Tokyo hotel criticised for ‘Japanese only’ signs on elevators

A Japanese hotel in Tokyo is coming under criticism after images shared online revealed that notices had been placed in the building's elevators which had been designated to “Japanese only” and “foreigners only.”

According to Japan Times, the Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu was attempting to step up its anti-Covid measures ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games heading to the city in the coming weeks.

The signs were intended to separate the hotel’s general guests and guests there for the games, however, after images of the signs emerged on social media to a barrage of uproar and accusations of racism, the hotel apologised.

In a statement an official from the hotel said “we apologize for having caused misunderstanding,” and that they “had no intention to discriminate.”

The sign had instructed guests to use the four elevators two at a time but split between Japanese patrons and foreigners.

The hotel in question is located near the Japanese Imperial Palace and in the Chiyoda Ward of the city and will be hosting numerous guests for the Olympics and Paralympics.

The games which are set to start on 23rd July will be taking place behind closed doors amid a spike in Covid-19 cases attributed to the contagious Delta variant.