TOKYO, Nov 12 (Information On Japan) –
Tokyo’s Asakusa district, bustling with overseas vacationers, is known for its rickshaws, a singular attraction that mixes sightseeing with memory-making for guests.
Not too long ago, an growing variety of feminine rickshaw pullers have been seen on Asakusa’s streets. Nonetheless, some feedback from overseas guests have sparked debate.
In a video that has develop into a speaking level, a feminine rickshaw puller is seen pulling a rickshaw carrying a bodily massive man. The video, supposed to advertise the attraction of Asakusa and its rickshaw pullers on social media, has acquired blended responses. Many viewers have praised the puller with feedback like, “They’re superb!” However some overseas viewers criticized the scene, with remarks similar to, “Poor lady,” “Are you making an attempt to kill her?” and “This needs to be reported as abuse.”
These considerations may replicate real fear for the pullers’ well-being, however what do these concerned give it some thought?
We spoke to Ryuya Nishio, President of Tokyo Rickshaw, an organization that operates rickshaws primarily in Asakusa.
Mina Aoi, Reporter: What number of rickshaw pullers are there?
Tokyo Rickshaw President Ryuya Nishio: About 100 with our firm, round 30 of whom are ladies.
Mina Aoi, Reporter: Overseas guests have expressed concern about ladies pulling rickshaws.
Tokyo Rickshaw President Ryuya Nishio: Sure, once we share posts on social media, feedback like, “Why make them do work akin to slavery?” or “Why have ladies do that as an alternative of males?” come up.
How do the feminine rickshaw pullers themselves really feel? We spoke to Minami Kawai, 20, who began pulling rickshaws in Might 2024 and was featured within the video that stirred controversy.
On busy days, Kawai takes round 10 teams of shoppers. When requested if she finds the work difficult, she admitted, “There are robust instances.”
Mina Aoi, Reporter: What was the toughest half throughout your first six months?
Tokyo Rickshaw, Minami Kawai: Undoubtedly the summer season warmth. After simply 10 minutes, I’d be drenched in sweat. (Q: Do you deal with the bodily pressure?) Bodily, I am okay.
She talked about that working in the summertime additionally introduced challenges with sunburn, which was robust on her as a girl. Nonetheless, when requested why she continues pulling rickshaws, Kawai stated, “I’ve admired this job since I used to be younger. I adore it, and that motivates me to maintain going. Individuals fear, however I’m positive.”
What do overseas vacationers consider the criticism?
Vacationer from Italy: If it’s her alternative, isn’t that positive?
Vacationer from Indonesia: At first, I felt uneasy, however then it grew to become pleasurable.
How will Tokyo Rickshaw’s president reply to the abroad criticism directed at feminine rickshaw pullers?
Tokyo Rickshaw President Ryuya Nishio: No matter we do, criticism will come from someplace, so I’m centered on creating an surroundings the place our employees can do what they need.
Some rickshaw pullers reportedly earn over 1.3 million yen a month. Nishio emphasised that guests ought to benefit from the rickshaw expertise, understanding that the pullers discover achievement of their work.
Supply: FNN
