Kyoto in Japan has more than 50 million foreign tourists from all over the world now, resulting in suffering from over tourism issues these days. While 98% of foreign tourists are satisfied with travel in Kyoto, many Kyoto residents & Japanese tourists tend to have negative experiences because of foreign tourists. This time the focus is on “Maiko Paparazzi” in Gion street who are foreign tourists taking photos of “Maiko”, who are professional entertainers who attend guests during meals, banquets and other occasions. It is strictly prohibited to take photos of “Maiko” without permission.

Intervention Concept: Kansha Board

A public installation board at Gion Street that enables foreign tourists & Kyoto residents to communicate through showing appreciation in origami letters so that Kyoto residents are willing to communicate with foreign tourists without hesitation when they see foreign tourists showing bad behavior.

Process & Learning

Following the brief of “How might we move beyond information consumption, reposting and digital petitions” and considering social issues, I’ve come up with over tourism in Kyoto and “Maiko Paparazzi” based on research & my travel experience in Kyoto. Initially I thought only international tourists were causing this issue, but my research showed Kyoto residents also are responsible and there is an opportunity for them to change their cognitive bias.

Status Quo Bias: Kyoto residents can’t recognize any value from warning foreign tourists. Even if they warn foreign tourists they couldn’t change the whole tourist behavior

Availability Bias: Kyoto residents don’t want to warn foreign tourists because of language barrier which makes them think foreign tourists wouldn’t understand their intention

After identifying cognitive bias, I thought through intervention moments & prototyping concepts based on behavioral design strategy. “Kansha board” was developed through 4 user testing interviews.