這起事件在日本與澳洲兩地都引發強烈輿論關注。8月4日，一段影片在社交媒體上流傳，畫面中一名來自澳大利亞的男子在山梨縣富士河口湖町的一處墓地做出一連串不敬舉動。他邊拍攝邊在墓園中走動，隨手拿起墓前供奉的罐裝酒，不僅當場喝光，還舉著空罐對著墓碑“碰杯”，並口出狂言，說“要是你是帶著憤怒死的，希望你能復仇”。隨後，他又在另一段影片中揮舞祭奠亡者所用的卒塔婆，甚至還拿著疑似模型槍嬉戲，觸碰供奉的兔子擺件，行為放肆且毫無顧忌。

影片曝光後，立刻引發大批日本網民的憤怒與批評，當地居民也難掩震驚與不解，紛紛表示供奉品是祖先的信物，男子的行為既荒唐又冒犯。即便罵聲不斷，該男子仍在影片中公開表示自己“不在乎”，甚至稱很喜歡這段影片，態度極為挑釁。更令人擔憂的是，他不僅在墓園內舉止失當，還在其他影片中展示危險行為，例如站在橋欄杆上，隨後直接跳進河口湖，毫不顧及自身與他人安全。隨後，他於 8 月 2 日發布兩段所謂的“道歉影片”，聲稱“如果有人覺得我褻瀆死者，我很抱歉”。然而，他在道歉時竟然邊嚼口香糖邊講話，顯得極不誠懇，進一步引發外界不滿。評論區裡充斥著“誰會一邊嚼口香糖一邊道歉”之類的憤怒批評。

從法律角度來看，專業律師指出，男子飲用墓前的供品，可能構成盜竊罪，最高可判處七年有期徒刑或五十萬日圓以下罰金；至於破壞或揮舞卒塔婆的行為，也可能觸犯相關法律，最高可判三年有期徒刑或三十萬日圓以下罰金。目前日本警方已經表態，表示知曉該影片的存在，並正在進行必要的調查。事件的影響甚至驚動澳大利亞駐日大使館。大使館透過社交媒體發出罕見警告，呼籲赴日旅客務必遵守當地法律與規範，並指出近期此類麻煩事有所增加，因此特別發布提醒信息。這場爭議不僅揭露文化與尊重的問題，也讓外界再度聚焦於外國旅客在日本行為舉止所引發的社會矚目。

This incident has sparked widespread controversy in both Japan and Australia. On August 4, a video circulated on social media showing an Australian man engaging in highly disrespectful acts at a cemetery in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture. In the footage, he wandered through the graves while filming, picked up a can of alcohol that had been offered to the deceased, drank it on the spot, and even clinked the empty can against a gravestone. He went further, uttering disturbing remarks such as: “If you died in anger, I hope you seek revenge.”

In another video, the same man was seen waving around a sotoba (a wooden memorial tablet used in Buddhist rituals), playing with what appeared to be a toy gun, and even touching a rabbit figurine left as an offering. His behavior was reckless and irreverent. After the clips went viral, Japanese netizens voiced outrage, and local residents expressed shock, stressing that offerings are sacred items meant for ancestors and cannot be desecrated in such a way. Despite the backlash, the man showed no remorse; instead, he publicly declared that he “didn’t care” about the criticism and even admitted he enjoyed the video.

His troubling behavior extended beyond the cemetery. In other footage, he was seen climbing onto a bridge railing and jumping into Lake Kawaguchi, once again disregarding safety. On August 2, the man uploaded two so-called apology videos, saying: “If anyone felt I desecrated the dead, I’m sorry.” However, he delivered this apology while chewing gum, which many viewers found insulting and insincere. The comment sections were filled with anger, with remarks such as: “Who apologizes while chewing gum?”

From a legal standpoint, Japanese lawyers explained that consuming offerings at a grave could constitute theft, punishable by up to seven years in prison or a fine of up to 500,000 yen. Damaging or mishandling a sotoba could lead to up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 300,000 yen. Japanese police have confirmed they are aware of the videos and are conducting the necessary investigations.

The incident even prompted an unusual move from the Australian Embassy in Japan. Through social media, the embassy issued a rare warning urging travelers to respect local laws and customs, stating: “Given recent incidents, including this one, we have decided to issue this reminder for travelers.”

The controversy not only highlights the cultural and ethical expectations surrounding sacred sites in Japan, but also reignites debate over the conduct of foreign visitors and the consequences of disrespectful behavior in a host country.