Yamanote Halloween Train 2007
Last night, a large number of foreigners had gathered on one of the trains travelling on the Yamanote line and held a Halloween party in one of the train cars. More information on what the event is about can be seen at Japan Probe.
Now the event has already ended, and there have been several reports from the Japanese on 2channel that there were foreigners involved in the party running around shouting and scolding vulgarities at Japanese people that had nothing to do with the party, and some of the Japanese were chased around and had beer poured on them, to the point where one person reportedly had his cellphone broken.
The train had to be stopped at Shinagawa for 20 minutes while the train was checked because the party goers had removed the fluorescent lighting from one of the train cars.
Now a series of vids about the Halloween party titled “Fuck GAIJIN!” have been uploaded to youtube. Along with some other vids.
Update: The name of the vids have been changed from “Fuck GAIJIN!” to “GAIJIN Train! Yamanote Line Halloween”
Update2: JapanProbe made a new post about the entire thing.
October 28th, 2007 at 2:17 am
I noticed on Saturday night there was an increase in security people in front of JR Osaka station. Some held signs posted in Japanese/English asking traingoers to refrain from “loud” activities. Normally there aren’t 10-15 security people around each main entrance. Could this activity be directly related to a “Osaka Kanjyosen” Halloween Train?
October 28th, 2007 at 4:31 am
Since I saw the Yamanote Halloween Train few years ago, I tought that “non otaku” gaijin should go back to their countries (basically Australia and US) since they don’t seem to like japanese culture and they are abusing the freedom they got in Japan (what would happen if they do this kind of thing in NY?!)…
I just hope they stay out of akiba and keep hangin in Roppongi (the gaijin ghetto).
October 28th, 2007 at 5:11 am
Ugh, as an american student studying in Tokyo right now it is embarassing to hear this. I have heard about the yamanote train halloween party, but stayed in becuase I’m not that interested in it. sounds like people made fools of themselves and made the rest of us look bad to be honest.
October 28th, 2007 at 8:53 am
They DO make us look bad!
We already have a bunch of circus clowns in the government making us look bad. This, we don’t need!
October 28th, 2007 at 9:13 am
What.
Is.
This.
So are these guys supposed to be a bunch of 4chan shitheads or just part of some retarded “SCREW JAPAN” gaijin community? I’m aware several of the latter exist.
October 28th, 2007 at 9:37 am
Who was the idiot who thought this was a GOOD idea?
October 28th, 2007 at 10:08 am
Why do people go to another country to act like retards, or go live in a country they seem to hate? I hope they are punished somehow.
October 28th, 2007 at 10:58 am
This reminds me of another foreigners incident that got a lot of Chinese riled up. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3146514.stm
October 28th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
It’s called partying and it’s an American (Western?) pastime. I don’t support it and I never will, but is it really that surprising?
October 29th, 2007 at 8:22 am
Partying is not synonymous with irreverant idiocy. It’s just simple stupidity, and if they had pulled it off elsewhere they’d likely have been thrown off the train at whatever stop they happened to be, and then probably gotten into more trouble.
November 2nd, 2007 at 7:17 am
Like Rodger, I’m a student from the United States studying in Tokyo. I’m not exactly prudish, but I think that abusing the public transportation system instead of booking a club somewhere is pretty disrespectful. This is why foreigners often have a bad reputation here. This is why some restaurants and real estate offices reject us as soon as we walk in the door (well, you can’t deny the certain level of inherent racism here either…).
Anyway, there’s a time and place, and it’s not the train, I’m afraid.
November 6th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
That is some sad stuff. I really don’t feel any shame about it since they don’t represent me but it is sad watching people making asses of themselves in a foreign place. I’d hesitate to become comfortable in a place I know let alone loose all inhibitions in a place I’m foreign to. I don’t understand it but find it even sadder that their are some that would even go as far as to condemn all foreigners for this behavior; both inside and outside of Japan. I guess on either side of sensibility there are extremes such as these.
December 1st, 2007 at 6:29 pm
I was there this year, as I was last year. Say what you will about how irresponsible and disrespectful the event was, but don’t be confused: The crowd was not just Americans and Australlians. Six guys from the Netherlands were by far, the loudest and wildest group that I saw. Also, I met French, many Germans, and a nice Italian couple. I think that it is also Noteable that a large number of young Japanese people join in on the fun. So, if you’re going to blame a small group of individuals for making you look bad, perhaps you should go and see first-hand if they’re really doing anything that bad. Japanese Police and Security are known for over-reacting.
Overall, the idea of the event is to dress up in a costume, bring a few friends, and meet up with other foriegners to celebrate Halloween. Some people do drink, but a lot don’t.
The worst thing I saw this year was one of the gentleman from the Netherlands took his clothes off and streaked a bit.
And finally, why the fuck do you care what Japanese people think of you anyways? Most Japanese people who hate gaijin, will always hate gaijin. Even if you brought them a 9000 yen melon and spoke perfect Kaigo to them. Your a visitor and will always be. Go the fuck home if you want to treated nicely!
January 28th, 2008 at 2:38 am
I agree Japanese will always hate foreigners no matter what we do soo… lets just fuck around with them.
July 31st, 2008 at 5:06 am
Good on these folks..so they had a party on a car of the train on halloween..sounds a blast..no harm done..except a few pissed off boring japanese salarymen whom are much worst..groping tarts in bars and dating high school girls or forcing girls in their compaanies to lift skirts or be isolated..come on “gaijin” comrades! A party in a train in fun..don`t be square bears..loosen up..go out and have fun..
It is ridiculous knocking this train party..why not knock the racial Japanese here whom treat 99% of gaijin like scunbags with the polite racial overtone that really is here..or knock those jealous salarymen guys whom have all the cash..but still can`t get laid because their personalities are like frozen fish anfd they are racially open to gaiijn!..By the way..5 years ago i did this..as a gaijin I was gleefully joined by 6 Japanese people..we drunk alot . had a blast, no harm done..in fact it was clear which car and train it was..so it was only joined by other gaijin anf J party animals..let all live and have fun..better than being so negative, anally boring like most Jap;anese and most boring gaijins here!
See you all on the train again this year..and all whom don`t like this or feel sorry for Japanese commuters or dickhead train attendants or bully policemen and security guys..I can only say..loosen up..get a life..get laid..enjoy the scene..
To all open minded Japanese and Gaijin here..party on my friends and have a great life here!!
November 4th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
It is much more normal in the UK anyway… been to a couple of New Year parties on the Tube in London, and a birthday conga line on a bendy bus:) Dunno if that will continue now that drinking is (supposed to be) banned on the Tube though. It’s kind of a flashmob thing, and I think it’s really just lighthearted and harmless. I’ve never seen any violence (as opposed to silly shouting and the odd spilled drink) which is uncommon compared to a normal London streetscene at 1am.
But the real point is, you’re in Japan and the Japanese don’t act like this. Go home if you hate the place and aren’t interested in fitting in.