What began with a peculiar form at the front desk of a Kyoto guesthouse has escalated into a diplomatic spat, prompting public condemnation from city officials, the removal of the listing from Booking.com and an official protest from Israel’s ambassador to Japan.
In late April, Kyoto’s Wind Villa Hotel required an Israeli guest to sign a declaration upon check-in stating that he had “never committed war crimes, including but not limited to: attacks on civilians (children, women, etc.), killing or mistreating those who have surrendered or been taken as prisoners of war; torture or inhumane treatment; sexual violence, forced displacement, or looting.”
The guest, a former combat medic in the Israeli Navy reserves, said the document was presented after he showed his Israeli passport. “It’s ridiculous and absurd,” he said. “I told him we don't kill women and children. Why would we do that?”
The Israeli traveler initially refused to sign, explaining he didn’t want to get involved in politics. However, the hotel staff insisted the form was mandatory for guests from Israel and Russia.
Wind Villa’s manager defended the policy in comments to Ynet, saying, “I don't think it is ridiculous. It is mandatory to serve in the army in your country. Since Israel launched a military operation in Gaza in October 2023, we do not know who may have been involved, as young Israelis are required to serve in the army." He continued, "We cannot distinguish between our guests. In any case, we believe we have the right to ensure who we are hosting in our hotel. This step was also intended to guarantee our safety.
"For us, war is something distant, and we have never met people who killed women and children or bombed schools," he added. "It is beyond imagination. This was my personal decision to require the form in order to ensure our security. We have not violated any hotel business law in Japan. A city official has already visited our hotel, conducted an investigation and asked me questions, and I answered. I am confident that we have not broken any laws."
In the weeks that followed, Booking.com removed the guesthouse from its platform. The City of Kyoto issued a public statement after learning that, despite the backlash, the hotel manager intended to continue using the form — though he would no longer require it as a condition for check-in.
Israeli Ambassador to Japan Gilad CohenPhoto: Mainichi Israeli Ambassador to Japan Gilad Cohen, who initially sent a sharply worded letter to Kyoto Governor Takatoshi Nishiwaki, also contacted Kyoto’s mayor and Japan’s justice minister, demanding an end to what he described as discriminatory conduct. U.S. officials reportedly raised the issue with local authorities as well.
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In its formal response, the Kyoto city government confirmed the matter had been referred to the local prosecutor and said, “Recently, it was reported that a certain accommodation facility in the city requested guests of specific nationalities to sign a pledge stating that they are not involved in war crimes. The Hotel Business Act stipulates that any guests must not be refused to stay except in cases specified in Article 5 of the Act. If signing the pledge is a condition to stay, it is violation of the Act. Even if signing is not a condition but voluntary, the act to request to sign the pledge in a manner that could lead them to mistakenly believe that they would be refused to stay is deemed inappropriate and inconsistent with provisions of Article 5 of the Act."
The statement added that from a human rights perspective, denying service based on nationality constitutes unacceptable discrimination. Officials who inspected the site confirmed the current form explicitly states that signing is voluntary. However, the city emphasized the importance of avoiding any behavior that could cause discomfort or pressure to tourists — even if technically legal.
"As an international tourist city promoting cultural interaction and welcoming diverse people, we consider that any behavior that may cause tourists to feel uncomfortable or pressured should be avoided, even if it does not violate the Act. The City of Kyoto will continue to warmly welcome visitors and create an environment where everyone can enjoy a safe and secured stay."