crime

Japanese passenger arrested in Hawaii for punching Delta flight attendant

66 Comments

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66 Comments
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This time it was a Japanese passenger, but believe me rude passengers come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and nationalities. No matter if the FA is rude or otherwise it is never acceptable to assault someone for their actions.

I hope that the guy learns a lesson, doubt it, but am ever hopeful.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

Jail him in the US. Those staff don't deserve to be treated this way.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

The "I was drunk" defense only work on Japanese airlines...

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Don't really know what Yamanouchi-san experienced, but I avoid flying U.S.-operated airline planes because of the nasty flight attendants I've encountered. They used to be nice, but since 9/11 they are downright rude. I get much friendlier responses from flight attendants on Japanese & other foreign airlines, so they get my business.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

I had numerous experiences that involved intoxicated, raucous Japanese nationals onboard international flights, but this is the first time I've seen someone hit an attendant.

I wonder what caused the old man to hit the attendant, but whatever the cause, I hope he's learning his lesson: that foreigners must be respected, specially overseas (aircrafts included).

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Interesting how everyone posting here is assuming that the flight attendant is a woman. Likely, but not definitely.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

This is a third degree assault. No excuses here. Aloha!

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Ever flown Delta? i know ive felt like this guy before....though restraint bro!

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Let him do his 6 months, he'll definitely learn his lesson especially in a US penn. Assaulting a lady, no that's no way to be a man.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Sherman

I can just imagine the type," I am Japanese with lots of money to spend give me what I want and more. "

Not likely. If he was loaded (financially) he certainly wouldn't have been flying a US airline but would have paid more to fly JAL or ANA.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Throw the book at the old bastard. These oyaji need teaching that the world isn't their playground.

Bet he's shocked; turns out that outside of Japan, it's not acceptable for an old man to rough up women for not running after his every demand.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I notice that a number of posters use the term "oyaji" as an epithet, along with "old fart" etc.

The connotations of this are pretty clear. One can't merely condemn the person's actions to feel better, one has to condemn his entire age-race-sex group.

You should know better.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

What an old twat. I hope he gets the 6 months. I can just imagine the type," I am Japanese with lots of money to spend give me what I want and more. "

2 ( +6 / -4 )

@Nicky

Sorry to hear what you experienced from an unruly FA.

I have heard cases where a passenger complains about a certain FA, and that the airlines would usually send an apology email, letter or call with a discount coupon or even a lounge pass.

Personally, I haven't had the chance to be inconvenienced by an unruly FA, but many times seen unruly passengers who ignore FAs (an Arab national who wouldn't stop talking over his cellphone even during taking off, passengers who wouldn't remove their foot from the seat, passengers who go to the toilet when the plane is about to dive for landing, etc).

Penalize the abusive oyaji, make him realize that he has overstepped his rights and drinking limits.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

As much as Delta sucks, he had no cause. Sounds like he gets an extended vacation in Hawaii as a reward.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Never really had a bad experience with any flight attendant....my father worked for Pan Am for 22 years and I know what an awful thankless job it is...the only thing I require on a plane is a drink...no food thank you very much, and some coffee when I wake up as I arrive....flying is bad enough these days, so I try to ignore it as much as possible....he deserves everything he gets...the I was drunk excuse definitely does not apply

2 ( +3 / -1 )

He was drunk, so he probably thought he was just going to be forgiven.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

There have been Northwest ( now Delta ) flight attendants I wanted to punch, but thankfully I have amazing self-control!

Sounds like Yamanouchi here had too much to drink.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

It's amazing how flight attendants of airlines like Delta, Continental, Northwest, and United change their attitudes depending on how well you speak and understand English. They've always treated me with respect, but they were downright rude towards some other Japanese and especially Chinese passengers on the plane. I heard them use short commands like "sit down," "be quiet," and so on. Whatever happened to "please?"

2 ( +3 / -1 )

sounds like serious "manhood" issues.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Interesting how everyone posting here is assuming that the flight attendant is a woman. Likely, but not definitely.

According to UPI the victim was a female attendant. According to one Hawaiian press release and video the guy stood up slapped and punched the flight attendant in her arm after complaining about the media player at his seat. He was in business class, and was removed to the back of the plane and arrested upon landing.

The guy was in Hawaii for his sons wedding.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

It reminds me of those subway posters. "Do it at home" :D (I thought it was only foriegners who behaved with such disrespect in guest countries..tsk tsk) I honestly hope he gets an example made of him. No one deserves to be assaulted like that by a drunken old idiot.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Dude's gonna bow and say "gomennasai" and wonder why he's still in prison. Idiot.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

He forgot it wasn't jal or Ana

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The geriatric crime wave continues in 2012...

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Hey, cut the guy a break! He can't smoke, the least the airlines can do is let him throw a few punches, lol.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@tmarie.... He punched and slapped her in the arm according to the Hawaiian news.

@ Sailor....

Obviously you've never experienced the American Law Enforcement Perspective...

And obviously you haven't learned not to assume things about people you do not know.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I dont care how rude the flight attendant may have been (and its a pretty big assumption that (s)he even was, given that he was drunk and the most likely scenario is that (s)he was refusing to serve more alcohol) no-one deserves to be beaten up in the course of doing their job. I especially dont like seeing these arrogant oyaji talking down to "service staff" and I see that all too often too.

One flight attendant was so unnecessarily mean to me when trying to fix a bottle in the galley for my baby she reduced me to tears and compelled the other attendants there to apologise to me for her behaviour. Still didnt punch her though.

I hope he gets the full weight of the law thrown at him. May be it will put others off acting the same way.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

I hope he is still working and gets fired as a result.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Trash

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Never have had much problems with the cabin crew. True I avoid Delta at all costs but United has gone downhill with the merger with Continental. Will fly back to my home on ANA, the service is well so so. Maybe I can get some scotch on this fight vs Victory Gin.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

A flight attendant on board a U.S. air carrier is pretty much a representative of United States Federal law and what they say goes. He was wrong (if in deed he really punched her) but I doubt the U.S. will keep him for too long. At least he knows he'll stay in Hawaii until his court date. I really wonder what he'll get. I doubt he'll get any stiff punishment. Bad move on his part though.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

, I hope he's learning his lesson: that foreigners must be respected, specially overseas (aircrafts included).

I don't think it stated the nationality of the person involved - nor gender of the attendant - so perhaps you could relax a little? Your Arab comment was also duly noted.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Stupid Oyaji... Bakayarooo .... Very good..1 million yen plus 6 months free accommodation in US but .in Japan its abt Y 20.0000 for one punch. and Gomennasai.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

We rely upon the aircraft employees to take care of us whilst travelling. The pilot and copilot to get us safely to our destination and the cabin crew provides care and guidance to passengers. The cabin crew remain cool during any alert, putting our care and safety ahead of their own.They are responsible for our comfort, re assurance to nervous passengers and sometimes the less attractive incidents during flights. They are not employed to take abuse,ie verbal or phisical. I hope the (gentleman) is punished severely, enough to deter such behaviour in the future aboard any other airline prepared to accept his booking

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Tut, tut, amendment to my comment, major blunder, should be read as responsible for the cleaning up of the less attractive incidents that take place during a flight, sorry

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I've seen a small fight break out on a flight to Australia, two guys, one very drunk. It was a bit scary. I wonder if the old boy is a nervous flyer? Also, I was cut off the alcohol once on a flight to London with BA. I had 5 beers, and they said 'We think you've had enough'. I was a little drunk, but felt confused at their attitude. I just put it down to BA being tight.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I don't get wanting to punch or actually punching a flight attendant. They are waitstaff for goodness sake who have to deal with hundreds of people at once. You'd have to be anal retentive with the me me me attitude to get upset really and enough to cause bodily harm is just ridiculous.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

these oyajis feel that any trip more than 30 minutes, train or other, means they need to drink like fish, probably sat in the JAL lounge at Narita getting all liquored up, then continued on plane, customer is god!

make him walk the plank

0 ( +2 / -2 )

stupidity+senility+wine=ol' fart crime

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Whoops. You're not in japan anymore, grandpa.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Don't assume the FA or CA was female. The article doesn't mention that. Not saying it excuses his behavior but don't jump to such conclusions.

It's not an assumption, the news has been reported on any number of different sites that the flight attendant was female.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Let's not jump to conclusions too quickly. From the scant details in this article, we have no idea what actually transpired. I personally had a terrible experience on that airline with the FAs treating Japanese passengers rudely, so who knows? I reported the offending FA to the airline by name, and got NO REPLY. Never fly any US airline again.

0 ( +2 / -1 )

Maybe there was a miscommuication between the old Japanese man and the flight attendant and the attendant was very rude. She should've disfuse the situation by walking away and having another flight attendant intervene. If Delta flies frequently to Japan, they should lhave at least one Japanese speaking attendant or assistant to avoid esclation of misunderstandings. Sounds like flight attendant didn't handle the situation well. This could've been avoided.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

don't assume anything, WTF?, the jackass admitted guilt, i am assuming he did not admit guilty to something he didn't do

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I sometime want to hit FAs. They do not know how to speak to passengers and so rude. Good job, old man!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Wow! Sounds like a real grunpy old oyaji! So why did he punch the flight attendant?? (drinking multiple glasses of wine.) Ok, I guess I can come up with my own theory, stupid old goat had too much wine?? IDIOT!

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Dude's gonna bow and say "gomennasai" and wonder why he's still in prison. Idiot.

He's out on$10,000 (US) bail, and it's a misdemeanor offense. He get's to attend his son's wedding and then a court date on the 20th.

I'll bet he ends up with a suspended sentence, if that, a fine, and leaves the country.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I'll bet he ends up with a suspended sentence, if that, a fine, and leaves the country.

And that, seems enough.

He didn't injure anyone, he acted badly, and got put in a pen- Just apologize nicely, pay the fine, and skee-daddle...

All's Jake in the metal tube of bad upholstery and the land where palm trees sway...

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

FBI? ha! because flight attendants are not helpless shougakuseis.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

This guy likes "Words With Friends" too.

Seriously, lock that guy up. Flight Attendants already work under hazardous conditions. A bad day at work could mean death. They don't need some old Japanese looking down on them cause they have round eyes.

Hawaii is a state in America. Get used to it. It's not a separate country.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

pamelot....did you read the article?

But 6 months is jail?

which carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a $10,000 fine.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

This old grub may be able to get away with this stuff with his wife in Japan - but NOT in America. A nice 6 month stint in an Hawaiian correctional facility may just help rehabilitate him.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Nicky: Sorry for your experience. Sounds horrible, and if anyone were blaming me for a baby crying I would seriously consider clocking them, regardless of the charges. I've flown heaps of times, to Hawai'i or otherwise, and I've seen different attitudes based on different flight attendants, but by and large they have been good. I did get REALLY upset when they asked me to change my seat so a married couple could be together for their honeymoon -- only to go back and find out it was not that case at all (they gave me a bottle of wine as compensation later) and they put me next to some very irritable Aussie (and I later freaked out on him when he asked me "how many times are you going to get up?" after I knew they shuffled the passengers based on.... well... not sure). The end result was I was the LAST person to get off the plane because I had to wait for everyone to leave so I could go back and get my bags....

Anyway, this jerk needs a minimum one year sentence.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Anyone who has flown on an US-based carrier lately, and has had to go through the rigmarole of dystopian security procedures ; including, taking your shoes off, tasting your own baby's food ( to ensure that it is not a component of some sort of dirty bomb ), then having to deal with overweight, school marm flight attendants with bad manners who keep bumping into you (if you have the misfortune to be in an aisle seat ) with their more-than-ample, popeye-chicken-fed / age-discrimination-proof posteriors as they squeeze down the aisles ; which are gradually getting narrower as the airlines cram more and more seats in, in an effort to cut costs ; can have, at least, a modicum of compassion for this guy's predicament ...

... but I guess it's just easier to condemn the guy as an "oyaji", right ?

-2 ( +3 / -6 )

??? Did you read the article? The person wasn't "seriously" injured but I think two hits to the head is injured.

This article says nothing about "hit in the head", it just reads

Sohei Yamanouchi hit the flight attendant once with an open hand and once with a closed fist after drinking multiple glasses of wine.

Officials say the flight attendant was not seriously injured.

I doubt like hell the guy gave her an uppercut to the jaw- he acted badly.

But 6 months is jail?

Apologize to the flight attendant, give her a present, pay the fine, and take the lesson home with you:

"Don't mess with the Delta Dudettes"...

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Does the article deny us details of what happened in an effort to deny us even one drop of sympathy for the passenger? He might not deserve any. Then again, he might. I am not going to assume the flight attendant was an angel, especially in this day and age when flight attendants have had passengers thrown off planes for a whole lot less, including one woman who was thrown off for crying too much (she was upset because was on board to visit a dying relative).

Of course the passenger can never be in the clear unless the attendant him first. Still, there may be something that would make us think the attendant deserved it.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Jail him in the US. Those staff don't deserve to be treated this way.

Yes, obviously no one deserves to physically assaulted for doing their job, but I am really curious to know if he really hit the flight attendant or if this is just another case of a flight attendant crying wolf.

After 9/11 flight attendants (and cabin crews and TSA) have been given Carte Blanche to have anyone arrested or detained for nothing more than mouthing off. (I am sure this isn't the case with Japanese Flight Attendants, who are always very very polite, it's like another world) It's only a crazy American attitude that was created after 9/11. And now you have a bunch under-paid, and over-worked flight-attendants, with this crazy attitude, that feel they've been putting up with too much BS, now they feel empowered, and if you say one word, they will have you yanked off the flight in shackles.

I am NOT defending this oyaji, but I just wanted to point out, that this could be nothing more than a flight attendant making a mountain out of a molehill, he could have just as well did nothing other than mouth off a bit (which isn't a crime). Same kind of crazy attitude we've crafted with America's finest Cops, where everyone is a suspected terrorist, including 90 year old senile lady's with colostomy bags, and ALL the cops are HERO's and how dare you 2nd guess them.

-3 ( +9 / -11 )

@Ch1n4Sailor;

I am NOT defending this oyaji, but I just wanted to point out, that this could be nothing more than a flight attendant making a mountain out of a molehill, he could have just as well did nothing other than mouth off a bit (which isn't a crime).

Did you actually take time to read the article prior to posting this comment here? One wonders! From the article;

According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court, Sohei Yamanouchi hit the flight attendant once with an open hand and once with a closed fist after drinking multiple glasses of wine.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Don't assume the FA or CA was female. The article doesn't mention that. Not saying it excuses his behavior but don't jump to such conclusions.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

well i've flown delta a few times and there FAs are some of the worst i've ever had. they were pretty rude to passengers who couldn't speak english. rude service begets rude passengers.

-4 ( +11 / -16 )

He'll swing by the nearest Japanese embassy, grab a new passport and be back in japan before u know it.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

He didn't injure anyone

??? Did you read the article? The person wasn't "seriously" injured but I think two hits to the head is injured.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

@Yubaru

Obviously you've never experienced the American Law Enforcement Perspective...

While I watched a Japanese TV show, the Equivalent of "Cops" on the beat with Tokyo's finest, I remember watching one drunk oyaji, angry about something, repeatedly walk into a Koban and start an argument with the 3 cops inside, they humored the guy for about five minutes, then lightly nudged him out the door, then closed the sliding door and locked it, so now the drunk salary-man is standing in the street looking in the Koban door, yelling at the cops. Finally after 20 or 30 minutes of yelling and hitting his fists against the Koban door, he tires and wanders away, no doubt the next morning he woke up some-where, probably lying in his genkan, fully clothed, with a hangover, and a few thousand yen lighter.

If you do this in America, you cannot even compare the two experiences, he would have, without a doubt, been hog-tied, probably beaten senseless, and awoken the next morning, bloody, bruised and in a jail cell, wondering what went wrong.

I would much prefer that U.S. Law Enforcement used the Japanese approach, but never the twain shall meet. This is what happens now a days, in the U.S., whether it's a Cop or a Flight Attendant.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Japan is safety country!

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

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