Japanese Film Stars' No-Photo Staff Sparks Outrage During Hong Kong Visit
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
The promotional visit of two Japanese actresses for the film "Look Back" to Hong Kong has ignited heated debate after their staff members blocked fans from taking photos and videos. The incident, captured on video and shared on Threads, drew sharp criticism from Hong Kong netizens who noted the stark contrast with previous visits by internationally renowned Japanese stars like Takuya Kimura and Tomohisa Yamashita, who were photographed freely in the city. While supporters cited Japanese cultural attitudes toward portrait rights, critics argued that photographing people in public places is legal in Hong Kong.
Key Points
- The Japanese film "Look Back" was recently released in Hong Kong, with lead actresses Natsuki Deguchi and Azusa Shikada arriving for promotional activities
- Staff members formed a human wall around the actresses while holding "No Photography or Video" signs as they exited a cinema venue
- Hong Kong netizens criticized the security operation as excessive, with many stating they did not recognize the actresses and questioning why such measures were necessary
- Some commenters referenced Hong Kong's lack of portrait rights legislation, noting that photographing individuals in public spaces is legally permitted
- Comparisons were made to visits by major Japanese stars such as Takuya Kimura, Tomohisa Yamashita, Haruma Miura, and Kiko Mizuhara, who were all photographed without restriction in Hong Kong
Why It Matters
The incident highlights the clash between Japanese entertainment industry customs regarding celebrity privacy and Hong Kong's comparatively permissive approach to public photography. For Hong Kong residents accustomed to photographing celebrities without restriction, the staff's actions may have seemed unnecessarily aggressive, potentially damaging the actresses' public image despite their relatively low profile in the city. The debate reflects broader questions about cultural expectations when international celebrities perform in regions with different social norms and legal frameworks .
The incident highlights the clash between Japanese entertainment industry customs regarding celebrity privacy and Hong Kong's comparatively permissive approach to public photography. For Hong Kong residents accustomed to photographing celebrities without restriction, the staff's actions may have seemed unnecessarily aggressive, potentially damaging the actresses' public image despite their relatively low profile in the city. The debate reflects broader questions about cultural expectations when international celebrities perform in regions with different social norms and legal frameworks .