Spitting on Conveyor Belt Sushi and Licking Soy Sauce Bottles... Japan Outraged by Unethical Behavior

Japanese Netizens Say "Let's Remove the Conveyor Belt at Kaiten Sushi Restaurants"

In a Japanese conveyor belt sushi restaurant, controversy has arisen as some customers have engaged in inappropriate behavior, such as spitting on sushi on the conveyor belt. Local police have launched an investigation in response.

According to local media including Nihon Television (NTV), videos showing unhygienic behavior at conveyor belt sushi restaurants have recently been spreading on video platforms like TikTok.

In a video released by NTV, a man is seen looking around before licking his finger and touching sushi on the conveyor belt. The man then smiles and gives a thumbs-up.

[Image source=Pixabay]

The same man also licked the opening of a soy sauce bottle placed on the table. Additionally, he picked up cups used by other customers, applied saliva to them, and then put them back in place, repeatedly engaging in such bizarre acts.

The location where the video was filmed has been identified as one of the large conveyor belt sushi chain stores in Japan.

The company representative stated, "It is a serious matter that damages the trust relationship with customers," adding, "We deeply regret causing discomfort to our customers and will prepare countermeasures as soon as the related investigation is completed." The affected restaurant has reported the incident to the police.

Such irrational behavior has been continuing in Japan. Recently, videos showing scenes such as putting excessive wasabi on sushi ordered by others or stealing and eating other customers' sushi have spread, causing controversy.

Japanese netizens have expressed critical reactions such as, "I don't understand why this kind of prank is popular. They should be severely punished," "This could potentially damage the entire conveyor belt sushi industry," and "Stores need to respond strictly to such malicious acts."

Some have even argued that conveyor belts in sushi restaurants should be removed. One netizen commented, "I have no intention of defending those who play bad pranks, but I think the stores also have a problem," and added, "If the store fails to notice whatever customers do, isn't that also an issue with the store's response?"

Meanwhile, conveyor belt sushi restaurants are proposing solutions such as improving the covers placed on sushi plates and installing cameras at seats.