Cover image via 
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
A ramen restaurant in Japan has come under scrutiny after suggesting it may ban Chinese customers
On 5 January, the restaurant Iekei Osaka posted on social media that it was considering banning Chinese customers from its premises.
The restaurant alleged that a Chinese customer caused a scene that almost required police intervention and claimed that "90% of foreign-related troubles involved Chinese individuals".
The post quickly went viral, drawing support from Japanese netizens and accusations of racism.
The restaurant owner, Yusuke Arai, said the Chinese customer's outburst was related to the restaurant's dual-menu system
According to Japanese news outlet TV Asahi, the restaurant charges different prices for Japanese and foreign customers.
"It's on the top screen of the ticket machine. It's divided into those who understand Japanese and those who don't. It clearly states that if you select a language other than Japanese, the product price and specifications will change," said Arai.
The restaurant charges almost twice as much for its English menu compared with the Japanese menu.
Image via Asahi TVNetizens alleged that the real reason for the ban was that Chinese people could read Japanese characters and notice the price differences
A ramen bowl priced at 1,000 yen (RM25.68) could cost 2,000 yen (RM51.53) on the English menu.
Allegedly, items on the foreign menu are specially prepared with seasonings and ingredients tailored for tourists.
Arai said when the tourist tried the foreign-menu ramen, he demanded a refund but could not get one, as the ramen's cooking specifications were allegedly different from the start.
An argument ensued, during which the tourist apologised after the restaurant threatened to call the police, before the establishment announced it was considering a ban on Chinese nationals.
It remains unclear whether Iekei Osaka will go through with its proposed ban on Chinese nationals.
The restaurant's menu in Japanese.
Image via @Lil_Hs1a (X)
The same menu offered in English, but with a clear price difference.
Image via @Lil_Hs1a (X)
