Osaka Restaurant Shuts Down After Posting Discriminatory ‘No Chinese’ Sign

A yakitori restaurant in Osaka’s Nishi Ward has been forced to shut down after a handwritten sign reading “No Chinese” was displayed at its entrance, sparking outrage online and drawing accusations of discrimination. The sign, written in Chinese, claimed, “There are many people with no manners. We do not allow Chinese customers into our store. We appreciate your understanding.”

The incident quickly gained traction on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where users criticized the discriminatory message. Many expressed shock and disappointment, saying such actions damage Japan’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive society. One Japanese user wrote, “People who discriminate against foreigners also discriminate against fellow Japanese. I would never eat food made by someone who sees others only through prejudice.”

The restaurant, Sumibi Yakitori Hayashin, had opened in September 2024 and was managed by Sasaya Holdings, a major restaurant group based in Osaka. Following the backlash, Sasaya Holdings issued two public apologies — one in Japanese and one in Chinese. The company stated the sign was placed without approval and directly violated its corporate values and policies. It emphasized that the restaurant in question had been closed permanently.

In the apology, Sasaya Holdings wrote, “We sincerely apologize to customers who experienced discomfort. We have always operated our restaurants with the policy of welcoming both foreign and Japanese customers equally, and this policy will not change. All employees take seriously the opinions expressed on social media and will continue to work harder to prevent such incidents.”

Legal experts and activists have pointed out that the sign likely violated Article 14 of the Japanese Constitution, which guarantees equality under the law and prohibits discrimination based on race, nationality, and other factors. Although Japan has limited legal tools for addressing private-sector discrimination, public backlash and media scrutiny often serve as powerful accountability mechanisms.

The incident has reignited conversations around racism, xenophobia, and the need for clearer anti-discrimination laws in Japan—particularly as the country continues to welcome a record number of international tourists.