Ramen Shop Owner Puts Bounty

Japanese Ramen Shop Owner Puts Bounty on Negative Reviewers

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Rooted in a culture that values hospitality and attention to detail, Japan has long been renowned for its world-class customer service. Consumer-facing businesses go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. However, not every establishment upholds these high standards, and a recent incident has revealed just how far a shop owner can go.

TOYOJIRO, a Jiro-style ramen restaurant in Kyoto ranked second on the city’s ramen database, has come under scrutiny for placing a bounty on customers’ heads simply because they left low-rated reviews. Sounds shocking, right? Let’s take a closer look at the events that led to such an extreme response.

It all began when two individuals dined at TOYOJIRO’s Kyoto-based outlet. After leaving, one of them posted a one-star review, criticizing the store’s customer service and the quality of the food. Up to this point, everything seemed normal—negative reviews are a common occurrence. However, what happened next was anything but ordinary.

The restaurant did not take the criticism lightly. In response to the review, they posted a threatening message: “If you write a stupid review, we’ll find you. We’ll beat you up.” They escalated further by publishing photos of the customers and offering a cash reward to anyone who could provide information on their whereabouts.

“I saw your post, and you seem a bit weird. We try not to treat people like you as customers, so it’s fine. But you should probably avoid eating out. Someday, someone like you will get screwed. I don’t care—just come directly, and I’ll deal with you. We run a planned business, so if you get in our way, we’ll get in the way of yours too,” the store wrote.

On their Instagram (@toyojiro.toyota), the restaurant posted a story offering a reward of 100,000 yen per reviewer to anyone who could provide their personal details, track them down, or take action against them. The shop made it clear that this “manhunt” would continue until both individuals returned to the restaurant, had another meal, and wrote a positive review with a photo.

“The only thing he can do is come back, eat again, and write a good review with a photo. I told him I won’t forgive him otherwise—not even for the safety of his family. If he does that, he’ll be killed right away. This kid is so scared. He’ll really do it, so he’d better just come back and eat,” the store owner stated in another message.

TOYOJIRO justified its actions by claiming they are serious about making ramen and are only trying to protect their reputation from damaging reviews. Reportedly, the store is looking to expand into Asia and the U.S., leading them to take extreme measures to maintain a positive public image.

https://twitter.com/korekore19/status/1892104588683248109?t=MUUSfuUHwsR3qQkUjKTgLg&s=19

Netizens were quick to react, and many others who had previously visited the store shared their experiences. One user noted that the restaurant enforces strict rules, even prohibiting customers from posting the menu online. Those who attempt to do so are reportedly threatened with having their names and photos leaked on the internet.

Jiro-style ramen restaurants are already known for their aggressive and intense atmosphere. Just like their ramen—thick as udon, tough as nails—the staff at these establishments can be intimidating. However, while some Jiro ramen shops may have their own unique personalities, expecting a warm and friendly service is often unrealistic.

That being said, placing a bounty on a customer and publicly posting their photos online crosses a line that no business has the right to cross. Hopefully, local authorities will take action regarding this matter.

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