Hilton Pulls Ad Attacking Ryokans in Japan After Uproar

Hilton Japan ran an ad that seemed to mock the rules at traditional Japanese ryokan — and pulled it a week later amidst an uproar.

By Himari Semans

The Hilton’s YouTube channel uploaded a Japanese commercial for Conrad Hotels & Resorts, one of its nineteen hotel brands on November 9th.

Hilton removed the video less than a week later. X (formerly known as Twitter) users bombarded the American hospitality company for “making a joke out of Japanese culture,” as one viewer wrote.

After taking down the video, Hilton reportedly commented that it “had no intentions to degrade anybody or give off negative impressions,” but that it would take steps to prevent reoccurring incidents.

Old and uncomfortable portrayal of Japanese ryokan

The commercial begins in a Japanese ryokan before it segues to the Conrad.