As we previously reported, around July 2024, a video allegedly showing Chinese tourists committing violent acts against deer in Nara Park went viral on Japanese X (formerly Twitter), sparking widespread public outrage. At the time, there were no explicit legal protections for the Nara deer, designated as natural monuments, meaning such violent behavior only resulted in the expulsion of offenders without further legal repercussions.
Thanks to the persistent advocacy of deer protection groups, the Nara Prefectural Government has finally announced, after nine months, an amendment to the "Nara Prefectural Urban Park Ordinance and Related Regulations," effective April 1, 2025. This amendment explicitly adds "acts of harm against the Nara deer, designated as natural monuments" to the list of prohibited activities, with violators now facing legal consequences. This move has been widely welcomed by the Japanese public, who feel these cherished deer can now be properly protected.
▼ A video from last July, widely circulated on Japanese X, allegedly showing Chinese tourists abusing Nara deer.
Regarding the promulgation of this amended ordinance, an advocate from the deer protection group stated that after nine months of continuous efforts to protect the deer, the Nara government has finally taken action. "Violent acts" against the Nara deer are now officially prohibited, and we can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Netizens have also expressed relief and gratitude for the advocacy groups' efforts. The Nara deer have long been revered as sacred animals and are currently designated as natural monuments by the Japanese government. For centuries, they have coexisted harmoniously with people, serving as Nara City's most iconic tourist symbol.
However, with the influx of tourists, incidents of improper feeding and harassment of the deer have become frequent, not only endangering the animals but also damaging the local tourism image. More proactive protection for them is undoubtedly a positive development.
According to the ordinance, while the existing "Cultural Properties Protection Act" already includes relevant penalties, Nara Prefecture deemed it necessary to strengthen regulations and thus decided to expand the scope of prohibited actions.
As per the revised content announced by Nara Prefecture, the "Nara Prefectural Urban Park Ordinance and Related Regulations" will add "acts of harm against the Nara deer, designated as natural monuments" as an explicitly prohibited item. "Acts of harm" refer to violent actions that pose a risk of physical injury to the deer, or other behaviors that could cause them distress or unease. These actions will be considered violations whether or not actual harm is inflicted, as long as they are threatening or possess similar characteristics.
The scope of this amendment covers Nara Park, including areas where facilities like the Nara Kasugano International Forum are located. This move not only responds to public calls for deer protection but also helps demonstrate a global commitment to cultural and natural heritage.
The Nara deer have been revered as sacred animals since ancient times and are currently designated as natural monuments by the Japanese government. For centuries, they have coexisted harmoniously with people, serving as Nara City's most iconic tourist symbol.
However, with the massive influx of tourists, incidents of improper feeding and harassment of the deer have become frequent, not only endangering the animals' safety but also damaging the local tourism image.
Nara Prefecture urges visitors to respect life and adhere to regulations while enjoying the charming Nara deer, avoiding any unnecessary fright or harm to the animals. With the new law in effect, violators may face administrative penalties or criminal charges, reminding the public to be mindful of their actions.
Such malicious acts are indeed unacceptable. Nara Park is the natural habitat for these deer, and visitors should not interfere with their lives, let alone commit violent acts. With the revised ordinance now in place, it is hoped that such abusive behavior towards the deer will cease in the future, allowing these precious animals to live peacefully.