The Lens: Japanese town to build massive screen to block views of Mount Fuji and deter tourist crowds

Ryan Chan Wang-hei, 16, Hong Kong Tang King Po College

The Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko is looking to deter tourists by building a barrier that blocks a stunning view of Mount Fuji. This decision to obstruct the popular tourist spot will negatively impact the tourism industry. The reason people take photos while travelling is to preserve their memories. We all want to capture a snapshot of our experiences when we travel. However, we should find a balance between allowing tourists to take photos and minimising disturbance.

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is an excellent example of regulating tourists. During the Labour Day holidays, many mainland tourists flocked to the university. They took photos of the Centennial Campus and University Street. Many lined up to capture pictures of the famous Bricks Wall. To ensure this does not disrupt students and teachers, HKU implemented a new system that limits the number of tourists allowed to enter the campus on weekdays. Travellers now need to make a booking in advance if they wish to visit the university.

Governments worldwide should consider implementing similar measures to ensure responsible and respectful behaviour among tourists.

Local authorities can consider hiring more park rangers to remind tourists not to disturb residents while they enjoy themselves. These park rangers can teach visitors about the importance of preserving the local environment, respecting local customs, and minimising disturbance to nearby communities.

Implementing these measures can contribute to striking a balance between allowing tourists to capture their memories while ensuring that locals are not unduly disturbed.

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Columbia University cancelled its main, universitywide commencement ceremony scheduled for May 15. The decision follows weeks of pro-Palestinian protests at the school. Instead, they will host smaller, school-based events.

“We have decided to make the centrepiece of our commencement activities our Class Days and school-level ceremonies,” the school said.

Columbia said it had consulted student leaders in deciding how to handle graduation. Most of the ceremonies were set to take place on its Upper Manhattan campus, where most of the protests took place. The functions will now take place at the main athletic complex about five miles away.

The protests at Columbia have inspired similar demonstrations at universities around the US. Students have called for a ceasefire in Gaza and have demanded their schools divest from companies with ties to Israel.

Some universities, including Columbia, called in riot police wielding batons and flash-bang grenades to disperse and arrest hundreds of protesters. Civil rights groups have said these tactics are unnecessarily violent infringements on free speech.

New York City police cleared a Columbia campus building earlier this month that had been barricaded by pro-Palestinian protesters, arresting more than 100 people and dismantling an encampment.

In April, the University of Southern California also called off its main-stage ceremony, one week after cancelling the valedictorian speech by a Muslim student who said she was silenced by anti-Palestinian hatred.

Reuters, Agence France-Presse and staff writer

Research and discuss

• Do you think Columbia University’s cancellation of the main graduation was appropriate? Explain.

• To what degree should schools listen to the demands of their student body?