Pure Prejudice
Japanese Host Cancels Booking of Israeli Tourists, Accusing Them of "Killing People"
"How can you enjoy your trip while killing people?" An Israeli couple's dream vacation in Japan turned into a nightmare when a cabin owner canceled their booking over their nationality and then threatened to doxx them when they spoke out.
A young Israeli couple planning a dream trip to Japan's scenic Kiso Valley had their confirmed cabin reservation abruptly canceled after the owner discovered their nationality, citing opposition to war and questioning how they could "enjoy their trip while killing people." The incident, shared widely on social media, has ignited outrage over antisemitism and prompted backlash against the host.
The couple, who had booked the lodging through a popular platform, filled out a standard form including their personal details. Initially approved, the reservation was revoked without warning. In a direct message, the owner stated he does not accept visitors from Israel or Russia due to his anti-war stance, adding bluntly: "How can you enjoy your trip while killing people?"
The couple described the host as "nice and kind" until learning of their origin, emphasizing that the cancellation was based solely on nationality, not any behavioral or legal issues.
Shocked by the discriminatory response, the travelers posted the exchange in an online group for Israeli tourists, seeking advice and support.
The story quickly went viral, drawing condemnation from users who flooded the host with emails and negative reviews.
In retaliation, the owner contacted the couple again, demanding they remove the post and implicitly threatening to disclose their personal information if they refused.
Critics have labeled the host's actions as blatant antisemitism, pointing out the selective targeting of Israelis while ignoring visitors from other conflict-involved nations like Syria, Sudan, China, Yemen, Qatar, or even Palestine.
"This isn't pro-peace; it's pure prejudice," one commenter noted, highlighting the hypocrisy in the owner's professed anti-war values juxtaposed with threats to breach privacy.
This case echoes previous incidents of anti-Israel discrimination in Japan, such as a Kyoto hotel canceling an Israeli tourist's booking in June 2024 over alleged ties to the IDF, and a Nagano facility rebuking an Israeli firm in December 2025.
Japan's hotel business law prohibits denying services based on nationality, but enforcement in such cases remains inconsistent.