Nintendo Museum Overseas Visitors Reportedly Breaking 'No Photos' Rule

Photos featuring hardware prototypes have gone viral

by · Nintendo Life
Image: Nintendo

According to a new story doing the rounds, overseas visitors are causing some troubles at Nintendo's museum in Japan.

As highlighted by Twisted Voxel, a report by the Japanese site 'Nintendo Every' claims some tourists are sharing photos of the "no-photography area" in the museum on social media platforms. One post, in particular, featuring hardware prototypes has gone viral, receiving thousands of likes:

Image: via 'Nintendo Every'

Although Nintendo is known to operate a bit differently at times, it's not uncommon for museums and places like art galleries to have a "no-photo" rule in place in certain sections, and generally touching exhibits or things you shouldn't is prohibited.

These kinds of actions follow a story last week about a museum visitor unplugging the cord of a Super Nintendo controller:

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What's concerning is the possibility this sort of behaviour could result in Nintendo implementing new rules for certain visitors.

As much as Japan welcomes tourists, there's been a sharp rise in travellers in recent years - with the country implementing new restrictions and fees in response to this. There have also been some cases where tourists are not respecting the local rules, culture and laws.

Of course, this isn't the first time something like this has happened and it's only become harder for companies to police in the age of social media.

Nintendo's new Switch Online playtest launched this week and it asked participants to not to "discuss or disclose content". Unsurprisingly, as soon as it went live, players were streaming and uploading footage of the playtest on social media and other parts of the internet.

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If we hear any other stories like this, we'll let you know. And if you are visiting Nintendo's museum, maybe check the museum rules or with a staff member before you take any photos.

[source nintendoevery.com, via twistedvoxel.com]

About Liam Doolan

Liam is a news writer and reviewer for Nintendo Life and Pure Xbox. He's been writing about games for more than 15 years and is a lifelong fan of Mario and Master Chief.

Comments 152

Nintendo’s ‘no sharing’ rules are bad design on their part if they actually expect total and complete obedience by the public.

You know, its really not that hard to obey the rules.

I hope that someone made a screenshot/downloaded the photo that was listed above. I want to see those prototypes as well. Not every Nintendo fan can afford a trip to Japan, after all.

This says a lot about how Nintendo is extremely naive when it comes to how people outside of Japan think. Japanese people are raised to be more respectful and obey the rules, while we always look to break those rules.

Nintendo did it to themselves really, same goes for their “playtest program”. Should have allowed photography on-site (at least with a tax as many museums do if they feel they would lose money somehow)

Some people just will not follow any rules. I'd been to a few places in Japan with no photo rules. There'd be staff giving several reminders about it but the second they look away someone pulls out a phone and starts taking photos anyway.

I don't see any need for discussion here. If you enter a space, follow the rules, it's not that difficult.

Says less about Nintendo and more about people that don't bother to follow even the most basic of rules.

This is only furthering the Japanese public's negative view on us Westerners when people do stuff like this. It sets a stereotype that we can't even follow the most basic rules, and showcases that a good chunk of people genuinely have no manners or understanding that other people outside of themselves exist.

This story about the photographs is annoying, but the story about the people ripping out power chords to prove that Nintendo is using "emulators" just baffles me. Would these people genuinely act like this in museums at their home country, or is this special because "It's Nintendo!!!"

How many here that say “it’s easy to obey basic rules” have ever had a comment on NintendoLife removed?

VoidOfLight wrote:

It sets a stereotype that we can't even follow the most basic rules.

I mean, I've seen a good chunk of people who don't even bother to wash their hands after COVID so it's not too far off

This is disgusting! Outrageous!

Anybody got a link to the photos so I know what not to take a picture of if I ever go to the museum?

@N00BiSH That's fair. I've known people who never washed their hands at all, even before Covid happened. Don't get why it's just so hard for some to even do that.

Oh gods, you guys are referencing twistedvoxel? That's not good. The site and associated sites are known for stealing from other reporters and sites. :/

It's probably the first time they have been in a museum.

@GrailUK Well it feels like that anyway. Most museums have similar rules.

Very simple, if you're on someone elses property then follow their rules.

Search everyone and have their phone removed before they enter said area. Much like at an airport. I would prohibit the violators from entering any Nintendo related store for the rest of their lives.

Following a simple rule as no photos should not be that freaking difficult.

Tourists acting like a🐍🐍holes in Japan what else is new?

Rules are meant to be tested. No one likes to be told what to do. It’s human nature. With that being said, why would anyone have a museum with no photos allowed. It’s 2025 almost, people have the means and urge to capture photos. It’ll happen regardless of rules.

I’ve been a few times in Japan, and the culture and people there are so lovely, friendly, and just utterly respectful towards each other.

It’s very heart breaking to see tourists barging in and acting like complete savages. Not just in this case of the Nintendo museum, but they also behave like this in other tourist attractions and sacred temples.

@Flashlink99 please enlighten me then, if people if Japan are raised to be respectfull, why are there different (subway) trains for women?
Hint, it is the same reason as other countries like Brazil, India & Egypt.

No country is without their issues, people need to stop glazing over Japan. Yes it is annoying for Nintendo that people broke their rule, a very simple rule.

Well, I guess this is one way to ensure Nintendo never bring their boring old museum over to the West.

Great job as usual, team

Everything's the foreigners' faults in Japan.

İ am not in shock that is kind of a thing happened in the Nintendo Museum. Visitors will take photos from everything. İt is like that.
There must be warning from the entrance from the Nintendo Museum.
YOU CAN NOT TAKE PHOTOS HERE İN THE NİNTENDO MUSEUM.

@BrintaPap what does the segregation have to do with anything?…
I was simply saying how they follow the rules as enacted. Another example would be if you entered a Japanese Apple Store. You wouldn’t find the test devices tied to anything as Japanese people wouldn’t steal them en masse or mess up the stores like in the West, mainly referring here to the whole SNES controller debacle. They actually have the sense of responsibility and shame unlike here.

@Flashlink99 being politically correct has nothing to do with what I said. Anyway it is forbidden to sexually assault (a person) a women yet that did happen en large in subway stations.
Unless you dont see groping people as unrespectful.

But I would agree that they are more respectful in general over there.

Why should anyone obey the rules? They’re not laws and disobeying the “no photo” rule does no harm to anyone.

@NinChocolate Well, those rules are less basic than "no photos and no touching", and some of those rules are still slightly open to interpretation.

I've had a comment removed. Just one. I didn't agree with the reason, but in the end I had to respect the decision. It was about a term that in my country wasn't considered rude but apparently was in others. I also made sure I didn't do it again.

Because, you know. I was told not to.

I am going to guess it is EXTREMELY clear here what the rules are. If I were to enter, I wouldn't break them. It was conscious decisions by the offenders here.

In the same vein, my manners as a tourist might still be considered rude by the Japanese people, so I would not be intentionally rude, but would change my manners as soon as it were pointed out to me.

@BrintaPap I don’t agree with any form of aggression and I do know that the Japanese also have some traits that are not positive.
I’m only afraid that when I’ll go to Japan, I would suddenly find myself in a discriminating position as someone from the West, just because some idiots made an ass of themselves and broke the rules. I’m referring to extra surveillance or being held for extra checks

Honestly if I were there and I did take pictures, I wouldn't post them online. I'd just keep them to myself if I'd want to see them again because these things are pretty cool.

That said, I'd respect their rules and just not take photos to begin with. This seems like a really easy rule to follow.

You can ask that I follow the rules sure.

Honestly, in most museums/galleries the no-photo rule is predominantly to stop exhibits getting bogged down with crowds of non-moving amateur photographers than anything else, so I wouldn't be surprised if in the grand scheme of things this rule was more of a basic courtesy to other museum goers.

Ridiculous to have such a rule anyway.

Most places have worked out that the more photos that are taken and spread online the more popular a thing gets (assuming the photos are positive).

But Nintendo must hide everything even when showing it off. Archaic thinking.

Yeah, there was absolutely no way everyone would respect that rule just like for the playtest as mentioned by the article - I'm also not convinced that it applies exclusively to foreign visitors, maybe the Japanese ones just know better than blatantly sharing their photos online (I agree with the point brought up that as much as Japanese people tend to be more respectful thanks to their culture we shouldn't idealize either and that's coming from someone like me who has been studying the latter along with the Japanese language)... and honestly, the best way to counter it is not having such a rule in the first place and/or Nintendo sharing photos of the prototypes themselves!

@BrintaPap There are also aggressions in the US and Europe.

The difference is that we don't make efforts into making women feel safer.

Nintendo won’t bring the museum to overseas, but they also won’t let people take pictures?? How else are we supposed to see it?

Would I love to visit Japan? You bet! That doesn’t mean I can afford it right now, though.

If somewhere they say "no photo" then take no photos, it's simple.

I've learnt that since I was a kid.

Leave it to idiots to ruin it for everyone else

@NinChocolate Actually not taking photos and respecting rules and other people is part of Japanese culture. I was there 2 years ago. When you go to another country you should respect their rules and culture. It is something well travelled and respectful people should know.

In Japan if you respect their rules and customs, they give so much kindness and respect back.

@JohnnyMind I'd like to say this is unique, but this happens in every museum. I was fortunate enough to go to Vatican Museum in well... The Vatican City and people were taking pictures and videos of the Sistine Chapel even after being reminded multiple times by clear signage and reminders from security. It's not like the Sistine Chapel is not photographed and distributed by the Catholic Church online either, people just flaunt the rules because of pure selfishness and ego. If Nintendo put photos of the prototypes online, people would still disrespect the rules the same way people take pictures of the Sistine Chapel when told repeatedly not to. People just simply lack respect and self restraint...

There have already been cases of people murdering their parents for likes, so sadly I'm not surprised anymore.

People are known to break rules so Nintendo should realize that inviting the public to their privately own archives would garnish multiple violations. Breaking rules is what some people like doing best, this explains why no matter what restriction Nintendo had to playing games online and sharing creation online there will always be that someone that will ruin the experience for everyone. These people are the same people who would scream fair use or turn themselves into a victim whenever Nintendo unleash the hounds on them.

Great, well done guys, now the Nintendo Museum is closing down on March 31st.

@Wexter Oh, I have no doubt Nintendo putting the photos online themselves wouldn't stop everyone from doing it as there will unfortunately always be those doing just because of what you mentioned, but their impact would be way lessened as those looking for pictures of the prototypes would check the official Nintendo ones instead of the most likely lower-quality ones posted by some internet randos - it's the same as piracy etc., there will always be those who pirate regardless, but most will take the more convenient, official route if available.

it's not like this doesn't happen in japan either, mind you, there wouldn't be campaigns against movie filming or such if that was the case. i know for instance tamashii nations each year has a bunch of photos of "no-photo" exhibits leak onto 2ch-likes and figure aggregate sites

@CupidStunt the need here isn’t in condemning groups for some lack of virtue, integrity or respect for authority (despite folks here feeling this is their opportunity to declare themselves as being beyond the temptation), the need is for Nintendo to understand what’s an uphill battle and design their space in anticipation of that. People taking pictures of anything and everything is how the world goes. Photos are modern communication. Fighting against that in an entertainment and celebration setting such as this is definitely an uphill battle. Nintendo should plan an exhibit that’s welcoming of photographers because they should anticipate that that’s the patrons’ expectation walking in. Implement a better design instead of fighting people’s natural expectations.

Y'all have too much faith in the public, as someone who used to work at Disney world tourists are absolute IDIOTS lol

This is the type of thing thats only news because it happened in Japan. 😭

People are jerks but I'm always fascinated that Japanese xenophobia is excused because it's polite.

@NinChocolate In Japan there are many places that you do not take photos. If you travel to another country, you respect the rules, traditions and people of that country.

It is that simple. It is a very entitled outlook to think you don't. If someone came to your property, business or country you would expect them to respect your rules and boundaries.

@JohnnyMind While I'm inclined to agree, I don't think that will stop anyone. At the end of the day I think a certain level of respect is in order because whether we agree with Nintendo's decision to not distribute photos of these prototypes online (I think it would be a great idea to do it) we have to respect their decision not to. Ripping controllers out of consoles, taking photographs of consoles when told not to, it is all just disrespectful when Nintendo didn't have to do this in the first place. This is a huge step of transparency for Nintendo to even do this museum in the first place and flaunting the rules will only push them to not do something like this again.

With the recent hacks on Gamefreak and the bizarre righteous indignation around the idea that "Gamefreak deserved this" because these files should had already been online for "game preservation" is a little sickening. So I really don't have patience for the people who think doing this stuff for quick and fleeting "internet clout" have much moral ground to stand on.

Should Nintendo have photos of these online? Oh yeah that would be awesome. Should people deliberately break the rules to stick it to Nintendo? Oh hell no, especially when the purpose of this museum in the first place was for game preservation and staff training.

There's a growing dislike of foreign visitors as it is let's add another reason to make the Japanese dislike visitors from countries.

@NinChocolate It's actually very common in Japan to have a basic "no photo" rule. It's expected by the locals and they respect it. It's mostly the tourists that have problems containing themselves.

I say we take to whatever SEGA does, and post pics of THAT! I hear the Sonic the Hedgehog Pop-Up Restaurants have great Chili Dogs!

@JohnnyMind Countering it by having no rules at all, just because you know people are going to break the rules anyway... If that's the best solution to a problem then we live in a very sad world indeed...

Everyone can have their own reasons and excuses for not wanting to follow a basic rule, but in the end, the world would be a much better place if we could all just show a bit more respect...

@Wexter Yeah, while on the one hand I'm happy that such things are available online it's sad that they they became so in such ways and those who did it will have to pay the consequences (especially in the case of Game Freak where they at the very least could've and absolutely should've avoided the doxing) - that's exactly why I wish companies made them available themselves though so not only the public would have access to such things officially, but also practically nobody would pay attention to individuals like these then and hopefully thanks to that we'll see even just slightly less of them!

LMAO at this comment section. I truly can't imagine caping this hard for a multi-billion dollar company. People took some pictures of hardware at a public museum, relax.

@8bit-Man Don't get me wrong, I wish people weren't breaking the rule and personally I wouldn't exactly to be respectful towards Nintendo, but at the same time it's not a particularly important one so why create a problem where there wouldn't be one?

"Westerners are reportedly entitled malcontents"

@VoidofLight true story. Nintendo sinks pirate ships, it doesn't mean they hate the ships themselves. Emulation is a useful tool used in good faith.

@JohnnyMind That is an extremely fair take that I can agree with. I think in general that especially larger publishers like Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft (add Activision and Bethesda there), EA and Ubisoft should have a ton of behind the scenes information available. I think that would be a net positive for the industry. I do think some discretion should be used as it has been revealed over and over again that Nintendo reuses old scrapped ideas in new games (dungeons in Zelda and beta-Pokemon in well Pokemon), so I don't think we're entitled to everything, but more transparency would for sure keep some of these clout chasers (and legit criminals) at bay to an extent.

@Dirty_Croc you should witness for yourself the sense of peace in Japan that comes from an obedient social-cohesion. I'd say first test out the benefits of following the rules before looking for loopholes. Absolute freedom is impossible. I step on way too many toes on a dancefloor, for instance 😅

“In Japan”… Nintendo is a multinational corporation that had a multinational broadcast advertising their entertainment venue. This facility opened with an international appeal from Nintendo. The expectations of tourists are now removed from anywhere else that is Japanese which may expect local cultural observance and compliance from visitors

@Wexter Couldn't agree more with everything you've just said!

@BrintaPap that would be the pervasive subculture of perversion that unfortunately enters into the realm of real life situations, but on the whole, people are not looking to be contrary or infringe on overall peace

@NinChocolate not how that would work. When you're visiting a foreign country you should still respect the local customs and expectations. Japan is an entertainment titan between Anime, manga, video games, film and novels to expect Japanese people to just excuse ignorant behavior from foreigners is pretty bold just because Japanese media is internationally consumed. Maybe you didn't mean that and I'm just misunderstanding your comment. However, I don't think Japanese people should put up with people being ignorant just because they're foreign. The general norm when visiting a different country is to do some research before going on what is, vs. what isn't acceptable locally.

Art museums have this kind of thing for certain paintings and people usually seem to follow it to my knowledge. Nintendo fans are unfortunately more stubborn than art fans I guess 😞

@Wexter I’m not interested in what people “should do” in light of this news. I’m interested in what Nintendo could and should do to make their products (including attractions) shareable as stories by people who buy into them.

@NinChocolate No, still not how that works. This is a museum not an "attraction." If we want to treat games as a form of art we need to play by the same rules any other museum would. That includes some sections will require you to not take pictures and be respectful of the pieces. People unplugging controllers and checking for "emulators" is not "shareable as stories by people who buy into them" or taking pictures of sensitive prototypes when told not to, to content chase is also not "shareable stories." It is just disrespectful. That would be like going to an art museum and randomly touch paintings because you want to feel if it was painted on real canvas.

Notice how there is a disconnect here between sensible behavior and just being rude?

I get that they want it to be something to draw more visitors in, but there’ll always be people like myself with disabilities who’d love to go but just can’t.

@SilentBluntman This right here is the reason I think museums should embrace the virtual tour model. I don't think it would be hard (and rather would be very profitable) to strap a few staff members with GoPros and have them tour the museum with a guide for those who cannot physically go.

Y'know, following boundaries and showing decent respect can really go a long way. Sure, follow your own boundaries and rules in your own space. But when you are welcomed into someone else's space? You play by their rules (The exceptions are if they're violating your own very personal boundaries, ex. unwelcome contact). If you can't? Then get/stay out and don't ruin it for the next person.

No photography is a very reasonable rule. I've been to several museums and sites where this is prohibited, and I didn't explode from not doing so.

I have lived in Japan for 14 years. My wife is Japanese. My daughter is dual heritage. I studied an MA Japanese studies at University.

There is nothing the Japanese like more than to pretend they are politer/more civilized than other countries; in fact, it has a basis as practically government propaganda with theories such as nihonjiron. They in no way are. They are as ignorant and self absorbed as anywhere else.

Out there in internet land there is no number of people - both Japanese and Japanophile - desperate to propagate the misinformation it is only “the evil white tourist doing this”. There's plenty of it going on in this thread, for example. Don’t allow yourself to be tricked into thinking otherwise

@Wexter I will talk about this news story without commenting on issues of right and wrong on the part of the photographers visiting this Nintendo property attraction. I’m interested in Nintendo accommodating photographers in response. You’re singly interested in replying to me about the visitors’ behavior, which I’m not interested in talking about.

@NinChocolate it's easy to get your comment removed on here. They're not good at moderating

@NinChocolate You're now playing a semantics game. This is a museum not a "property attraction." You are playing a semantic game. And how can Nintendo "accommodate photographers" in a part of their museum that they don't want pictures taken in, that is an extremely common practice in museums. It is so common in fact that I guarantee you can go to your nearest museum and find a part of the museum they do not want pictures taken in.

Don't try to weasel this one you know exactly what you're doing. To the point your last comment highlighted that fact pretty clearly now that you refuse to use the term museum and are using "property attraction" a term so obscure that the first article on Google is in an insurance article and next one is for magnetism. You can't find a reference for it in both Webster or the Oxford dictionaries.

Stories like this are utterly pointless unless I can actually go check out these picture and stuff. Otherwise you're just the morality police basically schilling on behalf of the company, and you can go jump with that.

Down with the ‘no photos’ signs, Nintendo. Let the people take their bad pictures on their overpriced phones, Game Boy Cameras or 3DS devices..

@Flashlink99 Well what do you expect? This is a kyoto based company. They are as traditional as modern japan allows. And I don't think they were expecting as many foreigners as they did.

@Wexter yeah, I’d be happy to pay a little for something like that. Funnily enough I almost mentioned that in my original comment.

It isn't that big of a deal. It is still on Instagram

Removed - inappropriate

I've been places where you are not supposed to take pictures, (mostly museums and religious spaces when overseas) and have always respected it. I remember at the Brooklyn Museum when the Murakami exhibit was here there were places we couldn't take photos. I wish I had some of those photos and I don't always understand why I can't, but if a place says not to, I always respect it. I would want the same respect if I asked.

@8bitKirby People like me? Tourists that aren’t Japanese?

Nintendo: “Why doesn’t everyone do what we tell them to do!?”

@BrintaPap it’s to protect school girls mostly. As men find it really hard there being pushed against them and not have a fondle. It’s way more complicated than that even sounds. It’s linked to their way of thought process and life.
Very different to our culture and thought processes. It’s their obsession with being young and mentally trying to exist in that realm of school.

Awesome! Nintendo wants to ban emulators. Good try boys. Screw your policies. We will fight you.

Just wear camera glasses and go nuts taking pics and video, lol. 😂

Rules are made by ignorants, for ignorants.
Would we all be smart and respectful, there would be no need for rules.

@Wexter The Sistine Chapel has a no flash rule, which is there to prevent light damage to the Michaelangelo fresco. If that was the case with the Nintendo museum, it would be perfectly fair. Even so, I’ve visited the Sistine chapel 3 times and people are constantly being removed for using the flash.

Honestly, it's surprising it didn't happen sooner

Removed - unconstructive

Removed - unconstructive

@HingryHuppo That's not the only reason why you aren't allowed to take photos inside the Sistine Chapel.

Disallowing photos also makes sure the crowd doesn't stick at the same place for too long and keeps moving forward, so it doesn't get overly crowded, which could lead to dangerous situations or unreasonable waiting times.

There can be many valid reasons for museums to incorporate a "no photo" zone.

Removed - unconstructive

Not surprised by people taking pictures, I know I would be sneaking a good few if I ever went. I don't know about other people, but seeing pictures of stuff in the museum whilst not being able to go myself is not going to detract from the sensation of going in person myself - I want to see all this cool stuff! But going to Japan is not a likely thing to happen any time in the near foreseeable future, so who cares if some pictures leak out?

Its stuff like actually tampering with the kiosks and such that's an actually harmful thing to do, but pictures? Really? It's impossible to expect people to not take them when they have a (likely) once in a lifetime chance to go in person themselves.

@HingryHuppo I have not looked over the photos of the prototypes themselves, but if there are exposed boards flash can be very harmful to them. If there are no UV stickers on some of the chipsets it can potentially wipe the carts. So, without looking over the prototype catalogue I can't really comment too much. But, that is one reason why they may just not allow photos is to protect the sensitive components of some of these prototypes which in some cases are probably 40 years-old.

As for the Sistine Chapel I was told explicitly by the both my guide and security that no pictures at all were allowed inside the chapel not just flash (here is a link bellow that states it is no photos at all if you were curious). it was to both to preserve the art and to avoid noise as the chapel is meant for religious contemplation and to enjoy the art. It was just a recent example I had on hand of people not respecting the general rules.

SOURCE: https://www.vaticancitytours.it/blog/are-cameras-allowed-in-the-vatican-city/#:~:text=Sistine%20Chapel&text=The%20real%20reason%20for%20the,companies%20to%20fund%20the%20project.

@Wexter That’s interesting and I didn’t realise that flash could harm circuits. Nintendo could of course plead that no flash is used and tell people why.

The no photo rule for the Sistine chapel must have been implemented in the past 10 years, as it was fine to take them when I visited, so long as you didn’t use flash. I imagine the number of people using flash was what prompted the no photography rule.

@8bit-Man “ There can be many valid reasons for museums to incorporate a "no photo" zone.”

Absolutely agree with you on this and the museums are well within their right to do so.

Western foreigner tourist acting like they are in their own home due to lack of class. Tale as old as time.

You wonder why Japanese locals has poor impression of Western guests that some businesses even put up signs banning tourists because someone ruined it for everyone else.

Just looking at half this comment section going “screw rules lol” just proves my point why rules exist in the first place.

@Centinex lol, they don't want to ban emulators. They just don't want you messing with their business.

If Nintendo wants something to stay secret they shouldn't put it on a pedestal in a public museum. This should apply to any museum, it's only logical.

No gaijin rule!

@Flashlink99 obeying the rules... Yet has a high bullying percentage and etc... not even gonna bring up how they treat brown skinned foreigners.... Japan is ok but let's not act like it's flawless... They do stuff too .. no country is perfect.... Just funny how people try to baby them as if they don't have issues too....

Japan as a society is good about following rules. Other places are much more hit and miss.

@Wordbonder many museums, including ones in the US, have no photo policies for certain artifacts and exhibits.

People can complain about the rules, and its obviously we might go against it as its part of human nature, but honestly if I ever did something like that in Japan, I would be ashamed of myself, as the country is centered about politeness and respect, and so far foreign tourists don't obey the rules thinking its the same as in the USA. I feel tourists should respect the rules of any place outside the USA, specially as that will make the image of foreigners being ruined by their own actions.

I cannot be compelled to care about Nintendo's hurt feelings.

I can tell a lot of people in the comments have never been to a museum or an art museum before.

People have all the right to find the rule stupid, but trying to justify not following it or being rude about is not a great look.

of course they would. Westerners respecting rules in Japan? never!

@VoidofLight
What makes you assume that it’s Westerners who are primarily responsible? The overwhelming majority of tourists to Japan are from Asia.
https://www.tourism.jp/en/tourism-database/stats/inbound/

@Li_Bae Because the redditors responsible for what's going on and posting about it are from America? I've seen these posts by the people committing the acts.

Edit: Plus Asian tourists tend to be more respectful whilst American tourists are usually singled out as the group that isn't.

Personally I would never. Most of what I'd do is take my phone out to change the song I'm listening to on headphones or to translate something from Japanese to English if nothing was in English for me to read.

I like museums too much to be stuck behind a camera. I like to actually experience things too.

Do you know how many No Photography signs I see from Action Trade shows? All of them. Everybody breaks that rule all the time.

Are you sure it is just foreigners? I went to the Ghibli Museum about 9 years ago and they have the no photography rule as well, Everytime I raised my phone the staff would tell me no pictures, but they did not say a word to what appeared to be locals snapping shots everywhere.

@Arawn93 Whatever your point is, it’s wrong. I travelled for nearly 10 years and visited about half of the world’s countries. Most people you meet are interested in your culture. Culture isn’t the same as rules. Rules are set by individuals. If someone absolutely believes that taking a photo will steal their soul, then of course that would mess them up for a long time, so if you’re a good person, you won’t do it.. But taking a photo of a prototype console? That causes no harm to anyone, has no impact on culture and has absolutely nothing to do with “westerners”.

Racism is the very cause of war and untold hardship and pain for masses of humans. Western and Easten humans are exactly the same. Please don’t be someone who looks down on other humans simply because you have a skewed idea that being born in a location makes someone more sophisticated than others.

Honestly, people who do things like this should be behind locked doors and in a straitjacket if they don't have the decency to act like a sane human being.

@Mr_Zurkon Yeah, but I think it's dumb, that's my point.

@HingryHuppo I don't blame you for not knowing about that regarding some board components. I didn't know about it till around 15 years ago when Clan of the Grey Wolf got their hands on an Earthbound Zero prototype cart. Apparently on prototypes they would flash UV light on the carts to delete data off them and to put new data on. Very interesting, but also does raise a concern of what if someone didn't know that and accidentally erased a 30+ year-old beta off a cartridge. I doubt Nintendo would be that careless, but you simply never know what's on some of these prototypes or how flash can interact with them.

Interesting video and worth a watch https://youtu.be/6j8NWSrNTJ4?si=xTwBGUqFFi48V8cp

@HingryHuppo you sound like you are really an entitled tourist, the kind nobody wanted to deal

@NinChocolate In Japan, there are rules for a lot of stuff, and a lot of tourists, don't respect those rules. People need to understand, that not everything is tolerated, and even allowed, in other countries, like it's done on theirs.

@Wexter Thanks so much for that. I’ll give it a watch this evening.

@_fatto_katto_ I think you’re being very rude.

I was always taught to ask "why?" and consider logic.

There is absolutely zero logic to banning photography. It takes 1 second, is unobtrusive, and deals no damage to the value of the museum. And further it's unenforceable, unless you want to confiscate all smart phones or watch every patron like a hawk. Such an obvious losing battle.

As an Asian I'm (sadly) totally unsurprised at attitudes of what's presumably a predominantly Western (or non-Asian) group here believing that local culture/rules aren't to be respected because they feel those rules are dumb

@Wordbonder there’s a strange need here for people to declare themselves worthy Nintendo fans by condemning the sinful Nintendo fans taking photos, offensive in the sight of Nintendo and the nation, with likely unwashed hands. Thereby presumed filthy and undeserving of Nintendo’s museum as disgraced tourists in a land of purity (not like where they come from). Seemingly their tickets to Nintendo’s gracious house should be revoked and given to the worthy fans who would never dare break Nintendo’s rules and disrespect the country, and will shame those that do, proving their worthiness to all, but in particular to Nintendo. It’s serious stuff. No photos.

@jsty3105 There’s not a single comment on this page that says that culture shouldn’t be respected.

One of the worst cases of poor social etiquette I ever saw was how a group of Japanese tourists in Australia treated an Aboriginal man who was just trying to eat his lunch in peace. They got right in his face with their cameras and were actually stroking him and then discussing it with each other. They didn’t once ask permission, or even acknowledge that he was a person. They treated him like he was just a piece of meat. I talked to the guy when they had gone and he was able to laugh it off, but I still to this day feel bad for him when I recall it.

Are all Asian tourists that obnoxious and disrespectful? (Answer is no, just in case someone thought it was a genuine query!)

Why can't there be photos? It's the only way many people who don't live in Japan can see it. The last museum I went to was La Brea Tarpits.

A photo ban in this day and age is just going to be impossible to enforce. I guess you could take peoples’ phones before they enter that area of the museum? Otherwise good luck!

I always find it funny when Japanese places have "no photos" signs.

Like, what are you gonna do about it? You can't stop people. It's a museum.

This should not be a surprise.

@HingryHuppo Whatever your rant is trying to accomplish, you are wrong. Just even further proves my point that is why we have rules. Otherwise we would be back to the “good ole” Wild West days which I can tell most of this comment section would hate what that would entail. Hint: You wouldn’t be having this current luxury sitting on a computer talking on a Nintendo website.

All you accomplished is gone for a personal experience to sum up your argument. Basically “this x incident was bad so Y incident is invalid” which is complete nonsense.

Meanwhile in reality, where other people besides you travel to different countries you see tourists have conflicts with the locals all the time. Usually the tourist has some selfish notion that just because they are used to a certain way of doing things that means it’s fine wherever they go.

Hell Japan in particular that gets a large influx of Western tourists in Okinawa, Tokyo, etc where there are incidents reportedly caused by foreigner tourist in a frequent manner and mocked online by the Japanese social feeds.

You do realize for example the US military stationed in Okinawa has had multiple incidents in the past where they killed locals right? All this adds fuel to the people hating Western tourists that don’t even have the basic levels of etiquette that a Japanese child would have been taught. You are not winning the hearts and minds of the people by ignoring signs to take photos to satisfy your personal desires.

Stop talking when you have zero clue of what is actually going on in Japan and how certain Japanese businesses feel over Westerners on their land after decades of incidents.

Not hard in 2024 to check online and do 5 min of research if you never been there yourself. It got so bad in some areas (such as when a fat French man came and refused to leave when politely told restaurant was closed by Japanese owner, but still refused to leave. He has since banned tourists from being served.) Just comes across as plain ignorant that just adds to the stereotypical image of how Westerners portray themselves.

@Arawn93 You changed my mind. I love xenophobia now that you rationalised it in a way that I can understand.

I think it was your “fat French man” anecdote that did it. Did you ever find out how he got so fat? Probably because he won’t take no for an answer when he goes to closed restaurants?

some of these comments are crazy lol. There are a lot of places that are not allowed any photos taken. Some comments even suggested people that followed the rules are sheep, wtf? RESPECT the rules no matter where you are. Don't like the rules? Don't go there then.

It's a museum come on. I get rules or how they think is different and overseas people will do that but even still. They aren't selling the photos either, oh they are spoiling the museum well not everyone can buy/have a chance to go, it goes like the many themed cafes that are limited and only people with memory of it besides photos/videos will know, not everyone can remember it probably well either over time, how else can they remember it oh too bad with their memory then no photos.

There is respect/rules and then there is money and they clearly want money and people to walk in walk out and they close it down and people forget. Sounds great. Give people a gift like the 3DS The Louve. But a video or something showing a tour/some person's experience or a 3D animated thing. Not just wow we can't photo/video it.

Flash photography rule sure but if not flash even then well what don't show of this thing you need to pay for, not respect or disturb this sounds more like to me.

Prototypes people want to see and other things. Partnership consoles or games or other things they do or don't present likely either. Whether CDI or Twin Famicom or others maybe? The Sharp TV even?

Stop hiding them if your going to show them in public in a museum. We all know what paints are at many galleries, we don't go oh no about it.

People want to know this stuff. Why else have multiple documentaries not 1 and only one and go oh you can't have that information or see that because of these circumstances then it goes away and the information is lost oh how bad.

People want to see things. In terms of company secrets sure that makes sense IN the company for competition from other companies or like the Xavix Port or Tiger or others that competed even if Xavix was old Nintendo employees making a different console before the Wii came out, not showing off your history only in 1 place it's just silly.

It's like them hiding they made playing cards or had other business ideas in the past, like it happened what more do you want to hide. Or keep public then rules following or private to only those who witnessed it.

This probably works as well as us telling them not to try to pet the bison, when they come to our parks.

@Yonisanu I used to live there. Don’t assume, next time ask.

@HingryHuppo actual gaslighting considering the number of comments here openly objecting to the no photos rule and talking about flaunting it. That said Yojimbo here is also likely correct about the 'evil white tourist' thing being played up more in Japan.

@jsty3105 I’m definitely not gaslighting you. There really isn’t a single commenter here who said that culture isn’t to be respected. That doesn’t mean there aren’t those who might believe it, but nobody said it, as you implied. Just because you see things that aren’t there, doesn’t mean you are being gaslit. It’s preposterous to think that the whole of the west has some kind of shared conscience that clashes directly with the East, or vice versa.

I do agree with you regarding the evil white tourist myth. Asian people are just as terrible when it comes to being respectful abroad. I’ve seen it first hand many times. Our culture is a part of who we are and we take that with us wherever we go. It’s destined to clash at times when some aspects of someone’s culture seem unacceptable to another. The world is becoming smaller and nations are becoming multi cultured. Japan isn’t going to be exempt from that, unless they really do close the borders to foreign people. That’s just not going to happen.

From some of the comments here, you’d think that anyone born in Asia was taught to believe they were part of a master race; far more sophisticated than the white Orks of the west. When I was a kid, Asian people were often treated very badly in my country, My parents told me that Asians were dirty and threw their sewage onto the street, rather than use a toilet. Sounds crazy, but they believed it. Everyone likes to believe they’re the best. Truth is, we are all the same.

Culture is what sets us apart and is to be celebrated, but not at the expense of dignity.

@Dirty_Croc you assume I assumed; even if that's true you can be somewhere and fail to abstract the salient value of rules through a peaceful societal structure 🙃

This is why we can't have nice things and is sure to result in stricter rules. More than likely they'll start having people deposit their phones and cameras in a bin when entering no photo zones. Wouldn't bother me... Just follow the damn rules.

@NinChocolate That was awesome... lol

@VoidofLight "Plus Asian tourists tend to be more respectful whilst American tourists are usually singled out as the group that isn't."

Genuinely hilarious comment, as if Chinese tourists don't have one of the worst reputations in Japan.

@HingryHuppo It's okay - it's not a straightforward thing at the end of the day. There are nuances of course and there's no way to fit everything in a comment box but to generalise, in Asia not following local rules = disrespecting culture.

Japan has a more rigid structure than most other Asian countries so, to some extent, rule breaking is more greatly frowned upon there. That's why I've been talking about culture and respect for it.

I suppose, if I would try to sum it up, in the West, it's very hard to equate rule breaking with disrespecting culture. While the two are quite synonymous in the East.

There are naturally exceptions to all this.

@anoyonmus Its that mentality that leads to crimes against humanity.

Nintendo have unrealistic expectations about human behavior, even among the Japanese. My advice would be to keep the rules to absolute bare minimum while doing enough to protect their exhibits and property from leftist nutters like Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion.

@jsty3105 and that’s what would get them in trouble. You want an example? Look up on that American kid who went to North Korea.

@BLAZINOAH if you go to the country, you respect that country’s laws. It’s really not difficult. If you can’t, don’t go. Simple as that.

And that mentality you have is only fueling Japanese dislike of foreigners.

@Gamer666 @Tyranexx Exactly and most of this conversation does not even understand that.

I went to the Buddha Tooth and Relic Museum in Chinatown, Singapore. They had one floor where we can’t take any pictures. I didn’t and definitely didn’t implode at all lol.

@BLAZINOAH while I agree that Nintendo doesn't have realistic expectations of their customers in the West (that's a separate conversation), it's beyond unrealistic to request for them to keep their museum rules to the absolute bare minimum.

Your (probably Western) minimum is vastly different to their Japanese minimum. Plus, at the end of the day, this is for something relatively simple - no photos in the no photography area of the museum. They're not that special - Nintendo's museum is neither the first nor the last with this rule.

@jsty3105 there are museums in the West that don’t allow photos on some exhibits too and yet Japan and Nintendo get the exception.

@anoyonmus Exactly. Sometimes it's for religious or cultural reasons; it may not be a religion I follow or a culture I'm part of, but I will respect those rules since I am at the site as a visitor.

Other times it's something that ranges from simple respect due to death or another high impact event - I've been to Dachau Concentration Camp, where photos were usually allowed (in a respectful manner; goofy selfies were understandably not encouraged by our guide), but not in the crematorium building - to older materials sensitive to flash photography and the like such as in some museums.

Yet another example from that same trip to Germany is during the guided tour section at Neuschwanstein Castle. There are so many tours that go through that they don't want the flow jammed up by photo takers. The guides and security team were very strict about this. Someone in my tour group was even told to put their phone away at the end of the tour - she wanted to take a photo of the view outside a window and thought it would be okay since we were out of the roped in area - until we got back downstairs.

I am not advocating for people following the rules in cases like this because "I'm shilling for a company" or whatever. Often these rules are in place for a reason or reasons we don't need to know, and it's respectful to follow them. The alternatives often are even stricter rules and scrutiny at best or very limited access or complete closure at the worst. I don't think the Nintendo Museum photos are on the level, of, say, the entitlement of unplugging equipment to prove it's emulated - which REALLY CAN ruin the experience for others - but it still comes off as entitled. I want these unique experiences available to others with as few pains as possible.

@anoyonmus I remember others too in other countries but don't want to distract from the relatively much smaller infringement of taking photos in the presence of a no photos sign

@jsty3105 @Tyranexx exactly right, my friends

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