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Turkish influencer’s social experiment in Tokyo sparks unexpected solidarity

Turkish influencer Omer Faruk Kalkan conducts a social experiment in Tokyo with a Japanese "Get out of my country" sign, Japan, January 17, 2025. (Photo via Kalkan's Instagram Account)
By Koray Erdogan
Jan 22, 2025 3:13 PM

A Turkish content creator living in Tokyo decided to conduct a social experiment, unaware of the emotional response it would generate. The influencer walked through the city’s most crowded streets with a sign that read “Get out of my country!” written in Japanese, unaware of its meaning.

The sign was seemingly stuck onto their backpack, and the influencer had no idea what it said, intending to observe how the Japanese people would react to this unintentional message.

Turkish influencer's social experiment in Tokyo sparks unexpected solidarity
Turkish influencer Omer Faruk Kalkan conducts a social experiment in Tokyo with a Japanese “Get out of my country” sign, Japan, Jan. 17, 2025. (Photo via Kalkan’s Instagram Account)

Unbelievable kindness from Japanese citizens

The results were nothing short of astonishing. Except for one couple, every passerby either discreetly removed the sign and threw it away or openly told the influencer they would remove it before embracing them in a show of solidarity.

Turkish influencer's social experiment in Tokyo sparks unexpected solidarity
Turkish influencer Omer Faruk Kalkan conducts a social experiment in Tokyo with a “Get out of my country” sign written in Japanese. A Japanese person sees the sign on his backpack and hugs Kalkan, Japan, Jan. 17, 2025. (Photo via Kalkan’s Instagram Account)

The overwhelming kindness and support displayed by the Japanese public left the Turkish influencer deeply moved.

Emotional conclusion

Witnessing such unexpected warmth, the content creator became emotional, expressing gratitude for the compassion shown.

The experiment not only highlighted the kindness of the Japanese people but also sparked discussions about social attitudes toward discrimination and inclusivity.

Turkish influencer's social experiment in Tokyo sparks unexpected solidarity
Turkish influencer Omer Faruk Kalkan conducts a social experiment in Tokyo with a “Get out of my country” sign written in Japanese. A Japanese person discreetly removes the sign from his backpack and throws it away, Japan, Jan. 17, 2025. (Photo via Kalkan’s Instagram Account)

Spirit of Japanese hospitality

This heartwarming reaction reflects the core values of Japanese culture, where hospitality, respect, and harmony are deeply ingrained. Japan’s hospitality, often referred to as “omotenashi,” is centered on anticipating the needs of others with selflessness and kindness.

The social experiment revealed how these values permeate everyday interactions, fostering an inclusive and compassionate society.

Last Updated:  Jan 22, 2025 3:13 PM