"Flirting with Every Woman"... Japanese Zoo That Doesn't Allow 'Men Visiting Alone'

"Too Many Men Visit With Impure Intentions"
"Repeated Incidents of Approaching Female Visitors"
Japanese Zoo Ultimately Bans Solo Male Entry

A zoo in Japan has implemented a policy banning solo male visitors to prevent men with ill intentions from approaching. SCMP

A zoo in Japan is facing controversy for banning the 'solo entry' of male visitors. The zoo stated that the measure was unavoidable due to repeated incidents where female visitors felt uncomfortable, but it has faced strong criticism as 'blatant gender discrimination.'

According to foreign media including the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 13th, on the 26th of last month, Misa Mama, the operator of the 'Healing Pavilion' in Tochigi Prefecture in eastern Japan, announced on her social media that "male visitors are not allowed to enter the zoo alone. This is effective immediately." After Mama posted this, a notice stating "Men must be accompanied by family or friends" was posted at the zoo entrance.

The zoo, which opened in March last year, is an experiential zoo where visitors can interact with various animals such as pigs, cats, dogs, and sheep, feed them, and build bonds. Mama lamented that while most visitors came as families or couples, some men visited alone and approached female customers or made unpleasant advances. As the operator of the zoo, she found it difficult to openly turn away such visitors and felt a great burden in always having to respond with a smile and politeness.

A zoo in Japan has implemented a policy banning solo male visitors to prevent men with ill intentions from entering. SCMP

Mama explained, "Healing Pavilion is a place to find comfort by interacting with animals, not a place to find a date," and added, "This measure is not to misunderstand or ignore men." She continued, "Too many men have visited with impure intentions. It pains me as well."

However, among local netizens, the measure to block solo male entry has been criticized as "blatant gender discrimination." One male netizen expressed displeasure, saying, "Many people like me just want to enjoy interacting with animals and go to the zoo. We have no bad intentions." Other responses included "Clear misogyny," "Don't condemn all men," and "You shouldn't do this because of the actions of a few."

Nevertheless, Mama maintained her stance, saying, "I do not hold prejudice against men. If possible, I would only ban those with bad intentions, but since that is not feasible, I have no choice but to enforce this rule." Meanwhile, some voices are calling for authorities to implement policies to protect female visitors and staff.