Competition organiser Andrew Palmer said the Japanese dancer, who lives in Melbourne, was harassed by a stranger outside a restaurant in the CBD because of his appearance.

“He was very, very scared and shocked,” he said.

“He got out of there as soon as he could and got out of harm’s way because who knows what this person was likely to do.”

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Mr Palmer said the dancer was waiting outside a pizza restaurant about 7.30pm last Saturday night when the stranger approached him.

“The guy was staring at my friend and asking him what he was looking at. My friend ignored him and was minding his own business.

“He said, ‘getting my dinner’ and this guy kept asking what he was looking at, and eventually he came right up to his face, nose-to-nose.”

It was then that the stranger racially harassed and swore ​at the dancer, Mr Palmer said.

“You wouldn’t expect that sort of thing to happen in Launceston and I’m just devastated that it happened right here in our city because we’ve got all these people that have flown in from around Australia and all over the world.

“We’re trying to showcase our city to the world, and when these sorts of things happen, it just puts a massive stain on our reputation here in Launceston.”

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The competition attracted about 500 interstate and international competitors, who travelled to Launceston for the weekend.

“So this was just heartbreaking really, because we had such an amazing event.”

Despite the ordeal, Mr Palmer said the dancer had a “wonderful time” during the competition and in Launceston.

“He said he’d definitely be back next year. He’s not going to allow this to get the better of him at all, but I’m absolutely devastated.

“We have amazing things here. We’re amazing people and it’s this 2 per cent of people that think it’s okay to racially abuse people.

“It’s horrible, it’s not fair, it shouldn’t be tolerated, and these people need to be held to account.”