‘Sushi terror’ pranks in Japan lead to arrests
“Sushi terror” pranks – a viral, unhygienic prank that is threatening sushi conveyor belt restaurants – have caused outrage in Japan and three people have now been arrested.
The pranks, which include licking communal soy sauce bottles and touching sushi dishes as they pass on the conveyor belt, have caused concern among the public and affected the reputation of the world-famous feature of sushi restaurants.
Several sushi chains have made public appeals for offenders to stop their food sabotage, and some have even stopped operating their main attraction altogether.
The viral pranks have also led to falls in share prices of companies like the Sushiro chain.
The arrested suspects have admitted to their wrongdoing, with one apologising for his actions.
In response to the incidents, several sushi chains have implemented new rules and safety measures, including an alert system that identifies specific plates and seat numbers affected by food tampering.
Restaurants have struggled in recent times – with global supply chains under strain to a weaker yen, the war in Ukraine and the Covid pandemic.
Many had to raise prices on their cheapest offerings last year, and now are facing the wave of unhygienic pranks.
Restaurants are now scrambling to reassure customers of their hygiene standards.