American tourist ride in Hachiko in Shibuya

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For those who don’t know, Hachiko was a Japanese Akita dog who famously waited for his owner, a university professor named Hidesaburo Ueno, at Shibuya Station every day. The routine went on for a year before Ueno died of cerebral haemorrhage while at the university.

Hachiko continued to show up at Shibuya Station every day, longing for Ueno’s return, until he died in 1935 at the age of 11. His legacy would carry on, with many fondly remembering the dog as a symbol of unwavering loyalty. Hachiko went on to become an icon in popular culture and was the inspiration behind Richard Gere's 2009 movie Hachi: A Dog's Tale.

The bronze statue of Hachiko at Shibuya Station also remains one of Tokyo's must-visit tourist spots.

It brings us back to the disrespectful tourist.

In a video of that horrendous act, a man could be seen snapping photos for the tourist as she grinned widely while seated on the statue's back.

She could also be heard speaking to the man in what many assumed was “an American accent”.

The video of her was later uploaded with the caption: “How not to be a respectful tourist.”

“Clowns like this are the reason why tourists get a bad rep in Japan!” commented one angry netizen, while others labelled her “entitled” and “ill-mannered”.

“Why on earth did she have to ride Hachiko?” questioned another netizen, and we really can’t help but ask the same question.