Japan, like the rest of the world, was shocked and saddened by the recent terror attacks in Paris.
While netizens mourned France’s loss, many became preoccupied with the fact that Tokyo Tower was illuminated in the colors of the French Tricolore. Although this was clearly meant to indicate Japan’s solidarity with a close ally, netizens felt that it was not the most tasteful way to do so…
From Yahoo! Japan:
Tokyo Tower Turned Into French Tricolore After Paris Terror Attacks
On the night of November 15, Tokyo Tower (Minato Ward, Tokyo), was lit up with the three colors of the French Tricolore flag to mourn the victims of the terror attacks that happened in France.
The tower was lit from sunset to 11pm. The upper part of the tower downward was lit in blue, white, and red.
At sites all around the world, including in the US and Europe, famous landmarks were lit up in the French colors to express solidarity with France and to mourn the victims of the attacks. There was also growing action on the part of businesses such as YouTube and Amazon to change their icons to the colors of the French flag.
Similar acts also spread among individuals; on Facebook, a growing number of people overlaid their profile picture with the French flag.
Comments from Yahoo! Japan:
k_a*****:
Ummm, not so sure about this…(errr)
If they’re doing anything, I think they should be turning the lights out altogether.
遊び気分:
It looks like most people are criticizing this.
I mean really, it’s kinda bad if it creates a festival vibe.
aay*****:
I think it’s more important to think about how the others might feel; I think that if a French person were to see Tokyo Tower, they wouldn’t think it was improper.
ccc*****:
Of course we mourn the victims, but I think that there is also the message that nations will unite against terrorism and will not yield to it.
kar*****:
Lots of people criticizing it seems, but Japan’s special way of mourning a loss won’t really come across in the West. I don’t think it’s such a bad idea to do something like this that everyone can understand.
ell*****:
There is a lot of criticism, but the point is we’re showing our feelings.
rqhl*****:
Tokyo Tower is lit up as a means of mourning all those people who died.
No matter whether it’s through terrorism, or in a natural disaster, it’s always so sad when people die.
tbx*****:
You know I guess they could have gone with extinguishing the lights altogether, but it’s not really how they do it that matters. As long as it shows our condolences, it’s enough.
yok*****:
It’s difficult because they all just believe in one god.
On that point, Japanese Buddhism is tolerant, it’s peaceful.
Comments from 2ch.net:
アイアンフィンガーフロムヘル(庭)＠＼(^o^)／:
Quit it…
16文キック(やわらか銀行)＠＼(^o^)／:
Don’t do something so trivial.
ラ ケブラーダ(WiMAX)＠＼(^o^)／:
We don’t need stuff like that.
サソリ固め(東京都)＠＼(^o^)／:
On the other hand, seems like people might be happy at this.
フロントネックロック(中部地方)＠＼(^o^)／:
Like it. So Japanese to just imitate others without really understanding why.
ローリングソバット(千葉県)＠＼(^o^)／:
This is only gonna encourage the terrorists.
トペ スイシーダ(東京都)＠＼(^o^)／:
Well I guess Tokyo Tower’s pretty desperate now SkyTree stole all its customers.
ジャンピングエルボーアタック(庭)＠＼(^o^)／:
Oh man, it’s gonna be so awful if people start taking selfies of that.
レインメーカー(やわらか銀行)＠＼(^o^)／:
Hey, maybe they’ll do a discount sale in support of France?
リバースネックブリーカー(関東・甲信越)＠＼(^o^)／:
“Business opportunity, boys!”
リバースパワースラム(宮城県)＠＼(^o^)／:
Umm, the Eiffel Tower actually put its lights out.
