Japanese Restaurant Apologizes for Refusing Chinese Customers

Photo: screenshot from the Japanese restaurant company

A Japanese restaurant company issued a formal apology after one of its Osaka-based yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) outlets posted signs refusing service to Chinese customers, Japanese media Nikkansports.com reported Wednesday.

In a bilingual statement posted on its official website on May 12, SASAYA Holdings stated both in Chinese and Japanese: "Regarding our affiliated restaurant 'Yakitori HAYASHIN,' the store manager recently posted signs refusing entry to specific foreign customers without company approval. We have since removed these notices and sincerely apologize to all customers who were offended by this action."

The statement emphasized: "All our restaurants have always upheld the principle of equally welcoming all customers, including foreign guests, while striving to provide the highest quality service. This policy will remain unchanged going forward."

However, some Chinese netizens pointed out the apology statement's lack of specific reference to Chinese customers, thus questioning its sincerity.

The statement followed controversy over signs at the Osaka restaurant's entrance stating "Chinese customers are not allowed," which sparked backlash on social media after photos and videos of the signs circulated online, Japanese media outlet nikkansports.com reported on Wednesday. Some voices criticized this move of discrimination.

As of now, information about "Yakitori HAYASHIN" is no longer available on SASAYA's official website, although the company has not officially confirmed the outlet's operational status, the Japanese media outlet reported.

Source:https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202505/1334037.shtml