'I'll Deal With You': Kyoto Ramen Shop Owner's Aggressive Response To Critical Feedback
A Kyoto ramen shop owner offered a bounty for negative reviewers, threatening violence. Outrage ensued, sparking debate on business ethics and online criticism. The shop apologized.
A popular ramen shop in Kyoto has come under fire after its owner offered a cash reward for identifying two customers who left a negative review. The controversy erupted when the owner of TOYOJIRO, known for its highly rated Jiro-style ramen, took to Instagram to express his frustration over the critical feedback. The now-deleted social media post featured a photo of the two customers alongside a monetary incentive for anyone who could help track them down.
In a direct warning, the owner wrote, “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.”
The situation escalated further when TOYOJIRO’s Instagram Story offered 100,000 yen ($662) per customer for assistance in locating them. The post claimed the search would persist until the reviewers returned to the restaurant and posted a positive review. “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,” the owner wrote.
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TOYOJIRO also issued an official apology, attempting to distance the restaurant from the controversy. In another deleted Instagram post, the restaurant stated, “Our restaurant, which achieved champion status on Japan’s largest ramen site, Ramen Database, just one month after opening, deeply regrets the recent incident we have caused … this incident has resulted in a shameful outcome for us. We are committed to transforming ourselves and becoming a ramen restaurant that is truly supported by customers from around the world.”
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Backlash quickly mounted as the owner’s actions were widely condemned on social media, raising ethical concerns about how businesses should handle online criticism. Following the public outcry, the owner retracted his statements and acknowledged his misstep. “I know there are pros and cons. For an act that went too far, I’m reflecting on this. I’m looking forward to reflecting and moving forward. Thank you,” he wrote.
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