
Living in an age where people threaten legal action the moment they trip over a pebble on a public beach, it’s little wonder that companies and organisations should take extra precautions when allowing everyday folks to wander around their facilities during open days, taking great pains to highlight every possible risk beforehand so that they don’t get sued when someone gets savaged by a radioactive monkey.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense is no exception, and in an effort to ensure their safety when touring military vessels, have put together some handy information and rules for the public to abide by while on board. Fortunately for you and me, this is no boring old list of dos and don’ts: this is a list that comes with pictures evidently created by a member of staff with years of experience using Microsoft Windows’ Paint program, resulting something that not only looks like South Park‘s “Terrance and Phillip Show” but even manages to sneak in a little Metal Gear Solid reference for video game fans.
The following are genuine health and safety guidelines from Japan’s Ministry of Defense website. Warning: they might just make your day.
The first couple of illustrations warn visitors to always climb ladders and stairs properly, using both hands, and that by no means should they attempt to sneak into restricted areas. We’re guessing that the creator of these pictures is also a bit of a video game fan and just couldn’t resist giving a wink to Metal Gear Solid 2 fans by adding a speech bubble reading “Over here, Snake!” alongside the picture of a tourist engaging in a spot of amateur espionage action.
▼ “Over here, Snake!”
▼ Next, we are warned not to lean against the guard rails while on board. If you do, you risk slipping over the side and softly exclaiming “Wha?” as you fall to your death.
▼ No pushing or running on the upper deck. And no bursting into song like the man in the bottom-left.
▼ One of our very favourites, this picture actually warns visitors not to go pressing buttons or fiddling with equipment, but we think “No karate chopping” or “No octopus men” work just as well.
▼ Oh, and be sure to mind your head, elbows and shins pretty much all the time.
▼ Lastly, let’s all use the toilet properly, please. And close the valve when you’re finished! Remember: lefty loosey, righty tighty.
I don’t know about you guys, but I suddenly really want to take a tour on a warship…
Source: Itai News (Japanese)







Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
Umamusume food and drinks dash into real world at Family Mart convenience stores[Taste test]
Create your own Sailor Moon heroines with the awesome Sailor Senshi Maker
Peko-chan Milky Time Cafe opens in Chiba and we go to check out all of the pastries and merch
Aomori mascot shows no fear in front of legendary X Japan drummer Yoshiki【Video】
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
Umamusume food and drinks dash into real world at Family Mart convenience stores[Taste test]
Create your own Sailor Moon heroines with the awesome Sailor Senshi Maker
Peko-chan Milky Time Cafe opens in Chiba and we go to check out all of the pastries and merch
Aomori mascot shows no fear in front of legendary X Japan drummer Yoshiki【Video】
Is “The Most Annoying but Most Delicious” ramen from 7-Eleven truly the most delicious?
Power up like Godzilla with new limited-edition Godzilla Energy Drink
Mister Donut and Gion Tsujiri bring hojicha heaven to Japan with these latest additions
How to make curry in a rice cooker with zero prep work and no water[Recipe]
What is “Hiroshima skipping” and why does it have many music and idol fans in Hiroshima upset?
How much is Amazon Japan’s lowest-rated currency calculator worth in yen?
We try Amazon Japan’s lowest-rated ab roller with elbow supports, reviewed as “The literal worst”
Love Ghibli? Here’s our pick of 10 souvenir items you should buy when you visit the Ghibli Museum