Mount Fuji swan controversy: Tourists claim photos were AI-generated

A controversy has emerged on social media regarding photos allegedly showing Chinese tourists mistreating wild swans near Mount Fuji in Japan. The images, which circulated widely, depicted individuals holding a swan in a “princess carry” style and another person grabbing a swan by its neck at Lake Yamanaka.

Because swans are protected wildlife in Japan, the posts drew intense public criticism, with many netizens calling for Japanese authorities to prosecute the individuals and revoke their visas.

Following the backlash, the original poster reportedly clarified that the controversial images were actually AI-generated synthetic pictures. While the individuals admitted to taking photos with swans by the lake, they denied any physical harm or forced handling of the animals. The social media account involved has since deleted the controversial content and briefly deactivated its page.