YouTuber Gardman faces backlash over Harajuku crepe shop dispute

Popular Japanese YouTuber Gardman has faced significant backlash following a video involving a confrontation at a crepe shop in Harajuku, Tokyo. In the footage, Gardman and his associate, Adam, attempted to film themselves buying crepes for young fans. The shop staff intervened, requesting that they stop filming, which led to the staff refusing to sell them products.

In response to the refusal, Gardman was recorded making disparaging remarks, including calling the shop and staff “disgusting” and criticizing the shop's location, suggesting it should be moved to a back alley. The video also drew criticism for its editing; captions framed the incident as the staff having “bad customer service,” which observers have labeled as blatant “impression manipulation.”

Further controversy arose because the video appeared to show the faces of staff members and passersby without blurring them, despite signs at the shop indicating that photography and filming were prohibited. Following the widespread online criticism regarding filming etiquette and professional conduct, the video was removed from YouTube and other social media platforms.