group's controversial tour has included incidents such as engaging in a mock fight on a train and inciting a local to shout English insults about the yakuza. They also picked fruit without permission — actions that have repeatedly drawn criticism and police intervention.
At Kagoshima New Port, their disruptive reputation caught up with them once again. On March 6, the Japan Coast Guard, acting on a complaint from the ferry company, prevented them from boarding a ferry. Despite having tickets, their behavior violated multiple public rules, and a Coast Guard officer denied the group entry.
Speaking in English, the officer firmly stated, "Many people have watched your troublesome activities. Even though you have already bought a ferry ticket, you cannot get on this ferry today. The ferry (company) has refused (your boarding)."
Although the group made various excuses, the officer said, "I'm sorry, but please get off the boat." He then escorted the members off the vessel.
This incident, which the group streamed live, is the latest in a series of disruptions. It follows a February 23 episode where the group caused a nuisance aboard a ferry traveling from Osaka to Beppu.
Cracking Down
A representative from the Coast Guard's management division spoke to The Sankei Shimbun about the incident. "We received a request for assistance from the ferry company to deny boarding based on transport regulations, so we went to hear the details," they explained.
Social media users have since praised the decisive intervention, reflecting mounting frustration with Ice Poseidon's antics during their 100-day tour in Japan.
Meanwhile, on the day of the incident, Japan Self-Defense Forces vehicles were seen parked in the Kagoshima New Port lot near the ferry. Shortly after being denied boarding, members of Ice Poseidon streamed their confused reaction, asking, "For us, maybe?"
Other nuisance YouTubers have also caused controversy in Japan. Johnny Somali has drawn backlash for provocative videos targeting both Japan and South Korea, stirring public outrage. DBR6, a Kick streamer, was reported for assaulting a volunteer at the Sapporo Snow Festival. These incidents and others have further fueled public frustration over disruptive foreign visitors.
RELATED:
- Growing Tourism in Japan: Opportunity and Challenge
- Shrines and Temples in Japan Reach Out for Visitors' Cooperation
- Why Yasukuni Shrine is Being Targeted and Vandalized
Author: Shimpei Okuhara, The Sankei Shimbun
このページを 日本語 で読む
