Japanese Influencer Defends Thai Customs in 7-Eleven

A Japanese influencer known as Ryota in Thailand, has defended Thai customs after a social media controversy over instant noodles in convenience stores, praising both Thai manners and 7-Eleven outlets in Thailand. His comments come after criticism from some Japanese users who viewed the practice of adding hot water before payment as inappropriate. The influencer’s response has helped to balance the online debate and highlight cultural differences.

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The issue emerged last week when a clip circulated in Japanese social media showing a Thai tourist adding hot water to a cup of instant noodles before paying at a convenience store in Japan. The incident sparked strong reactions, with many Japanese users criticising the behaviour as rude and potentially unlawful, arguing that unpaid goods remain the property of the store. Some extreme responses even called for travel bans between the two countries.

Picture courtesy of MGR

However, the backlash was met with counterarguments from both Thai and Japanese users, who said the behaviour reflects differing cultural norms rather than bad intent. In Thailand, adding hot water before payment in convenience stores is commonly accepted practice. Supporters emphasised that the act should not be judged harshly without understanding local customs.

In a video posted on 1 April 2026, Ryota in Thailand expressed regret that some Japanese people had spoken negatively about Thailand over the incident. He stated that many Japanese people understand and support Thai people, adding that Thais are widely regarded as polite and generous. He also shared his personal experiences of being kindly corrected by Thai people when he made mistakes.

The influencer further praised Thailand’s 7-Eleven stores, describing them as the best. His video, delivered in Japanese, aimed to explain the cultural context and reduce tensions between the two sides. The response has been welcomed by many online users seeking a more balanced perspective.

The Manager Online reported that the discussion is likely to continue as social media users reflect on cultural differences in everyday behaviour. The incident has highlighted the importance of cross-cultural understanding, particularly in tourism settings where norms may vary significantly.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 2 Apr 2026