One of Japan’s largest restaurant chains, Sukiya, has temporarily closed many of its outlets for deep cleaning after customers reported finding pests in their food. The chain, famous for its beef-on-rice dishes, made this decision following two alarming incidents.
A recent complaint in Tokyo involved an insect—reportedly a cockroach—found in a customer’s meal. Earlier this year, a rat was discovered in a bowl of miso soup at a branch in Tottori. While the rat was spotted before being eaten, the incident gained attention on social media, forcing the company to respond.
In an effort to prevent further contamination, Sukiya announced that most of its nearly 2,000 locations would shut down between March 31 and April 4. The company is now implementing stricter hygiene measures, including sealing gaps in buildings, enhancing waste management, and conducting thorough inspections to prevent pest infestations.
Sukiya’s parent company, Zensho Holdings, also faced a dip in share prices following the reports, though the stock recovered later. However, after the latest closure announcement, further market reactions are expected.
With food safety being a top priority, this situation highlights the challenges faced by major restaurant chains in maintaining high hygiene standards. Sukiya’s response to the crisis will determine how customers regain confidence in the brand.
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